Fjord and sea fishing in Norway

Norwegians are sometimes said to have seawater in their veins. As a nation, Norway has always lived off the sea. From Southern Norway through Fjord Norway in the west and all along the coast up to Kirkenes in Northern Norway, the whole coastline is dotted with villages where fishing is still an important part of the local lifestyle. For the most genuine holiday experience, many visitors stay in one of the cosy rorbuer (traditional fishermen’s cabins) available for rent along the coast.

Catch a fish all year round

Contrary to what you may think, you can enjoy sea fishing all year. The summer months are the prime season, and both locals and visitors make the most of warmer temperatures and light evenings. Go above the Arctic Circle to get the ultimate outdoors adventure under the midnight sun.

On the other hand, fishing in winter, spring, and autumn means fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation and services.

The winter months offer fishing opportunities of a different kind. The cold, dark climate is compensated by frequent sightings of the northern lights, and, most importantly, by outstanding opportunities for cod fishing. Between January and March, vast amounts of skrei (migrating cod) appear along the coast to spawn. This may be your best chance to catch a record-breaking cod.

Please note that it is forbidden to fish cod in the Oslofjord all year round. In addition, cod fishing is prohibited from 1 January to 30 April in 14 defined areas where the cod spawn, from Lindesnes to the Swedish border.

The World Championship in cod fishing, which takes place in Lofoten every year in March, attracts both skilled, ambitious anglers and amateurs who come to soak up the merry atmosphere.

And by the way, even if cod is the most common species in these waters, it’s far from the only one. At the end of the day, we bet you will post proud selfies of your freshly caught sea trout, halibut, or salmon, or perhaps a haddock, plaice, mackerel, monkfish, ling, tusk … we could go on, but you get the point.

What’s so special about Norway’s coastline?

Norway is blessed with an exceptionally long coastline where a vast number of species thrive and grow large. The secret is the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, as they lead to high production of plankton, which attracts vast shoals of hungry sea creatures. In combination with rigorously enforced fishing regulations, populations of many species are in fact on the increase.

In these times, when fighting pollution is a major global issue, Norway stands out with its clean sea waters.

Rest well, rise early

If you want to get that dream catch, you’d better rest well and rise early. The many accommodation options along the Norwegian coast include hotels, campsites, and the traditional fishermen’s cabins rorbuer. Flick through our selection of offers below.

Safety on the water

Follow the rules of the sea, and make sure you know what they are. Think safety at all times. Respect the sea and the weather. Wear life jackets or other flotation devices.

Make sure you are rested and sober. Be considerate, and remember that safety, the environment, and the well-being of everybody is a common responsibility.

Read about how to stay safe

Safety on the water

Follow the rules of the sea, and make sure you know what they are. Think safety at all times. Respect the sea and the weather. Wear life jackets or other flotation devices.

Make sure you are rested and sober. Be considerate, and remember that safety, the environment, and the well-being of everybody is a common responsibility.

Read about how to stay safe