Fjord and sea fishing

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 or sjøhus (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. Winter might bring in some rough seas, so the safest bet is to have an experienced guide join in on your fishing trip.

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 chance to set a new personal record!

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. Also, there are some fish in the Norwegian waters on the endangered list that should be released back in to the water if caught.

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.

Fishing camps

You can find several fishing camps spread across the country that provide everything you need on your fishing trip. Robust boats, fishing gear, filleting room, clothing, and much more. If you are born after 1980 and want to rent a motorized boat bigger than 8 meters or with an engine with more than 25 horsepower in Norway, you will need a boating licence.

If you don't want to take the licence, or you want to ease your responsibility, just join in on a day trip with bigger fishing boats, and learn from the best! It's safer, comfy, and a local fishing guide can take you to the best fishing spots.

Catch of a lifetime

Even if cod is one of the most common species in the Norwegian 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.

If big-game fishing is what you are looking for, then Northern Norway is the place to be! Here you can find several places that specialize in halibut fishing, especially in Finnmark! The halibut might be tricky, but you're almost guaranteed to catch fish! And while you're at it, why not join a king crab safari and combine it with your fishing trip.

Oh, and by the way, if you want to up your chances of a catch, sex might be the surprising answer! At least according to many local fishermen in Northern Norway, a good haill will help you catch more and bigger fish!

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 on your fishing holiday, 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.

Scroll down and find a fishing offer that suits you!