Find the facts you need about Norwegian sea fishing rules and regulations, and what types of fish you might get.
Practical sea fishing information
A few basic rules
Fishing permits or other licences are not required either for deep sea fishing or fishing from the shore (although you do need a license for freshwater fishing), provided that you follow a set of simple rules.
Stay updated on the latest rules at fiskeridir.no.
- Do not fish protected species.
- Respect the minimum fish sizes specified (please see the "Size matters" section below).
- You are only permitted to use handheld tackle for angling.
- You must keep a distance of 100 metres or more from the closest fish farm.
- Foreign visitors are not permitted to sell their catch.
- If you have fished under the auspices of a registered tourist fishing camp, the export quota is maximum 15 kilos of fish or fish products, up to two times per calendar year, provided that the organized fishing can be documented with individual documentation issued by the registered tourist fishing camp. This applies to everyone.
- From 1 January 2027, the export quota is planned to be reduced to 10 kg per person.
- The person exporting the fish must be at least 12 years old and must have caught the fish themselves.
- Registered fishing camps are obliged to report catches to the fisheries authorities.
- 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.
Size matters
In order to preserve Norwegian fish stocks we encourage everyone to avoid catching fish that are under the minimum size specified.
If you do catch a fish that is smaller than the minimum size, free it carefully from the hook and release it into the sea. If the fish is dead or is clearly not capable of surviving, you can keep it to eat.
You can read more about the regulations for sea angling in Norway at the Directorate of Fisheries’ official website.
Trends in angling
Specimen fishing
Hunting for the biggest specimen of different species.
Fishing from your own pier
Rent a rorbu (a traditional fisherman’s cabin) in for example the Lofoten Islands or Western Norway and practice angling right outside your bedroom.
Species fishing
An increasing number of visitors are discovering the joy of fishing different species. Norway is especially suitable for species fishing thanks to the unusually large variety in the sea.
Surfcasting
Fishing by casting a line into the sea from the shore. Rent special equipment to make longer castings and catch fish further out.
Catch and release
Live and let live: There is an increasing awareness about the importance of the life in the sea. When the catch is alive and kicking and you don’t need it for your dinner, the best option is to release it. This method enables enthusiasts to perform their favourite sport to a bigger extent.
Useful fishing app
An app called Fritidsfiskeappen (available only in Norwegian) has everything you need to know about fishing in Norway, with tips on rules and regulations, equipment, and minimum sizes.
Codes of conduct and safety
The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers have compiled a set of guidelines for anyone who wishes to try their luck in the Norwegian seas. These are:
- Always think safety first. Wear a life jacket and keep a lifeline in your backpack.
- Treat the fish and other wildlife with respect.
- Show moderation.
- Leave as little a footprint as possible and do not litter.
- Show consideration to other nature users.
- Know first aid.
- Dress according to the weather forecasts. The weather can change quickly. Get home safely.
- Be proud to be an angler.
Species
Cod (torsk)
The most common of the Norwegian fish species. You can find the biggest cod off the coast of Finnmark and Troms during winter. Nordland also has important spawn areas and there are well-known hot spots in the Northwest. (Forbidden to fish in the Oslofjord all year round.)
Flounder (skrubbe) and other flatfish
Mostly found in Southern Norway, but also all along the rest of the coast.
Haddock (hyse/kolje)
Found in Western Norway (Sogn & Fjordane, Møre & Romsdal) and Trøndelag.
Mackerel (makrell)
A popular catch in the Oslofjord and other areas of Southern Norway where cod is less present than it used to be. Can be found all over the coast, but is not plentiful in the north.
Halibut (kveite)
The season is at the end of May and in June. Mostly present in Troms.
Wolffish (steinbit)
Found in Western Norway and northward.
Sea trout (sjøørret)
A popular catch in the Oslofjord and other areas.
Coalfish, saithe (sei)
The season is in May and June. Exists all along the coast. The best fishing spots are in Western Norway and northward.
Tusk (brosme)
Especially present in Trøndelag and Western Norway. Found in deep water.
Hake (lysing)
This species lives deep down in the fjords and is therefore especially rewarding to catch.
Plaice (rødspette)
Light tackle fishing in the autumn. The plaice can be up to 95 cm and weigh 8 kg.
Guest species
The Norwegian coast receives numerous visiting species. The total number varies, however, a number of around 150 is often mentioned and adds to the native 200. Amongst the many interesting species are bonito (stripet pelamide), grey mullet (tykkleppet multe), and less frequently tuna (tunfisk).
Redfish (Uer)
The stock of common redfish has shown a downward trend over a long period of time. In order to rebuild the stock, direct fishing for redfish is not permitted, except for fishing with juksa (hand line) from boats under 15 m in length in the months of June, July and August in areas north of 62°N. This exception applies to both professional and recreational fishing. South of 62°N, unskilled fishing is not regulated as of today (2021).
Know the rules before you cast your line!
Note that cod fishing is prohibited in the Oslofjord year-round. In addition, cod fishing is prohibited from January 1 to April 30 in 14 defined spawning areas, from Lindesnes to the Swedish border. There may be additional restrictions in place on salmon fishing in certain rivers. Always check before casting off!
From October 1, 2025, new restrictions on recreational fishing gear apply throughout the Oslofjord. The aim is to protect vulnerable fish stocks, such as cod, and to reduce the problem of gear lost overboard that causes so-called ghost fishing.
From January 1, 2026, three large no-fishing zones have been introduced: one in the inner Oslofjord and two in the outer Oslofjord, near Færder and Ytre Hvaler National Parks. In these areas, all types of fishing – both recreational and commercial – is prohibited.
The tail of The codfather
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