Perched like a cap on top of the Old Continent, Norway is one of Europe’s most exquisite fisheries. The country boasts elite saltwater angling, an unparalleled freshwater bite, and a fishing culture spanning over a thousand years. Combine that with its stunningly rugged scenery, and you’ll see why fishing in Norway should be on top of any angler’s wish list.
To show you exactly why Norway is one of the best fishing destinations out there, we’ll explore some of the unique angling experiences the country has to offer. From the dramatic Lofoten Islands in the north, the rugged fjords of the south, to the bountiful inland streams and lakes, Norway has a fish for every type of angler. Not only that, the country is dotted with charming towns soaked in rich fishing traditions. Needless to say, fishing in Norway is a treat you don’t want to miss.
A Fishery Destined for Success
In terms of sheer fishing opportunities, Norway has always had a lot going for it. Number one, the country boasts the single longest coastline in Europe. Stretching over 56,000 kilometers, Norway’s shores meet the North, Norwegian, and the Barents Seas. Craggy and beautiful, the coast is dotted with hundreds of narrow inlets called fjords.
Norway’s fjords are teeming with fish, and thanks to the country’s well-developed infrastructure, you can reach most of them with relative ease.
In addition, the tail end of the mighty Gulf Stream runs along the country’s entire western shore. This means that Norway has significantly more temperate seas compared to other countries on the same latitude (Greenland or Canada). Warm waters create nutrients, which, in turn, attract a number of exciting game fish to the area.
Because of this, the seas of Norway are excellent for fishing for the likes of Atlantic Cod, Haddock, Halibut, and Mackerel.
Inland, Norway is criss-crossed by thousands of pristine lakes, rivers, and streams, all of which are equally as good for fishing as the seas. These waters are prime real estate for wild Salmon, Arctic Char, and Trout.
Before we get to the ins and outs of fishing in Norway, let’s take a look at why this particular activity is so important in these parts.
Food of the Vikings
Fishing has been a key part of Norwegian life for over a thousand years. Along the coast, local fishermen would readily catch their fill of saltwater fish. Over the years, they developed various angling and fish preservation techniques.
The simplest and most effective preservation technique involved drying fish in the open, using little more than the natural elements. Locals would leave the fish to slowly dry in the cold ocean wind, giving them a perfect balance of temperature, sunlight, and salt. Thanks to the cold climate, fishermen could leave the fish to dry for days without it spoiling.
By the time of the Vikings, these techniques were already deeply rooted in local traditions. In fact, Viking sailors fully depended on dried fish for their long expeditions. Norway had a lot of species to choose from, but one particular fish stood out above the rest. This was the Cod, specifically, the Northeast Arctic Cod.
The Northeast Arctic Cod, or Skrei, had an exquisite flavor to it, and it didn’t lose any of it after drying. This, along with its extra-long shelf life, made it perfect for long journeys.
More importantly, it meant that Norway had a hot commodity on its hands. This is why even in the years after the Vikings, Northeast Arctic Cod remained very important to the locals. In fact, it didn’t take long for the Norwegian dried Cod to start selling all over Europe.
Traders would go to every corner of the continent and bring back spices, grain, silk, wine, and jewelry to the country. You can see how the impact of this fish went far beyond fishing. To this day, Norway has the single largest Atlantic Cod fishery in the world.
Fishing in Their Blood
You don’t need to be a history buff to see how big fishing is in Norway. The angling and seafood cultures permeate pretty much every facet of life here. No matter when you’re in the country, there’s a good chance you’ll find a seafood festival or two. Over the years, some of these events have blossomed into giant celebrations that attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.
For instance, the Rakfisk Festival is a three-day event dedicated to the famed, Norwegian semi-fermented Trout dish originating from the province of Valdres. The dish dates back to the middle ages, so you can bet that the locals have perfected it. Delicious fish aside, the festival features exhibits from local artists, as well as live music and home-crafted drinks.
If you’re looking for a variety of seafood options, look no further than the Fish Market in Bergen. This iconic market has been selling fresh seafood since the early 1200s!
For a more hands-on experience, anglers can participate in one of the many fishing tournaments scattered across the country.
Meanwhile, Norway’s coastal villages tell a quieter angler’s tale. Dotted all around the nearby fjords, these quaint fishing communities are some of the most charming locales you’ll ever see. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a seasoned angler who’ll show you a local fishing trick or two. There are people who’ve been wetting their lines here for over 30 years!
Before you wet your line in Norway, there are a few things you should know about.
Fishing Regulations in Norway
Before setting off on your journey, you’ll want to know if you need a license. Thankfully, the incredible saltwater fishing on offer is absolutely free! However, if you want to fish freshwater rivers and lakes, you’ll need to get a permit. In order to protect its marine treasures, Norway also follows a strong conservation-oriented policy.
There are several species you should never fish for in Norway. These include Spiny Lobster, Porbeagle and Basking Sharks, Bluefin Tuna, Eel, and Wrasse, among others.
Other regulations state that:
- You may only use handheld tackle.
- You must keep a distance of 100 meters or more from the closest fish farm.
- It’s illegal to sell your catch.
- Only tourists that fish with a registered fishing camp are allowed to export fish from Norway.
- The export quota is 15 kg of fish or fish products, as well as one trophy fish. and it is applicable twice per calendar year.
With that out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff. There are countless ways to experience fishing in Norway. We’ve broken down some of the most iconic ones.
Skrei Fishing Around the Lofoten Islands
In Norway, the best Cod fishing takes place in a relatively small area, over a short period of time. How, then, does this fishery manage to be the largest in the world? The answer lies in the name of the fish itself.
Skrei, or “traveler” in Norwegian, is a seasonally migratory fish. Every winter, they make a thousand-mile-long voyage from the icy Barents Sea, down to Norway’s northwestern coast. Searching for the perfect place to spawn, they come in their billions, swarming the temperate waters around the Lofoten Islands.
Skrei don’t stick around for long, but when they’re here, they tend to bring the Lofoten Islands to a boil. From mid-February through April, the islands are buzzing with hopeful anglers. The weather might be cold around this time, but these folks know what they’re fishing for.
Northeast Arctic Cod is one of the tastiest and healthiest fish out there. It also happens to be an abundant species with fantastic game qualities. Monsters in the 60 lb range are not at all uncommon. Oh, and catching them with the northern lights as your backdrop is just an added bonus.
If you’re looking for the ultimate test of your angling skills, try your hand at the World Cod Fishing Championship. The two-day contest happens every third week in March, and it gathers over 600 anglers from all over the world. The first day is an all-species contest, where you can catch anything from Halibut to Saithe and Haddock. The second is reserved for fast-paced Cod action.
Obviously, the Lofoten Islands aren’t just a good fishery. During the summer, this scenic archipelago is a great place to experience Viking culture, take a hike, or even go surfing. The best part is, you can enjoy all this beauty while soaking in that midnight Arctic sunshine.
Catching Salmon in the Namsen River
Nestled in the heartland of the country, the Namsen River is one of the premier Salmon fisheries in Norway. It flows through Trøndelag county, a land marked by lush, fertile fields, endless rivers, and rocky snow-capped mountains. It’s only fitting that these waters hold a creature as remarkable as Salmon.
And if that sounds a little poetic, that’s because it is.
Just stop and think about it for a second. On their way to the Namsen, Salmon have journeyed thousands of kilometers, enduring cold waters and hunting in the vast ocean along the way. They’ve survived their own predators, escaping the likes of Sharks, Whales, and Billfish. All this to make it to their home waters. And now, you get to hold one of these amazing survivors in your own hands.
A Storied Fishery
Dubbed the “Queen of the Salmon Rivers,” the Namsen boasts a long fly fishing tradition. The river started gaining international attention some 200 years ago, when English fly anglers started wetting their lines here. Today, the river is recognized as one of the very best places to catch Salmon on the entire continent!
Of course, fly fishing isn’t the only way to catch Salmon in Namsen. The mighty river stretches over 228 kilometers, providing a variety of settings for you to fish in along the way. The upper reaches of the Namsen are where Salmon go to spawn, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch them before they reach these parts.
In shallow waters, fly fishermen will have their hands full, with whoppers topping the 40 lb mark. If you’re a beginner, spin fishing can be equally as fun. The Namsen has long patches of deeper waters, too. These are perfect for harling. A favorite among local guides, harling is a fishing technique that involves using a fly rod from a moving boat. In these waters, it can produce amazing results!
The Salmon fishing season in the Namsen River is officially open from June 1 and lasts through August 31. While the biggest catches of the year typically happen in June, the river is abundant with Salmon pretty much throughout the season.
Shore Fishing Along the Atlantic Road
If you’re looking to couple your angling adventure with some jaw-dropping scenery, nothing can beat an outing along the Atlantic Road. Situated on the western banks of Møre og Romsdal county, this architectural marvel is one of Norway’s signature attractions.
Just an hour away from the coastal town of Molde, this place is worth a visit in its own right. But scenery is only half the story here. Once you manage to pull your gaze away from the spectacular landscape, you’ll begin to realize just how special this place really is. Previously inaccessible to anglers, the many islands around the archipelago are now popular fishing spots.
Oblivious to the bridges above them, fish parade these waters on a regular basis. Perched on one of these bridges, you can catch anything from Cod and Trout, to Coalfish, Pollock, and Mackerel. And that’s not all. On a clear day, you’ll be greeted by a few seals or even a passing whale!
Ice Fishing on Lake Mjøsa
As Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa offers a wide variety of fish species to choose from. Spanning 60 miles in length, the lake is home to great numbers of Trout and Pike. If that’s not enough, the expansive waters hold good-sized Pike, Char, and Whitefish, as well.
As in most places, people usually visit the lake to fish around spring and summer. But guess what – the lake is full of fish during the winter, too! If you’re an ice fishing enthusiast, or you’d simply like to try something new, the lake town of Gjøvik is the perfect choice for some winter angling.
The area is dotted with private cabins, hotels, and camp sites, so you’ll have no shortage of accommodation options. While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Gjøvik Olympic Cavern Hall. This is the world’s largest cavern hall: the place is carved right into the mountain!
A Fish for Every Angler
We’ve covered some of Norway’s most iconic fishing experiences. But trust us, when it comes to the angling opportunities this country has to offer, we haven’t even scratched the surface.
With a coastline eclipsing that of the equator, and countless rivers and lakes to boot, fishing feels exactly like the sort of thing Norway was made for. With a wealth of species to go for, and loads of techniques to try, wetting a line here should be on top of any angler’s to-do list.
So there you have it. What’s your favorite thing about fishing in Norway? Have you ever fished here before? Let us know in the comments below.
