Fishing in Norway
Whether you are a keen fisherman or just want to try fishing for the first time, Norway is the perfect place. There are various fishing opportunities in Norway. Excellent sea fishing along the entire Norwegian coast of approx. 2,650 kilometers (measured in a straight line). In northern Norway, you can fill the boat to the brim with fish. The sea here is very rich in fish, and you can catch large specimens of cod or halibut. If you move further south in Norway, you can also experience exciting sea fishing. You can try freshwater fishing for trout, which is the most common catch in the lake and river. When you fish in Norway, you get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the beautiful Norwegian landscape, have many exciting experiences, including waiting for a bite to eat, and finally, as a reward for your efforts, get a catch.
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Sea and fjord fishing
Generally, the bigger the catch, the more interesting the fishing. Therefore, sea fishing trips are recommended for both experienced fishermen and beginners. The best chance for a good catch is when you fish from a boat. It is easier to find fish and the right place for fishing with the help of modern equipment such as sonar and GPS.
There are many species of fish in the three seas off the Norwegian coast, but the most popular are those found near the seabed. These include, for example, cod, whiting, ling or ling. To catch this type of fish on the hook, we use the vertical fishing method. With a short, strong rod and a strong line, we lower the bait close to the bottom of the sea. And we’re waiting for a bite… It’s good exercise to lift a 10-15 kg fish from about 50-100 meters deep.
It is also possible to fish from land, both in the sea and in the fjords. Catching fish will be more difficult, but it can be a lot more fun for those suffering from seasickness. When fishing from shore, we use long-casting techniques – with longer rods and lighter lures. The fisherman is always on the move: casting and reeling in, changing locations, trying different methods and baits to attract fish.
Fishing in the fjords, which are not too far from the open sea, is a good alternative. This is because the further from the open sea, the less fish there are. It is also possible to fish in the deep water in the Sognefjord or the Hardangerfjord, but the chance of catching something is not very great.
Fiske i fjordene, som ikke er så langt fra åpent hav, er et godt alternativ. Dette er fordi jo lenger fra åpent hav, jo mindre fisk er det. Det er også mulig å fiske i dypvannet i Sognefjorden eller Hardangerfjorden, men sjansen for å fange noe er ikke særlig stor.
River and lake fishing
Salmon fishing in Norway is the dream of many experienced fishermen. There are several rivers in Norway that are known for their excellent salmon fishing, such as Namsenelva or Orkla river, both located in the Trøndelag region. Salmon fishing requires careful planning as fishing licenses are limited and the best places can be booked up to a year in advance. The fishing season is roughly from June to August.
There are many other rivers and lakes in Norway where you can fish. Most places require a fishing licence, which is easy to get, with the exception of a salmon licence, which is difficult to get at short notice. Common catch is trout, but you can also catch pike, perch or eel.
We offer various freshwater fishing trips from Bergen where we have knowledge of suitable places and our own local guides. You can choose lake or river fishing, fishing from shore or from a rowing boat, fly fishing or bait fishing. We can release the fish we catch, or make a delicious grilled lunch for you from your catch.
Fishing bases
For those who have some experience of sea fishing from a boat and want to make the most of their time fishing, the ideal option is to stay in a cabin or apartment in a fishing cabin. You can live in an apartment for 2-10 people right by the sea and rent a motorboat for fishing. There are many places to live in Norway and we can offer you a suitable place according to your preferences and plans.
For the most demanding, we can arrange accommodation in a private villa located by the sea, the fjord or in the mountains, where you can only stay with friends or family. These are exclusive villas and cabins where the staff will take care of your comfort, prepare meals and organize fishing. This can either be sea fishing or salmon fishing.
Fish facts
Norway’s untouched and majestic nature is known for its 28,953 km long coastline (including fjords, islands and bays), surrounded by countless deep fjords with cold and clear water. These natural features have helped Norway become one of the world’s leading fishing nations.
There are believed to be around 332 fish species in Norway, of which 47 are freshwater and 285 are marine. The most common species in the sea are cod, sprat and pollock. The most common species that live in fresh water in Norway are salmon and trout.
For more information on Norwegian seafood, please visit; https://fromnorway.com/learn-more/seafood-encyclopedia/ .
The fishing season in Norway never ends. Norway is a paradise for fishermen, and we are ready to open the gates to anyone who contacts our company. Many years of experience in sea and fjord fishing, professional guides and equipment, deep knowledge of fishing spots – these are the advantages of JANDIS. We are sure that fishing in Norway is something you will remember for many years to come and perhaps return to Norway many more times.