Sea Fishing in Norway: Cod, Redfish & Salmon

Norway – an angler's paradise at the Arctic Circle

No fishing destination in Europe attracts as many German anglers as Norway. The fjords are deep, the water clear and cold, and the fish stocks – despite growing pressure – are still impressive.

The main target species

Cod:

• The most common and sought-after species for Norway anglers
• Holds near the bottom over sandy ground and rocky ledges
• Best time: October–April (especially dense before spawning)
• Fishing method: pirks/jigs 100–300 g, depending on depth and current

Redfish (Sebastes):

• Bright red fish with large eyes
• Lives at depths of 100–500 m
• Caught with jigs or natural bait on the bottom
• Excellent table fish – firm, white flesh

Coalfish (saithe/pollock):

• Fast predator in open water
• Often in large schools, quick to strike at jigs
• Excellent for smoking

Ling & tusk (lumb):

• Large deep-water fish (up to 40 kg)
• True trophy fish for experienced anglers

Salmon & sea trout:

• In fjord mouths and river estuaries
• Strictly regulated – observe fishing permits and local rules!

Equipment for Norway

Rod: Boat rod, 1.8–2.1 m, casting weight 150–400 g Reel: Multiplier reel or large spinning reel Line: 0.30–0.40 mm monofilament or 0.25 mm braid + 1 m fluorocarbon leader Jigs/pirks: 100–400 g – weight depends on depth and current

Fishing permit & regulations

Sea fishing with hand-held tackle – rod or handline – is generally licence-free in Norway, tourists included; you don't need a national fishing card for it. Fresh water is different: for salmon, sea trout and char in rivers, the state fishing fee and a local fishing card apply (available via inatur.no, among others). Also observe local municipal regulations.

Taking fish home: Since 2021 the export rules have been strict: only guests of registered Norwegian fishing businesses may export fish at all – 18 kg per person per week. Anyone travelling privately may not export any fish. On top of that come minimum sizes and local rules; always check the current information on the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries website.

Best times to travel

Bycatch & surprises: mackerel, ling, tusk & octopus

• Mackerel: In summer, schools hunt just below the surface – with light tackle and a mackerel rig, the fastest catch in Norway. Unbeatable freshly smoked
• Ling: This snake-shaped deep hunter holds along ledges from 100 m down. Natural bait on the bottom; firm, white fillets – excellent for freezing as winter stock
• Tusk (lumb/brosme): The often-overlooked cousin of ling from the deep – bites reliably on fish scraps on the bottom and delivers top-quality, firm flesh
• Octopus: The most spectacular bycatch – often suddenly hangs on your jig. Not uncommon in Norway, and a delicacy in the kitchen (braise slowly or grill briefly)

All four are worth a spot in the journal: with bycatch especially, patterns emerge over the years showing which spots keep delivering surprises.