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Douglas-_Outside_Travels med en stor hälleflundra

Fishing trip to Norway – Douglas's best tips for halibut and sea fishing

The Norway season has begun, and for many anglers, that means planning their summer fishing trips to Northern Norway. The pursuit of large halibut, coalfish, and cod attracts anglers from all over Sweden to the Norwegian fjords every year.

Halibut fishing in Norway is about more than just color choice

But what should you really consider before a fishing trip to Norway?

After 12 years as a guide in Northern Norway, our colleague Douglas Dahlberg has gathered extensive experience on everything from equipment and techniques to how to be more successful at sea.

Douglas' favorite halibut setup in Norway

  • Emil Randemo anställd på Outside Travels duktig sportfiskare med stor hälleflundra fångad på fiskeresa till Norge

    Rod for vertical jigging in Norway

    For vertical jigging, he typically uses:
    • 5.5–6 ft
    • 30–50 lbs
    • 400–500 gram rating

    One of his favourite rods is the Jigstar Phantom 5.7 ft 150–500 grams.

    With this, he uses a Maxel Transformer F60 multiplier reel together with 0.42 mm braided line.

  • Douglas-_Outside_Travels med en stor hälleflundra

    Spin fishing for halibut

    When spin fishing, Douglas uses longer rods:
    • 7–8 feet
    • 120–150 gram casting weight

    Here, the Shimano Saragosa 8000HG is a favorite along with 0.38 mm braided line.

  • Douglas_Dahlberg fiskeguide och personal på Outside Travels

    Traces and rigs for Norwegian fishing

    When it comes to leaders, Douglas keeps it relatively simple.

    – I normally use 1.0 mm for the mainline connection and 1.2 mm for the baitfish rigs. On heavy setups for deadbait fishing, I often use 1.2 mm for the mainline connection as well.

    For lure fishing, he most often uses a 1.0 mm leader.

    For deadbait fishing, he usually uses:
    • 500–550 gram weights
    • BKK Monster Circle 12/0–14/0

Jigs and lures Douglas trusts in Norway

When it comes to jigs and lure selection, there are a few favorites that almost always come along on trips to Northern Norway.

Favorite jigs for halibut

• Halibandit 365g Midnight Glow with Curly Tail
• Savage Gear 4D Herring Big Shad 560g Glow Haddock

Bright contrasting colors with glow and glitter have repeatedly proven to work very well during halibut fishing in Norway. Over many seasons at sea, lures with a lot of contrast and visibility have often delivered the best results, especially on days when fishing has been slower or conditions tougher.

Read more about our fishing trips to Norway
Sportfiskare i jacka står på en båt i gryning eller skymning med fiskespö, solreflektion på vattnet och siluett av berg.

Season and best time for fishing trips to Norway

The season in Northern Norway spans a large part of the year, and the best period largely depends on the type of fishing you want to experience. During spring and summer, fishing for coalfish, cod, and halibut is often most popular, while late summer and autumn can offer excellent fishing for larger fish.

Weather, tides, and conditions also vary greatly between different destinations and periods. Therefore, we always recommend contacting us before booking so we can help you find the right trip, the right period, and the right setup based on the fishing experience you desire in Norway.

Sportfiskare på båt visar upp stor fisk med hav och snötäckta fjäll i Norge-fiskeäventyr vid Camp Halibut.

Read more about fishing trips to Norway

Do you want to know more about fishing trips to Costa Rica? Read more about the itinerary, fishing, and what's included on our destination page, or contact us directly for assistance.

Read more about sea fishing trips to Northern Norway

Common questions before a fishing trip to Norway

How big do halibut get in Northern Norway?

The average fish in the northern fjords weighs around 20-40 kilos, but flatfish over 100 kilos are caught every season. The camp record at Camp Halibut is 253 cm and approximately 250 kilos. Three of the world's annual best rod-caught halibut in recent years have been landed there by guests or guides.

How much fish can I bring home from Norway?

15 kilos of fillet per person, up to twice a year. From 2027, the limit will be reduced to 10 kilos. If you travel with a registered sport fishing company, you will receive documentation to show when you depart. All our camps are registered.

Do I need a boat license in Norway?

If you were born on or after January 1, 1980, you must have a boating license (förarintyg) to operate a boat over eight meters or with more than 25 hp. A Swedish boating license is accepted. If you were born before this date, it is not a requirement, but it is recommended for safety reasons.

Can I fly with my fishing rods to Norway?

Yes. Most airlines accept fishing rods as special baggage for a fee. We arrange extra baggage for rods on all our package tours and provide detailed packing lists before departure.

Do I need to bring all the equipment myself?

No. At several of our destinations, it is possible to rent complete equipment including a floatation suit. If you want to fish with Douglas's favorite setup, just contact us and we will help you rig up for the trip.

Which destination is best for my first trip to Norway?

It depends on what you want to fish for. If you want to focus on halibut, Camp Halibut or Loppa are hard to beat. If you are a beginner and want good service and short distances, Frovåg or Offersøy are good choices. If you want a lot of time on the water with great freedom, Andøya/Risøyhamn is a winning alternative. Contact us and we will match you with the right camp

Do I need a fishing license in Norway?

Not for sea fishing. Saltwater fishing is free for tourists, but there are rules regarding minimum sizes, protected species, and catch limits. We will go through all of this before departure.