Fishing trips to Norway – A guide to sea fishing, halibut, and our destinations

Norway attracts anglers with its long coastline, deep fjords, and the opportunity to fish for multiple species on the same day. One moment you're drifting over a shallow area for halibut. The next moment you're standing over a steep drop-off, fishing for cod or pollock.

It's also a fishing experience where nature is always close by. Steep mountains rise from the sea, sea eagles circle above the boat, and during the summer, the long, bright evenings make it possible to fish long after usual dinner time.

Some of the species you may encounter during a fishing trip to Norway are:

• Halibut
• Cod and Skrei cod
• Pollock
• Redfish
• Haddock
• Wolffish
• Ling
• Plaice

Which species are most relevant depends on the destination, season, weather, and how you choose to fish.

Which fishing trip in Norway should I choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all destination. A group wanting to hunt for large halibut has different needs than a party prioritizing short travel distances, varied fishing, and the option to go ashore for a quiet dinner.

When choosing a trip, you should consider:

• Which species is most important?
• Do you want to fish on your own or with a guide?
• How experienced is the group with boating and sea fishing?
• Do you prefer intense fishing or a more relaxed setup?
• Which part of the season can you travel?
• Do you want to travel with your own party or join a shared departure?

Below you will find three of our Norwegian destinations that offer different types of sea fishing.

Risøyhamn on Andøya

Risøyhamn is located on Andøya in Vesterålen, with quick access to both Andfjorden and Gavlfjorden. Here, you can fish for halibut, cod, saithe, haddock, wolfish, ling, and redfish, among others.

This is a good option for groups who value freedom and want to plan their fishing days according to weather, target species, and daily form. When conditions are right, you can search for fish in more open waters. On windier days, there are opportunities to find fishing in more sheltered areas.

Risøyhamn suits those who want varied North Norwegian sea fishing and enjoy spending many hours out on the water.

Frovåg on Senja

Frovåg Sea Fishing is located on southern Senja, surrounded by high mountains and several interesting fishing areas. The focus here is on halibut, cod, saithe, and redfish, among others.

The season primarily runs from May to September. Summer brings long, light days and the possibility to adapt fishing to weather and tide rather than to when darkness falls.

Frovåg is a good choice for those making their first fishing trip to Norway, but the destination also suits more experienced groups. It is possible to book a guide to more quickly understand the area's structures, drifts, and techniques.

Outside Travels also arranges some shared departures with tour leaders here. This is particularly suitable for those traveling alone, lacking a complete travel party, or wanting to develop their sea fishing together with others.

Camp Halibut on Sørøya

At Camp Halibut on Sørøya, there is a clear focus on halibut, but the area also offers fishing for Skrei (spawning cod), saithe, redfish, plaice, and ling. The camp's location provides access to both sheltered areas and more open fishing spots.

The season runs from March to October, but the fishing changes significantly throughout the year. March and April are interesting months for Skrei. From May into June, much focus is on large halibut. During the summer, fishing becomes more varied, while late summer and autumn can provide active halibut fishing in shallower waters.

In the shallower areas, halibut can be fished with jigs and other spinning tackle. The bite often comes hard and close to the boat, followed by heavy runs towards the bottom. It is a physical fishing where good equipment, calm boat handling, and clear cooperation within the group make a big difference.

When is the best time for sea fishing in Norway?

The best time depends on the species and type of fishing you are looking for.

Spring:
Suits those who want to fish for Skrei or come early in the season. The weather can change quickly, and warm clothes are important.

Early Summer:
An interesting period for halibut. The light truly returns, and the days become long.

Summer:
Provides varied fishing for halibut, cod, saithe, and several other species. It's a good period for the first trip to Norway.

Late Summer and Autumn:
Halibut can seek shallower waters and be fished with more active tackle. The weather also becomes more changeable, making local knowledge extra valuable.

Do you need a guide on a fishing trip to Norway?

Many Norwegian camps are adapted for self-guided fishing with rental boats. If the group has experience with boating, navigation, and sea fishing, this can provide great freedom.

A guide, however, is valuable if it's your first trip, if you want to get to know the area faster, or if the goal is a specific species. The guide helps with fishing spots, bait choices, drifts, safety, and how fishing should be adapted to wind and tide.

It is often possible to combine one or two guided days with several days on your own.

Outside Travels offers trips for both private groups and shared departures with a tour guide. On a shared trip, you get to share the experience with other anglers, while much of the practical planning is already taken care of.

See our current sea fishing trips and Norway departures to compare destinations, seasons, and arrangements.