Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway? Here’s what you need to know

People travel from all over the world to go fishing in Norway. The country has incredible mountain peaks and amazing rivers where you will find all different types of fish including pike, perch, and of course, trout. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Norway, here’s what you need to know.

Norway is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy saltwater fishing too. You’ll come across salmon, haddock, and mackerel throughout the year in Norway.

Fishing season
During the summer months, people come from all over to hike, camp and bike around this unique country. Many of these tourists travel with a fishing rod because there are lots of great places to catch fish. The fishing season begins at the beginning of May. Most people who enjoy fishing visit Hardanger, while others head for the Hardangervidda.

Finding accommodation in these areas isn’t hard. There are lots of hotels and tourist lodges, but if you enjoy the great outdoors, you might want to consider camping. Preparation is key to having a good time in Norway, so if you plan on camping, invest in quality travel gear before you arrive. You will find lots of quality camping gear available on the internet on sites like Cortazu.

Planning a fishing trip to Norway? Read on.

Fishing license
Although tourists don’t need a fishing license to fish in Norway, it’s of vital importance that you buy a fishing permit in the area you plan to fish in. If you want to fish for certain types of fish like Salmon, you must first buy a national permit. Tourists can purchase a national permit on the Norwegian Environment Agency’s official site. If you didn’t buy the national permit, speak to local land owners or organizations in the area. They might be able to issue a permit for the area you plan to fish in.

If you are hoping to export some of the fish you caught while visiting Norway, keep in mind that you can only take 15kg out of the country with you.

You don’t need experience
If you are new to the world of fishing, Norway is a great place to start. Whether you have been fishing for years or you are a total ‘newbie’ to the popular activity, you should consider hiring a tour guide.

There are several fishing tour companies operating in Norway. Over the pandemic, most of these companies struggled to keep their businesses afloat, but with strict Covid-19 regulations being lifted, its business as usual.

With a local guide by your side, you will learn the different techniques needed to catch fish in Norway. They will show you unique fishing spots and the different type of bait needed to catch fish.

Not all tour guides in Norway speak fluent English, but most do. Consider contacting the tour agency before arriving in Norway for more information. While fishing, don’t rely on Google translate to communicate with your tour guide. In many secluded locations in Norway, connecting to the internet won’t be easy. Most tour companies have an official website, and an online presence on popular social media platforms. If you don’t want to travel with fishing gear, some tour companies have fishing rods for rent.

Planning a fishing trip to Norway? Read on.

Tips
Tourists are advised to wear a lifejacket at all times while on a boat while fishing. Consider bringing a bag for trash with you, because the locals want to keep their country clean. Under no circumstances should you litter while visiting Norway.

The weather can change in an instant, so make sure that you prepare your equipment and clothes before going fishing. The government encourages tourists to treat both wildlife and fish with respect.

If you sustain an injury while fishing in Norway, finding a medical professional won’t be easy. Tourists are advised to know first aid before they begin a fishing trip.

It’s against the law to fish for protected species. In certain areas, like Oslofjord, fishing for cod is banned throughout the year. It’s also against the law for international tourists to sell what they have caught while visiting the country.

Research online
Planing a fishing trip to Norway has never been easier thanks to the world wide web. You’ll find lots of useful content online to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Consider reading reviews about the different fishing tour agencies in your desired travel destination, and see what other travelers have to say about the areas they have visited on forums and travel websites. Honest reviews posted by tourists that have hired a fishing tour agency in Norway will give you an insight into the different tours available, the cost of the tour, what type of clothes and fishing equipment are needed, and the type of fish you can catch.

There are fishing apps available for those wanting to go fishing in Norway. These apps are free to download, and they are available in different languages including Russian and English.

Planning a Fishing Trip to Norway? Here’s what you need to know is a promotional article from Cortazu.

All images © Visit Norway, except feature image ( on top) Fishing in Reisaelva© Steinar Engeland / Unsplash