Why Western Norway is a dream for anglers
Mountains plunge into deep fjords packed with cod, pollock/coal-fish (saithe), mackerel, ling and halibut. Inland, glacier-fed rivers hold salmon and sea trout, and clear lakes are famous for wild brown trout.
Quick rules and permits (read this first)
- Sea/fjord fishing: No state licence required for rod-and-line, but you must follow national rules (handheld tackle only, size limits, protected species, >100 m from fish farms).
- Freshwater (rivers/lakes): You need a fishing licence (fiskekort) from the landowner/zone. For salmon/sea trout/Arctic char rivers you must also pay the national fishing fee. Buy licences on inatur.no and many rivers on elveguiden.no.
- 100-metre rule at river mouths: During closed seasons you cannot fish within 100 m of salmon/sea-trout river mouths in the sea; local bylaws may extend this.
- Export quota (tourists): In 2025, up to 18 kg of fish products when you fished with a registered tourist fishing business (keep documentation). Changes from 2026 onward reduce the quota.
The 20 best fishing spots in Western Norway
Fjords & Coast (saltwater)
- Ålesund & Borgundfjorden (Møre og Romsdal) – Easy boat access and classic fjord action: cod, saithe, pollock, mackerel, ling; charters run year-round. Feb-Apr cod run is a local event.
- Hjørundfjord & Sunnmøre coast – Dramatic walls with quick access to depth for ling/tusk and summer mackerel.
- Molde & Hustadvika – Productive banks when weather allows; calmer inside the fjords.
- Stadtlandet & Vågsøy/Måløy – Tidal edges and reefs for pollock and cod; bring spare jigs.
- Florø Archipelago (Kinn) – Islets and channels around Florø and Stavang. Great family-friendly mackerel in late summer.
- Bulandet & Værlandet (Askvoll) – Outer-coast islands with clear water and mixed species; perfect for boat-based jigging.
- Fedje & Øygarden (Nordhordland/Bergen region) – Reefs, straums, and piers with steady pollock and cod; fjord fishing is free by rod.
- Hardangerfjord (Eidfjord area) – Shore and boat fishing for cod, pollock and mackerel; rivers/lakes nearby need licences/fees for salmonids.
- Sognefjord (outer and mid-fjord) – Very deep ledges for ling/tusk; try rocky drop-offs and straums on slack tide.
Salmon & Sea-Trout Rivers (check annual openings)
- Suldalslågen (Rogaland) – Western Norway’s largest salmon river; famous for big fish and stable regulated flows; guided beats available. Season details vary by species.
- Strynselva (Vestland, Nordfjord) – Glacier-tinted, scenic pools; zones sold locally/online. Salmon and sea trout in season.
- Gloppenelva / Breim (Nordfjord) – Classic fly water with medium salmon and sea-trout; permits via local providers/Elveguiden.
- Eira (Møre og Romsdal, Eresfjord) – Short, powerful river from Eikesdalsvatnet; known for salmon with limited public water-research beats ahead.
- Etneelva (Sunnhordland) – Historic salmon river; always check current status before you go.
- Oselva (Os/Bjørnafjorden) – Famous peninsula river near Bergen with easy access to amenities.
Trout Lakes & Family-Friendly Freshwater
- Jølstravatnet & Jølstra (Sunnfjord) – Renowned “Jølstra trout”; licences sold locally and online; perfect for families with boat rental available.
- Breimsvatnet (Gloppen) – Large-trout reputation and straightforward licence options.
- Oppstrynsvatnet & Strynevatnet – Combine lake trout with nearby Stryn river zones.
- Suldalsvatnet – Brown trout with dramatic scenery; pair with Suldalslågen beats; buy the correct local card.
- Mountain tarns above Hardanger/Sogn – Hike-in trout and char; check local licence areas on inatur.no.
When to go (quick season guide)
- Cod/ling/tusk: Peak late winter-spring (cod), deep-water species year-round with weather windows.
- Saithe/pollock & mackerel: Late spring-early autumn; surface blitz in July-September.
- Salmon: Typically June-August, varying by river and yearly regulation.
- Sea trout (shore): Best in spring and autumn outside river-mouth closed zones.
- Trout lakes: June-September; evenings with light wind are ideal.
Tactics and tackle that work here
- Fjords/coast: Medium spinning gear (20-30 lb braid), 60-200 g jigs/pilkers, flutter jigs for ling/tusk on drop-offs; slim metals and shads for pollock.
- Rivers: Single-hand #7-8 or two-hand #8-10 for salmon; spinners and spoons in coloured water. Check beat rules on hooks/ barbs.
- Lakes: Light spinning/fly; small spoons, wobblers, or size-12-16 dries on calm evenings.
Safety and sustainability
- Lifejackets are mandatory in moving boats ≤8 m; keep >100 m from fish farms; respect minimum sizes and protected species. Handle fish carefully and observe local quotas/closures.
How to get licences and plan a day
- Buy freshwater licences on inatur.no (wide coverage) and elveguiden.no (many salmon rivers). Read each zone’s rules before fishing.
- For sea fishing charters, book in Ålesund/Bergen/Hardanger hubs; they provide gear and know the local marks.
FAQ
Is sea fishing free in Norway?
Yes, for rod-and-line, but you must follow national rules (handheld tackle only, sizes/species, distances, no sales of catch).
Do I need a licence for lakes and rivers?
Yes. Buy a local fiskekort; salmon/sea-trout rivers also require a national fishing fee.
Can I fish near river mouths?
There’s generally a 100 m no-fishing zone in the sea during closed periods for anadromous species; local rules may extend it. Always check.
How much fish can I take home?
In 2025, up to 18 kg if you fished with a registered tourist fishing business and can document it; quota reductions begin in 2026.
