Norway has almost endless great fishing locations. It truly is a fishing paradise, and something every angler should experience at least once in their life. Whether you’re fishing for sea trout, mountain trout, wild Atlantic salmon, cod, saithe, halibut, or something completely different, you are almost guaranteed an unforgettable trip. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the world.
So honestly… there’s only one thing to do: get out and fish.
Here, I want to share a couple of my personal favorite fishing spots in Norway. These are places I keep coming back to, both because of the fishing itself and the experience around it.
Let’s get started.
Matre – Versatile Fishing in Stunning Surroundings
Matre is one of those places that really shows what Norwegian fishing is all about. You get a fantastic mix of river fishing, lake fishing, and fjord fishing, all within a relatively small area. The surroundings are classic western Norway: steep mountains, deep water, and that calm but powerful feeling nature gives you.
What you can catch
- Atlantic salmon
- Sea trout
- Brown trout
- Cod and saithe (in the fjord)
The Matre river system is especially known for salmon and sea trout, while the surrounding lakes hold plenty of brown trout. If the river is high or closed, you can always switch to the fjord and still have a great day.
Gear and techniques
- Spinning rod (8.10 ft)
- Lures: spinners (Mepps, Blue Fox), small wobblers, spoons
- Great for both river pools and lake fishing
- Fly rod (9 ft #6.8)
- Flies:
- Salmon: Sunray Shadow, Ally’s Shrimp, Cascade
- Sea trout: Pattegrisen, shrimp patterns, small baitfish flies
- Brown trout: Elk Hair Caddis, Hare’s Ear, small nymphs
- Flies:
- Fjord fishing
- Medium spinning rod
- Jigs (20.60g), pilkers, or soft plastics
Why I love Matre
What makes Matre special to me is the flexibility. If conditions change. Weather, water level, or fishing pressure, you can always adapt. River not cooperating? Head to a lake. Windy inland? Fish the fjord. Few places offer that many options so close together.
Mostraumen – Raw Nature and Incredible Fjord Fishing
Mostraumen is something completely different, and that’s exactly why it’s so good. This narrow fjord passage is known for its strong currents, which create perfect feeding conditions for fish. The result? An incredibly productive fishing area with big, powerful fish.
This is a place where you truly feel the forces of nature around you.
What you can catch
- Cod
- Saithe (pollock)
- Coalfish
- Occasionally halibut
The currents push baitfish through the narrow strait, and the predators are never far away. When the tide is right, the fishing can be absolutely insane.
Gear and techniques
- Boat fishing or shore fishing
- Medium to heavy spinning rod
- Jigs: 40-120g depending on current
- Soft plastics with paddle tails
- Pilkers with teaser hooks
- Fly fishing (advanced)
- Heavy sink lines
- Large baitfish patterns
- Only recommended if you’re experienced and conditions are safe
Timing matters
Tide is everything in Mostraumen. The best fishing usually happens:
- Just before peak current
- As the current starts to slow down
Always check tide tables and respect safety. The currents here are no joke.
Why I love Mostraumen
This place feels wild. The fish are strong, the environment is dramatic, and every catch feels earned. It’s not “easy fishing,” but when it works, it really works. Few places give that same adrenaline rush.
Skogseidvatnet – Big Trout in Western Norway
Skogseidvatnet is one of those lakes that doesn’t need much introduction if you know western Norway. It’s well known for producing large brown trout, but it can still be challenging enough to feel rewarding.
What you can catch
- Brown trout (often big, but not easy)
- Sea trout (during migration periods)
Gear and techniques
- Spinning rod (light-medium)
- Lures:
- Toby spoons
- Møresilda
- Small wobblers
- Lures:
- Fly rod (#5-6)
- Flies:
- Streamers (especially at dusk)
- Caddis and mayfly patterns
- Black or olive nymphs
- Flies:
Why it’s special
Skogseidvatnet rewards patience. The fish are smart and selective, but when you connect, it’s often a quality fish. Fishing here during calm evenings can be absolutely magical.
Hemsila River – Technical Trout Fishing
Hemsila is known as one of Norway’s best rivers for technical fly fishing for brown trout. Clear water, selective fish, and strict regulations make this a place where skill really matters.
What you can catch
- Brown trout
- Grayling
Gear and techniques
- Fly rod (9 ft #4-5)
- Flies:
- CDC midges
- Baetis patterns
- Small nymphs
- Flies:
- Light tippet (5X-6X) often required
Why it’s special
This is not a place for luck-based fishing. Hemsila forces you to read the water, observe insect life, and fish carefully. When you succeed here, it feels earned.
Bjerkreim River – Accessible Salmon and Sea Trout
Bjerkreimselva is a fantastic river for anglers who want a real chance at salmon and sea trout without extreme difficulty. It’s varied, accessible, and well managed.
What you can catch
- Atlantic salmon
- Sea trout
Gear and techniques
- Spinning rod
- Spinners
- Wobblers
- Fly rod (#7-8)
- Sunray Shadow
- Shrimp patterns
- Tube flies
Why it’s special
Bjerkreim offers a great balance: good fish, manageable water, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a river that suits both newer and experienced anglers.
Sørøya (Hasvik Area) – Heavy Saltwater Fishing
If you want serious saltwater fishing, Sørøya around Hasvik is hard to beat. This is not casual fishing. This is heavy gear, deep water, and powerful fish.
What you can catch
- Halibut
- Cod
- Coalfish
- Redfish
Gear and techniques
- Boat fishing
- Heavy rods
- Large jigs (200-500g)
- Soft plastics
- Natural bait for halibut
Why it’s special
Everything here feels bigger. The fish, the weather, the experience. Sørøya is the kind of place that stays with you long after the trip ends.
