Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Norway (Complete Guide)

Norway offers some of the best fishing in Europe. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Norway are during the summer months, particularly from June to August when the water is warmer, which makes for better fishing.

Month	Norway Fishing Location
January	Tana River – Bundle up and head to Tana River for prime winter salmon fishing in Norway.
February	Voss Lake – Ice fish for trout and char at Voss Lake, surrounded by snowy landscapes.
March	Namsen River – Cast your line in Namsen River for a chance to catch Atlantic salmon during the spring run.
April	Orkla River – Experience the thrill of landing salmon as they return to Orkla River after winter.
May	Mjøsa Lake – Enjoy abundant pike, perch, and trout fishing at Mjøsa Lake as spring arrives.
June	Sognefjord – Explore the stunning Sognefjord and target salmon, trout, and cod amidst.
July	Lakselv River – July brings the peak salmon season to the Lakselv River.
August	Vega Archipelago – Fish for cod, pollock, and haddock while enjoying the coastal fishery.
September	Reisa River – Head to Reisa River for thrilling salmon fishing as the fish swim upstream.
October	Reisa River – Head to Reisa River for thrilling salmon fishing as the fish make their way upstream.
November	Hemsedal River – November calls for fishing in Hemsedal River, known for trout and char fishing.
December	Ålesund Coast – Explore the Ålesund Coast for winter coastal fishing, targeting cod and other species.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Norway. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing Spots in Norway

Alta River (Finnmark): Best months for Atlantic salmon fishing are June to August.

Gaula River (Trøndelag): Prime time for Atlantic salmon is from June to August.

Namsen River (Trøndelag): Autumn months (September to October) are great for salmon fishing.

Rena River (Hedmark): Springtime is ideal for trout and grayling fishing.

Lake Tunnsjøen (Hedmark): Winter months offer excellent ice fishing for pike.

Orkla River (Trøndelag): Autumn is the best season for salmon and sea trout fishing.

Lake Stora Le (Hedmark): Springtime offers great opportunities for pike fishing.

Lake Øvre Sjodalsvatnet (Hedmark): Spring is the prime season for pike fishing.

Lake Vangsvatnet (Hordaland): Summer is the best time for trout fishing.

Lake Eikesdalsvatnet (Møre og Romsdal): Summer months offer good fishing for char.

Lakselva River (Finnmark): Summer season is optimal for sea trout fishing.

Lake Femund (Hedmark): Autumn is the prime time for char fishing.

Lake Femund (Hedmark): Winter provides excellent ice fishing opportunities for trout.

Lake Storsjøen (Hedmark): Winter months are ideal for ice fishing trout.

Glomma River (Hedmark): Summer months offer good fishing for various species including trout and grayling.

Driva River (Møre og Romsdal): Spring and early summer are the best times for salmon fishing.

Lærdal River (Sogn og Fjordane): Summer months provide excellent salmon fishing opportunities.

Tana River (Finnmark): June to August is the prime time for salmon fishing.

Lakselv River (Finnmark): Summer season offers excellent salmon fishing opportunities.

Lakselvdeltaet (Troms): Summer months provide good fishing for sea trout.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing Spots in Norway

Lofoten Islands (Nordland): Best months for fishing cod, halibut, and coalfish are May to September.

Andfjorden (Nordland): June to August is prime time for catching cod, halibut, and wolf fish.

Vestfjorden (Nordland): May to September offers good cod and coalfish fishing opportunities.

Hitra Island (Trøndelag): April to October is the best time for fishing cod, halibut, and sea trout.

Røst (Nordland): July to August is the peak season for cod and coalfish fishing.

Senja Island (Troms): May to September offers excellent fishing for cod, halibut, and wolf fish.

Sognefjorden (Sogn og Fjordane): April to September is the prime time for fishing cod, pollock, and coalfish.

Ålesund (Møre og Romsdal): May to September provides good opportunities for fishing cod, halibut, and mackerel.

Stavanger (Rogaland): June to August offers great cod, pollock, and mackerel fishing.

Farsund (Agder): April to October is the best time for cod, pollock, and mackerel fishing.

Bodø (Nordland): June to August provides excellent cod, halibut, and coalfish fishing.

Kristiansund (Møre og Romsdal): May to September is the prime season for cod, halibut, and mackerel fishing.

Tromsø (Troms): June to August offers good cod, halibut, and coalfish fishing opportunities.

Hvaler (Østfold): April to October is the best time for cod, pollock, and mackerel fishing.

Bergen (Hordaland): May to September provides good cod, pollock, and coalfish fishing.

Hammerfest (Finnmark): June to August is the peak season for cod, halibut, and wolf fish.

Vesterålen Islands (Nordland): May to September offers excellent cod, halibut, and coalfish fishing.

Svalbard Archipelago (Svalbard): July to September is the prime time for fishing cod, halibut, and coalfish.

Oslofjorden (Oslo/Akershus/Buskerud/Vestfold): April to October provides good cod, pollock, and mackerel fishing opportunities.

Nærøyfjord (Vestland): May to September is the best time for cod, pollock, and coalfish fishing.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Norway

These Norway-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Fishing With Trif	Alesund, Norway
North Sea & Fjord Safari	Bru, Norway
Pukka Travels	Tromsø, Norway

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Atlantic Salmon

The best times are generally during the summer and early fall months, from June to September. Atlantic salmon are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Norway for Atlantic salmon fishing include the Alta River, Gaula River, Namsen River, and Orkla River.

Brown Trout

The best times are typically during the spring and summer, from April to August. Brown trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Norway for brown trout fishing include the Rena River, Gaula River, Orkla River, and Trysil River.

Arctic Char

When fishing for char in Norway, the best times are usually during the summer and early fall months, from June to September. Char can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Some of the best locations in Norway for char fishing include the Alta River, Glomma River, Hardangervidda National Park, and Femundsmarka National Park.

Halibut

The best times are generally during the summer months from June to August. The waters are warmer during this period, and halibut are more active. Early morning or late afternoon are often considered ideal times for halibut fishing. Popular spots for halibut fishing include the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Vesterålen, and Senja.

Northern Pike

When fishing for pike in Norway, the best times are typically during the warmer months from May to September. Pike are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. The best spots for pike fishing in Norway include Mjøsa Lake, Glomma River, Tyrifjorden Lake, and the Gjøvik region.

Arctic Grayling

The best times are typically during the summer and early fall months from June to September. Grayling are known for their willingness to bite throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often the most productive times. Some top locations for grayling fishing in Norway include the Alta River, Orkla River, Glomma River, and Rena River.

Haddock

The best times are typically during the summer and early fall months from June to September. Haddock can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often productive. Some top locations for haddock fishing in Norway include the Lofoten Islands, Møre and Romsdal region, Nordland coast, and the Barents Sea.

Pollock

The best times are usually during the summer months, from June to September. Pollock fishing can be good throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are the best. Some of the best locations in Norway for pollock fishing include the Lofoten Islands, Vesteralen, Senja, and Tromsø.

Atlantic Cod

The best times are generally during the summer and early fall months, from June to September. Cod can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are often best. Some of the best locations in Norway for cod fishing include the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Vesteralen, and the Trøndelag region.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Sweden. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Italy. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Greece. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Denmark.

Best Fishing in Norway on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Finnmark: In winter, head to Finnmark, the northernmost region of Norway, for some exciting ice fishing. You can catch fish like Arctic char, grayling, and pike in the frozen lakes and rivers.
Tana River: Another great spot for winter fishing is the Tana River. It’s known for its salmon fishing, even during the cold season.
Hardangervidda: For a unique winter fishing experience, venture to Hardangervidda, a vast mountain plateau. Here, you can ice fish for trout in the frozen lakes.
Lyngen Alps: If you’re up for an adventure, visit the Lyngen Alps in winter. This mountainous region offers ice fishing opportunities for cod and other species in the fjords.

Spring

Trysil: When spring arrives in Norway, head to Trysil for awesome fishing. You can catch fish like trout, grayling, and pike in this region’s beautiful rivers and lakes.
Femundsmarka National Park: Another great spot for spring fishing is Femundsmarka National Park. Here, you can reel in trout and Arctic char in crystal-clear lakes and rivers.
Røros: If you’re looking for a charming spring fishing destination, visit Røros. This historic town is surrounded by lakes where you can catch fish like trout and Arctic char.
Geirangerfjord: For a unique spring fishing experience, visit Geirangerfjord. This stunning fjord offers opportunities to catch species like cod, pollock, and mackerel.

Summer

Lofoten Islands: When summer arrives in Norway, the Lofoten Islands become an excellent fishing spot. You can catch fish like cod, halibut, and even Atlantic salmon.
Sognefjord: If you want a summer fishing adventure, head to Sognefjord. This big, deep fjord is home to various fish, including trout, salmon, and Arctic char.
Hardangerfjord: Another great place to fish in summer is Hardangerfjord. Here, you can reel in delicious fish like salmon, sea trout, and cod.
Varanger Peninsula: For a unique summer fishing experience, visit the Varanger Peninsula. It’s a remote and wild place, perfect for catching species such as Arctic char, grayling, and Atlantic salmon.

Fall

Lofoten Islands: Head to Lofoten Islands in Norway for some fantastic fishing opportunities in the fall. You can catch species like cod, haddock, and coalfish, which are abundant during this time.
Alta River: If you’re looking for a great spot to fish in the fall, try the Alta River. It’s known for its salmon fishing, and during this season, you have a good chance of catching big salmon that are making their way up the river.
Mjøsa Lake: Mjøsa Lake is another excellent location for fall fishing in Norway. Here, you can find different types of fish like pike, perch, and trout.
Tromsø: If you’re in Tromsø during the fall, you’re in for a treat. This coastal city offers opportunities to catch various fish species like cod, halibut, and herring.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in France. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Iceland. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ireland, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Netherlands, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Finland, check out this guide.