Fishing in Norway
Including Hardangervidda Plateau, Hemsila River, and Hemsila River. On the map.
The vibe
Jigging for leaping salmon and fierce coastal cod from a rocky outcrop feels deeply tied to the ancient rhythms of the northern coast. Early summer is prime time when rivers run full and midnight daylight lets you cast endlessly into the tide. The atmosphere blends easygoing DIY enthusiasm with strict local traditions that respect seasonal quotas and catch limits.
local fishing card
Hardangervidda Plateau
Buskerud
NRKbeta nrkbeta / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
This vast mountain plateau offers thousands of lakes and streams teeming with wild brown trout. It is a premier destination for hikers and fly-fishers looking for solitude and high-quality freshwater angling.
Access. Accessible by hiking from various trailheads near Geilo or Eidfjord; requires self-sufficient trekking and camping gear.
Notes. A 'Statskog' fishing license is required; seasons are short due to high altitude and snow cover.
Hemsila River
Buskerud
Siri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Located in the Hemsedal region, this river is widely considered one of Sweden's best fly fishing destinations for wild brown trout. The water is clear, technical, and highly regarded by dry-fly enthusiasts.
Access. Easily accessible by road; local fly fishing shops provide permits and expert advice on current hatches.
Notes. Strict catch-and-release policy and mandatory barbless hooks for most stretches.
Hemsila River, Hemsedal
Buskerud
Siri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hemsila is a world-class trout stream known for its large, wild brown trout and challenging fly-fishing conditions. It attracts anglers from across the globe seeking trophy-sized river trout.
Access. Located in the Hemsedal valley; accessible by car with well-marked fishing zones and local guide services available.
Notes. Strict fishing regulations, including slot limits and mandatory catch-and-release for larger fish, are in place to maintain the population.
Saltstraumen, Bodø
Nordland
Honza and Ivana Ebr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Known for having one of the strongest tidal currents in the world, Saltstraumen is a premier destination for shore and boat fishing. The nutrient-rich water attracts massive coalfish, cod, and halibut.
Access. Easily accessible by car from Bodø; shore fishing from the bridge and surrounding rocks is popular, while boat charters are available for deeper water.
Notes. Safety is paramount due to extreme currents; check tidal tables and local regulations regarding minimum sizes for catch.
Sognefjord Mouth
Vestland
Sindre Skrede / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The area around the mouth of the Sognefjord offers deep-water fishing and access to the open ocean. It is a hotspot for diverse species including ling, tusk, and various flatfish.
Access. Boat charters are the primary method; many coastal cabins offer private boat rentals for visitors.
Notes. Respect local fishing zones and protected areas; always check for seasonal bans on specific species.
Tana River, Finnmark
Finnmark
Peter Van den Bossche from Mechelen, Belgium / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Tana River is one of the world's most legendary Atlantic salmon rivers, forming the border between Norway and Finland. Anglers flock here for the chance to hook massive salmon in a pristine sub-arctic wilderness setting.
Access. Accessible via road from Ivalo or Kirkenes; local guides and traditional river boats are essential for navigating the river's regulations.
Notes. Strict catch regulations and seasonal closures apply; fishing licenses are mandatory and often tied to specific river zones.