Fishing trips to Norway, in search of record-breaking cod and coalfish, are attracting more and more enthusiasts. In this article, I’ll share my experience as a lure fishing amateur—not just chasing big fish, but above all, enjoying the simple pleasure of being by the water.
Having lived in Norway for three years, I can say without hesitation: it’s a true paradise for anglers. Whether at sea or in freshwater, fish are plentiful and bite generously, making every outing unforgettable.
If you're planning a fishing trip to Norway, whether solo or with friends, I hope to share some useful tips to help you make the most of it.
The Species Found in My Fishing Spots
Cod (Torsk)
Ah, the famous Norwegian cod ! A must-catch fish for any angler.
Cod are abundant all along the Norwegian coastline, becoming even more plentiful as you head further north. In the Trondheim Fjord, the average size hovers around 60 cm, making for some solid catches.
This fish is an incredible fighter, delivering a powerful and intense battle. It’s usually found resting on the seabed, often hiding among the iconic Norwegian kelp fields. Cod can be caught at all depths, but I prefer targeting them between 15 and 40 meters to avoid injuring them and ensure a healthy release. Of course, they bite just as well at 50 meters and beyond, but cod are delicate fish.
Respecting the species is crucial—if fishing in deep water, it’s essential to take only what you need for personal consumption. Sustainable practices help preserve this incredible fishery for future generations.
Coalfish (Sei)
Coalfish is by far my favorite fish to catch, thanks to its powerful fight and behavior reminiscent of sea bass. It’s a fierce opponent that strikes both near the bottom and at the surface, sometimes delivering incredible topwater sessions on summer evenings.
Often suspended mid-water, I mainly target them between 20 and 60 meters. More precisely, I focus on the upper two-thirds of the water column, adjusting my approach based on the bites—moving closer to the bottom or the surface as needed. Coalfish typically travel in tight schools, often consisting of dozens of individuals. I’ve observed this firsthand while spearfishing and on my fishfinder, which explains why you can sometimes hook ten fish in ten casts.
In the Trondheim Fjord, the average size is around 70 cm, which already makes for an intense battle, especially on an XH rod. But these schools are highly mobile—you have to be in the right place at the right time. As with any fishing, patience is key, but with coalfish, the wait can feel even longer before an explosive feeding frenzy suddenly begins. It’s not uncommon to experience a dead zone for an hour, only to be met with a sudden storm of bites and nonstop action.
Shore fishing for coalfish adds another level of complexity. You either need to stay mobile or be prepared to wait them out. The most productive spots are usually deep current zones. In the fjords, these areas can be active on both incoming and outgoing tides, as long as there’s something creating current—a bridge, a shallow area, or a narrowing in the fjord.
Pollack (Lyr)
Pollack is abundant both from shore and by boat. I usually target it when coalfish aren’t biting. From the shore, it’s commonly found along rocky cliffs and steep drop-offs. A great trick is to position yourself higher up to fish vertically while staying on land. A slow retrieve along the kelp beds is often enough to hook multiple fish in a row.
From a boat, I prefer bottom-hopping techniques such as slow-pitch jigging or the lift-and-drop method. Pollack are strong, determined fighters, making them a worthy opponent. With an average size of around 50 cm, they provide a great challenge and guarantee some serious fun on the rod!
Mackerel (Makrell)
Mackerel are found all along the Norwegian coastline, and the schools can be incredibly dense. In my area, the Trondheim Fjord, they start arriving around late May, which also marks the beginning of the surface coalfish season. The sabiki rig remains the most efficient technique for rapid catches. These schools are usually easy to spot as they push baitfish to the surface, creating visible disturbances in the otherwise calm waters of the fjord.
Sometimes, mackerel come so close to shore that they stick to the fjord walls, chased by coalfish or even dolphins. There are moments when they’re so densely packed that you could almost scoop them up by hand from the shore!
A quick mention about halibut (Kveite)—I don’t have them in my usual fishing areas, so I don’t actively target them. However, they are one of the most sought-after catches in Norway, often considered the holy grail of a fishing trip here. If you're serious about catching one, I recommend heading to the Lofoten archipelago, where you’ll find them in strong tidal currents over sandy bottoms—the famous Straumen areas.
Shore Fishing Techniques
Active Shore Fishing for Coalfish with soft swimbaits in a Linear Retrieve
Technique
When planning a coalfish session from shore, focus on current zones and target depths between 20 and 60 meters. Shad fishing relies on a linear retrieve, which can be adjusted in speed depending on fish activity. I typically start with an active search approach (power fishing)—casting out, letting the lure touch bottom, and then retrieving steadily to cover different layers of the water column and locate the fish.
Make casts in all directions of the current, even letting the lure drift at times to cover more ground. Vary retrieve speeds and shad vibrations until you get the first hit. Be mindful when fishing deep waters—there’s a tendency to open the bail and let the lure sink freely without keeping contact with the line. However, coalfish often strike on the drop, sometimes quite high in the water column! Always keep control of your line to detect these bites.
Once you hook the first fish, the hardest part is done. Cast back to the same spot, maintaining the depth of the initial bite. Since coalfish move in compact schools, you can sometimes land ten fish in ten casts!
Favorite Lures
Illex Dexter Shad 200, rigged on an 80g jighead
Westin Sandy Andy 23 cm, 150g version
Bonus Tip
Some days, a faster retrieve is key to targeting the biggest fish in the school. Don’t hesitate to speed up the action to trigger aggressive bites from the largest coalfish!
Bottom Fishing for Cod and Pollack
Technique
Cod and pollack stay close to the seabed or along rocky walls, making them ideal targets for a bottom-oriented approach. On my fishing spots, the ideal depth ranges between 15 and 30 meters. To locate them, I use the same method as for coalfish: finding a current zone, casting as far as possible with an open bail, and letting the lure sink freely.
Once I feel the lure touch the bottom, I start a slow retrieve, as cod particularly love gentle movements just above the kelp beds where they hide. I always try to stay close to the bottom, and once the lure nears the shore, I work it along rocky walls to entice fish holding there. Playing with retrieve speed and pauses often triggers strikes.
In summer, I prefer a slow to medium linear retrieve. However, in winter, when water temperatures drop below 5°C, my approach changes drastically. I switch to an almost static presentation: letting the lure sit on the bottom, giving two or three gentle lifts, then letting it settle again.
Outside the winter season, if the linear retrieve isn’t working, I also use a lift-and-drop technique, similar to seabass fishing. Instead of letting the lure rest on the bottom, I keep it just above, using one or two sharp lifts, then retrieving the slack line while allowing a natural drop. Most bites happen on the drop, so keeping some control over the line is crucial.
For this type of fishing, I use soft plastics between 18 and 25 cm, mostly soft swimbaits. However, when the current is too strong, I switch to finesse-style lures with heavier jigheads to reach the bottom more efficiently.
The most effective lure for these fish, though, is undoubtedly the jig. Its casting distance and fast sinking action make it an excellent tool for deep-water fishing. In the strong currents of the fjord, I use jigs up to 150g, with 100g being the most versatile weight for my spots.
Favorite Lures
Illex Dexter Shad 200, rigged on an 80g jighead
Illex Dexter Shad 250, rigged on a 115g jighead
Illex Nitro Shad 180, rigged on a 70g jighead
Solvkroken Jig, 80g, 100g & 125g
Bonus Tip
Many small coastal supermarkets (like Joker) sell jigs ranging from 10g to 200g in their fishing sections. If you're missing a specific weight for your spot, checking these local stores can be a quick and easy solution!
My Tackle Box
In Norway, the fishing spots vary so much in current and depth that it is difficult to have a one-size-fits-all tackle box. However, a selection of soft swimbaits with a supple texture, another with a firmer, more responsive feel, and jigs ranging from 60 to 150 grams provides a solid base for fjord fishing.
For soft swimbaits, I mainly use the Dexter Shad range from Illex in 200mm and 250mm sizes. For firmer, more responsive soft swimbaits, I go for the Nitro Shad 180 from Illex and the Sandy Andy in 19cm and 23cm from Westin.
For jigs, I particularly like the Solvkroken brand, a Norwegian manufacturer that produces high-quality jigs. Their models are classics for fjord fishing and perform well in strong currents.
I also carry a few different lures in my box, such as blade baits, like the Runner Blade 115 from Illex, which are excellent for mid-water fishing. I also keep large craw imitations, like the Fox Rage Mega Craw, which I use Texas-rigged in shallow areas to target cod during the rising tide. In addition, I always have a few longbill minnows with deep diving lips, which are useful for trolling when fish are difficult to locate.
For colors, I mainly rely on green for a natural approach and yellow or orange for a more flashy, high-visibility presentation.
This selection is adapted to my fishing zones and preferred techniques, but for fishing between 20 and 60 meters, I believe it is a versatile and effective setup for the northern part of the country.
A Note on Southern Norway
The southern coast also holds fish, but the average size is smaller than in the northern fjords. However, the coastline is reminiscent of French Brittany, with shallow rocky areas and beautiful rock formations, which give it a unique charm. The same species are present, but sea bass has also started appearing in southern Norway in recent years.
For fishing in the south, I prefer natural-colored soft swimbaits in 4 to 5 inches and jigs ranging from 10 to 40 grams, which are better suited to the shallower waters of this region.
Examples of Fishing Spots
Extracted from Norgeskart
The area highlighted in the left image is an excellent shore fishing spot. There is steep underwater structure close to the coastline, allowing you to fish deep waters directly from shore. This type of area is ideal for cod, coalfish, and other species. Be aware that once hooked, fish tend to stick to the rock face, making it crucial to manage your drag and rod angle to avoid break-offs. To minimize snags and improve your lure presentation, I recommend positioning yourself slightly higher up—just a few meters can make a big difference.
The area highlighted in the right image is a boat fishing spot. This sharp underwater rise creates strong currents over the plateau, concentrating baitfish and attracting larger predators. It’s a prime location for targeting bigger cod, coalfish, and possibly halibut, especially during tidal movement.
Tips & Tricks
Rent a car with Getaround
For my road trips, I use Getaround, a convenient car rental app that connects private owners with renters. The entire process is contactless, making it incredibly simple. In just a few clicks, you can find a car, unlock it via the app, and hit the road!
The prices are often more affordable than traditional rental companies, and the selection is diverse, whether you need a car for a single day or an extended trip. Whatever your travel plans, you’ll find what you need! ;)
Norgeskart : The Must-Have App for Fishing in Norway
If you’re fishing in Norway, Norgeskart is a must-have app. It offers an ultra-precise marine map covering the entire coastline, making it perfect for scouting the best fishing spots in advance, whether from shore or by boat. Incredibly useful for visualizing underwater structures and targeting the most promising areas, it truly simplifies trip planning and helps you fish more efficiently.
Summer in Norway: A Magical Season
If you’ve never experienced summer in the Nordic countries, it’s something you have to do at least once. The sun never sets, giving you endless time for marathon fishing sessions. With temperatures ranging between 15 and 25°C, it feels like a perfect Brittany or Normandy summer.
For me, this is the best time of year—everything just feels easier. Sleeping in a hammock between fishing sessions, heading out from 5 AM to 10 PM without ever seeing darkness… it doesn’t get much better than that. It’s the perfect season to explore Norway, even if the average fish size is slightly smaller than in colder months. But honestly, that doesn’t take away from the experience at all!
To be more specific, this article focuses on saltwater fishing, and I’ll take more time in the future to share insights on freshwater fishing in Norway.
I hope this gives you a solid overview of fishing in Norway and the different species you can target. Whether from shore or boat, the possibilities are endless, and every trip brings its share of surprises.
If you're planning a fishing trip to Norway, take the time to analyze your spots and adjust your approach to maximize your chances. Most importantly, enjoy the stunning scenery and the endless summer days to make the most of every session!
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🎣 Tight lines, and see you soon by the water!
To support a great French fishing initiative, check out the following link: Calendrier Pêche on Ulule 🚀
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