DIRECTORATE FOR NATURE MANAGEMENT
SPORT FISHING IN NORWAY
Regulations for salmon, sea trout, sea char and inland fishing.
Fishing for anadromous salmonids
Equipment for fishing salmon, sea trout and sea char in watercourses is restricted
to rod and handline. Handlines may only be used in ice-covered lakes. Tackle is
restricted to worm without a sinker or flies in fishing areas defined by county
administration as ascent obstacles.
Rod, hand line, trolling line and otter are permitted for use in sport fishing in
the sea for salmon, sea trout and sea char.
Three hooks may be used when fishing with rod or handline (a triple hook is regarded
as three hooks).
The following bait types are permitted:
- worms
- lures, spinners and wobblers
- flies when a float or floating line excluding pure lead lines make up the casting weight.
Organic bait, with the exception of shrimps, may be used in the sea. Sinkers are only
allowed in watercourses when fishing with worms.
When trolling for migratory salmonids, only three trolling lines may be used per boat.
Each troll may have a total of two lures etc. Troll boards are prohibited.
No more than 8 flies may be suspended when using an otter. Only one fly may be
attached to each line. Sinkers are prohibited when using an otter.
Catches of migratory salmonids must exceed 35 cm in length. In North Norway size limits
for sea trout and arctic char are 30 cm.
The fishing season for migratory salmonids varies greatly. Fishing in watercourses begins
June 1, but the season closes at varying times in different rivers. Some rivers are closed
for fishing because the fish population is threatened with extermination. The main fishing
season in the sea begins June 1st and ends August 4th. More information concerning government
regulations may be obtained from the county governor or from local municipal authorities.
