Coastal
Hemmingodden Lodge
Sea Fishing in Lofoten 2026
Hemmingodden Lodge sits on Ballstadøy in Vestvågøy, central Lofoten. Run by an active fishing family, the lodge combines rorbu accommodation, a fleet of Kaasbøll boats and an indoor gutting and filleting room. The Vestfjord, Nappstraumen and Buknesfjorden are right outside the harbour.
Quick facts
Boat fleet
| Boat | Length | Engine | Count | Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaasbøll 760 HT | 24 ft | 150 hp | 3 | Styrkabin, Ekkolodd, GPS, VHF-radio, Redningsutstyr |
| Kaasbøll 660 F | 22 ft | 115 hp | 1 | Styrkabin, Ekkolodd, GPS, VHF-radio, Redningsutstyr |
| Kaasbøll 620 | 20 ft | 100 hp | 2 | Ekkolodd, GPS, VHF-radio, Redningsutstyr |
Species and seasons
| Species | Jan–Mar | Apr–Jun | Jul–Sep | Oct–Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cod | Best | Best | Good | Good |
| Saithe | OK | Good | Best | Good |
| Halibut | OK | Good | Best | Good |
| Haddock | OK | Good | Best | Good |
| Ling | OK | Good | Best | OK |
| Redfish | Good | Good | Best | Good |
| Wolffish | OK | Good | Best | OK |
Best= best seasonGood= goodOK= possible
Accommodation
Rorbu cabin (Lottebua)
Units: 1 · Max guests: 6
Tre soverom · Bad/dusj · Kjøkken · Stue · Loftsoverom · Sengetøy · Håndklær
Rorbu cabin (Brygga)
Units: 1 · Max guests: 6
Tre soverom · Bad/dusj · Kjøkken · Stue · To etasjer · Sengetøy · Håndklær
Rorbu cabin (Annebua)
Units: 1 · Max guests: 8
Tre soverom + to alkover · Bad/dusj · Kjøkken · Stue · Beliggenhet ved kaikanten · Sengetøy · Håndklær
Practical information
Address: Oppsåttveien 10-12, 8373 Ballstad
Nearest airport: Leknes (LKN) (17 km)
Website: www.hemmingodden.com
What we like about Hemmingodden Lodge
- ✓Central location on Ballstadøy with Vestfjord, Nappstraumen and Buknesfjorden nearby -- multiple fishing grounds within a short run
- ✓Modern Kaasbøll fleet (20–24 ft, 100–150 HP) with wheelhouse on the two larger models
- ✓Indoor gutting and filleting facility plus large freezer boxes for guests give controlled handling of the catch until departure
- ✓On-site HEIM restaurant with 50 seats and a local seasonal menu
- ✓Short transfer to Leknes airport (approx. 17 km), straightforward logistics for international guests
Worth knowing
- !Ballstad is a working fishing port -- expect commercial fishing activity and harbour traffic during the skrei season
- !Boat prices are publicly listed only in euros and fuel comes on top -- ask for a total budget before booking
Tips from experienced anglers
- 1Nappstraumen between Ballstadøy and Flakstadøy produces strong tidal currents that concentrate saithe and cod -- plan fishing around the tide change.
- 2The skrei season in the Vestfjord peaks from late January through April. Book the Kaasbøll 760 HT with wheelhouse early if you travel during this window.
- 3Use the filleting room the same day you fish and label the freezer packages clearly -- it simplifies customs checks at departure within the 15 kg export quota.
Frequently asked questions about Hemmingodden Lodge
Which boats can you rent at Hemmingodden Lodge?
Hemmingodden runs a Kaasbøll fleet: Kaasbøll 760 HT (24 ft, 150 HP, wheelhouse, three units), Kaasbøll 660 F (22 ft, 115 HP, wheelhouse) and Kaasbøll 620 (20 ft, 100 HP, two units). The largest model takes 4–6 anglers comfortably, while the 620 suits 4 anglers.
When is the best season for sea fishing from Ballstad?
Hemmingodden defines high season as June 1 to August 31 and March 1 to April 15. The skrei season in the Vestfjord peaks late January through April, while halibut and saithe fish best from June to September. Low season runs September to February and April 16 to May 31.
Is there a filleting room and freezer storage?
Yes. The lodge has a dedicated indoor gutting and filleting room right by the dock, plus large freezer boxes where overnight guests can store the catch until departure. Remember the 15 kg export quota of fish or fish products per person aged 12 and up (2026 rules).
How far is it to Leknes airport?
Leknes airport (LKN) lies about 17 km from Ballstad and is the closest airport. Direct flights connect to Bodø with onward services to Oslo. Bodø airport (BOO) is around 4 hours away by car and ferry across the Vestfjord and can be an alternative for cheaper international connections.
Which species are common from Hemmingodden?
The lodge lists cod, saithe, halibut, haddock, ling, redfish and wolffish as main species. The Vestfjord delivers skrei in winter and spring, and deeper grounds outside Nappstraumen are known for halibut and redfish during the summer half-year.
Planning a fishing trip to Hemmingodden Lodge?
Fishing camps in Lofoten use SafeCamp360 for catch reporting and quota tracking.