Sea Fishing in Vesterålen – Complete Guide 2026

Vesterålen lies just north of Lofoten but still rests in its neighbour's shadow – which is exactly what makes the archipelago one of Norway's best-kept sea-fishing secrets. Off Andenes the seabed plunges into the Bleik Canyon, home to some of the country's very finest big-halibut grounds – the same deep water that draws sperm whales close to shore all summer. Around Bø, Nyksund and Stø the coast shifts between exposed open sea and sheltered fjord arms, with cod, saithe, wolffish and redfish all within reach. With sea eagles over the peaks, whales in your binoculars and few tourist boats in sight, Vesterålen is sea fishing the way it used to be.

The fishing village of Bleik with its long sandy beach and Bleiksøya island, Andøya, Vesterålen
Photo: Wolfgang Hägele (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Key facts

Number of camps
8 registered fishing camps
Coastline
ca. 800 km
Fishing zone
North of 62°N
Top species
Halibut, Cod, Saithe, Wolffish
Best season
June–September (all species)
Nearest airports
Stokmarknes Skagen (SKN), Harstad/Narvik Evenes (EVE), Andøya Andenes (ANX)
Driving from Oslo
ca. 22 hours

A glimpse of Vesterålen

The red lighthouse at Andenes on the northern tip of Andøya, Vesterålen
Andenes lighthouse, VesterålenPhoto: Wolfgang Hägele (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
The revived fishing village of Nyksund in Øksnes, Vesterålen
Nyksund, VesterålenPhoto: B Ystebo (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Bleik beach and Bleiksøya seen from above, Andøya, Vesterålen
Bleik beach, AndøyaPhoto: Wolfgang Hägele (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Fishing camps in Vesterålen

CampTypeBoatsSpeciesPrice from
Bleik Sea Cabins (Havhusene Bleik)Open sea1 pcsHalibut, Cod, SaitheSee camp
Andoy Fiske CampOpen sea6 pcsCod, Halibut, SaitheSee camp
Vesterålen KysthotellArchipelago2 pcsCod, Saithe, HalibutSee camp
Lankanholmen SjøhusOpen sea1 pcsCod, Halibut, SaitheSee camp
Vesterålen RorbuerCoastal1 pcsCod, Saithe, HalibutSee camp
Risøyhamn SjøhusFjord10 pcsCod, Halibut, HaddockSee camp
Offersøy FeriesenterFjord2 pcsCod, Saithe, HalibutSee camp
Ringstad ResortCoastal1 pcsCod, SaitheSee camp

Seasonal calendar

Winter (Dec–Feb)

~3h daylight

Polar night and northern lights. Winter in Vesterålen is weather-wise demanding, but cod fishing is good in the fjords.

Spring (Mar–May)

~15h daylight

Increasing daylight and milder weather. Cod fishing continues, and halibut season starts from May.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

~24h daylight

Midnight sun and the best conditions. Halibut is the main target, and whale watching can be combined with the fishing trip.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

~9h daylight

Days get shorter and weather becomes more unstable. Good fishing for cod and saithe, and northern lights from late September.

How to get to Vesterålen

By air

Stokmarknes Skagen (SKN), Harstad/Narvik Evenes (EVE), Andøya Andenes (ANX)

Ferry

Melbu–Fiskebøl (fra Lofoten), Sortland–Risøyhamn

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Driving from Oslo

ca. 22 hours

Frequently asked questions about sea fishing in Vesterålen

What sets Vesterålen apart from Lofoten for fishing?
Vesterålen has fewer tourists, more accessible fishing spots, and some of Norway's best halibut waters. The archipelago is wider than Lofoten with deeper fjords, and you can combine fishing with whale watching from Andenes.
When is the best halibut season in Vesterålen?
The halibut season in Vesterålen is best from May to September, with peak fishing in June–August. The deep waters between the islands and along the shelf edge give good chances for large halibut over 20 kg.
How do I get to Vesterålen?
Vesterålen is reached by flying to Stokmarknes (SKN), Evenes (EVE), or Andøya (ANX). From Evenes it is about 2 hours' drive. You can also take the ferry from Lofoten via Melbu–Fiskebøl. The Hurtigruten coastal express calls at Sortland, Risøyhamn, and Stokmarknes daily.
Can I see whales while fishing in Vesterålen?
Yes, Vesterålen is one of Norway's best places for whale watching. Sperm whales are regularly seen off Andenes throughout summer. It is not uncommon to spot whales while fishing, especially in deeper waters west of the islands.

Planning a fishing trip to Vesterålen?

SafeCamp360 is built for fishing camps in Vesterålen: catch reporting, quota tracking, and simpler compliance.

Related

Sea fishing regulations in Norway

Information is updated regularly. Always verify prices and availability directly with each camp.