New fishing regulations in Norway 2026 – guide

Last updated: 3 August 2026

From 1 January 2026, the traveller must both fish and stay through a registered tourist fishing business to be allowed to export catch. The export quota is 15 kg per person aged 12+, usable up to two times per calendar year. The trophy fish exemption has been removed. Catch reporting is still mandatory for registered businesses, but that duty is not a new 2026 rule.

Current Rules

Effective from 2026-01-01

Here are the rules for foreign tourist anglers in Norway as of 1 January 2026: 1. Registered tourist fishing business: The traveller must both fish and stay through a business registered with the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. 2. Export quota: 15 kg of fish or fish products per person (aged 12+), usable up to two times per calendar year. 3. Species outside the quota: Salmon, sea trout, Arctic char and freshwater fish are not counted in the quota but follow their own rules. 4. Trophy exception: There is no separate trophy fish exemption. 5. Catch reporting: Registered tourist fishing businesses must report catch data to the Directorate of Fisheries on an ongoing basis. 6. Current minimum sizes: Cod 44/55 cm north of 62°N (depending on distance from the baselines), 40 cm south. Halibut has an 84 cm minimum and 200 cm maximum. Haddock is 40 cm north / 32 cm south. Viable undersized fish must be released; dead or non-viable incidental catch may be kept for personal consumption. 7. Documentation: At departure you need individual documentation from the registered business with identity, business details, stay/fishing period, issue date and the responsible person's signature/contact details.

Who does this apply to?

Foreign tourist anglers fishing in Norway from 1 January 2026, and fishing camps registered as tourist fishing businesses.

How to comply

1
Choose a registered tourist fishing business
To be allowed to export catch in 2026, you must both fish and stay through a business registered with the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. A SafeCamp360 listing does not confirm registration; verify it before booking.
2
Stay within minimum sizes and protected periods
Viable fish below the minimum size must be released carefully; dead or clearly non-viable incidental catch may be kept for personal consumption. Skrei (spawning cod) has separate rules in specific areas. Check current minimum sizes and protected periods for the species and region.
3
Get your catch registered and documented
Registered tourist fishing businesses must report catches to the Directorate of Fisheries on an ongoing basis. Follow the business's procedure after each fishing trip and obtain export documentation with the required details before departure.
4
Stay within the export quota at departure
Max 15 kg of fish or fish products per person, up to two times per calendar year. Weigh and pack the fish accurately. Have the individual documentation from the registered business ready for customs inspection.

Consequences of non-compliance

For an unlawful export, all fish or fish products being taken out may be seized, and the violation may be penalised.

The Directorate of Fisheries states a standard fine for fish smuggling of NOK 8,000 plus NOK 200 per kilogram of fish or fish products.

Failure to report catches can lead to an administrative violation penalty or deletion from the register.

Deliberately targeting fish below the minimum size may be punishable; the official guidance does not state a separate Lofoten or skrei-season penalty.

Upcoming changes

From 2027-01-01

From 1 January 2027, the export quota is reduced from 15 kg to 10 kg per person.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main changes in the 2026 fishing regulations?

The main changes are: the traveller must both fish and stay through a registered tourist fishing business, the export quota is 15 kg per person aged 12+ (usable up to two times per calendar year), the trophy fish exemption has been removed. Catch reporting remains mandatory for registered businesses but is not a new 2026 rule.

Do I still need a fishing licence for sea fishing in 2026?

Ordinary sea fishing with rod and handline is free. In rivers and lakes you normally need the landowner's permit, and anglers aged 18+ must pay the national fee for salmon, sea trout and Arctic char in watercourses. Local protected zones also apply along the coast.

What counts as a registered tourist fishing business?

A business registered in the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries' register of tourist fishing businesses. Registration requires that the business reports catch data, that fishing takes place using the business's equipment or boats, and that guests have accommodation through the business.

How do I know my fishing camp is registered?

Ask the camp directly for its registration number and check the Directorate of Fisheries register. A SafeCamp360 listing is not evidence of registration.

What happens to the quota in 2027?

From 1 January 2027, the export quota drops to 10 kg per person, still usable up to two times per calendar year when the traveller both fishes and stays through a registered business. 2026 is the last year with the 15 kg limit.

Do I need a boat licence to drive a boat in Norway?

A boat licence is required for people born on or after 1 January 1980 who operate a leisure boat with a motor above 25 hp or length above 8 m. A foreign boat licence is accepted if it covers equivalent requirements. Check the Norwegian Maritime Authority website for current, exact requirements.

Source

Controlling 2026 export amendment and required export-document fields. (accessed 2026-08-03)

Export quota mechanics, frequency limits, registration requirements. (accessed 2026-08-03)

Catch reporting requirements for registered businesses. (accessed 2026-08-03)

Minimum sizes for cod, halibut, saithe, haddock and ling. (accessed 2026-08-03)