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Minimum catch sizes for fish in Norway

Last updated: 2026-03-08

All anglers in Norway must observe the minimum catch sizes for fish. The key minimum sizes for sea fishing include cod 44/55 cm north of 62°N (depending on distance from baseline), haddock 40 cm north of 62°N and 32 cm south of 62°N, and halibut 84 cm. Live fish below minimum size must be released immediately.

Current Rules

Effective from 2026-01-01

Current minimum sizes for the most common species in tourist sea fishing in Norway: North of 62°N (Nordland, Troms, Finnmark, Trøndelag): - Cod (Gadus morhua): 44 cm outside 4 nautical miles, 55 cm inside 4 nautical miles - Saithe (Pollachius virens): no minimum size - Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus): 40 cm - Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus): 84 cm - Redfish (Sebastes spp.): 30 cm outside 12 nautical miles, 32 cm inside 12 nautical miles - Wolffish (Anarhichas lupus): no minimum size - Ling (Molva molva): 60 cm - Pollack (Pollachius pollachius): no minimum size South of 62°N (Vestland, Rogaland, Southern Norway, Eastern Norway): - Cod: 40 cm - Saithe: no minimum size - Haddock: 32 cm - Halibut: 84 cm (note: targeted halibut fishing is prohibited south of 62°N) - Pollack: no minimum size Minimum sizes refer to total length measured from snout to tail tip.

Who does this apply to?

Everyone fishing in Norwegian waters -- tourists, recreational anglers, and commercial fishers alike.

How to comply

  1. 1

    Learn the minimum sizes for your zone

    Norway is divided into management zones with different minimum sizes. The most important distinction is north and south of 62°N, but some species also use 4 or 12 nautical mile boundaries. Check which minimum sizes apply where you will be fishing.

    • Most fishing camps have postings with minimum sizes for local species at the filleting station.
    • The Directorate of Fisheries app shows minimum sizes based on your position.
  2. 2

    Measure fish correctly

    The minimum size is total length: from the snout to the end of the tail fin (naturally extended, not squeezed). Have a measuring board or tape on board. Measure the fish immediately after catching.

    • Many fishing camps offer measuring boards -- ask at reception.
  3. 3

    Release undersized fish carefully

    Live fish below minimum size must be released back into the sea immediately and as gently as possible. Use a hook remover and avoid keeping the fish out of water for too long. Barbless hooks make release easier.

    • If the fish is hooked deep, cut the line rather than trying to remove the hook.
    • Wet your hands before handling the fish to protect the mucous layer.

Consequences of non-compliance

Keeping fish below the minimum size is prohibited and may result in fines.

During inspections, all catch may be examined. Undersized fish in the catch may lead to confiscation of the entire catch.

Repeated violations may result in increased fines and potential confiscation of equipment.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the minimum sizes different north and south of 62°N?
Different minimum sizes north and south of 62°N are due to differences in fish stocks, growth conditions, and management objectives. Fish in northern waters often have different growth rates than in southern waters, and the stocks are managed with separate targets.
How do I measure the fish correctly?
The minimum size is total length from snout to tail tip. Lay the fish flat and measure with the tail fin naturally extended (not squeezed). Use a measuring board or tape. Round down if in doubt -- if unsure, release the fish.
What should I do if the fish is just under the minimum size?
Live fish measuring below minimum size, no matter how little, must be released immediately. There is no tolerance margin. If the fish is borderline, it is safest to release it. During inspections, the authorities' measurement applies.
Do minimum sizes apply to fish I plan to release (catch and release)?
Minimum sizes define which fish you are allowed to keep. If you practice catch and release, you may catch fish of any size, but all fish you keep for consumption or export must be above the minimum size.

Source

Source

Official minimum size regulations from the Directorate of Fisheries. (accessed 2026-03-08)

Official halibut release rules and closed season details. (accessed 2026-03-08)

Related guides

Species and fishing calendar →All fishing regions →

Regulations and quota information sourced from the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. Rules may change — always verify current rules at fiskeridir.no.