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Rules for tourist fishing in Norway

Last updated: 2026-03-08

Tourist sea fishing in Norway is free and does not require a fishing licence. You may fish with rod, handline, and jig without a licence. Fishing camps offering accommodation and boat rental to tourists must be registered with the Directorate of Fisheries. Catches of certain species must be reported, and minimum sizes and closed seasons must be observed.

Current Rules

Effective from 2026-01-01

Current rules for tourist fishing in Norway: 1. Fishing licence: Sea fishing for tourists does not require a licence. Freshwater fishing (salmon, trout, char) requires a fishing card and potentially a fishing fee. 2. Registration of tourist fishing businesses: All businesses offering accommodation combined with boat rental or organised fishing for tourists must be registered with the Directorate of Fisheries. 3. Permitted gear: Rod, handline, jig, and pilk. Nets, longlines, pots, and traps are only permitted for residents of Norway. 4. Catch reporting: Registered tourist fishing businesses are obligated to report catch data to the Directorate of Fisheries. 5. Minimum sizes and closed seasons: All minimum size limits and closed seasons apply. Undersized fish must be released alive immediately. 6. Export quota (2026): Max 15 kg per person (aged 12+) via registered tourist fishing businesses, up to two times within 12 months. Independent fishing gives no export entitlement.

Who does this apply to?

All tourists (Norwegian and foreign) engaged in recreational sea fishing in Norway, as well as tourist fishing businesses offering accommodation and boat rental.

How to comply

  1. 1

    Choose a registered fishing camp

    To qualify for export in 2026 (15 kg per person aged 12+) and ensure legal fishing, choose a fishing camp registered with the Directorate of Fisheries. Registered camps are also obligated to inform you about current regulations.

    • Look up the camp in the Directorate of Fisheries' public register of tourist fishing businesses.
  2. 2

    Learn the local regulations

    Rules for minimum sizes, closed seasons, and special restrictions vary between different zones along the Norwegian coast. Ask the fishing camp about current regulations for the area where you will be fishing.

    • The Directorate of Fisheries' website has detailed maps of zones and minimum sizes.
    • Download the Directorate of Fisheries app for updated information while at sea.
  3. 3

    Use legal fishing gear

    Tourists may fish with rod, handline, jig, and pilk. It is prohibited for tourists to fish with nets, longlines, pots, or traps. Some species may have specific gear restrictions.

  4. 4

    Release undersized fish

    All fish below the minimum size for the species and zone must be released alive back into the sea immediately. Use barbless hooks or crimp down barbs for easier release.

    • Keep a measuring board on board for quick minimum size checks.

Consequences of non-compliance

Fishing with illegal gear may result in fines and confiscation of equipment.

Violations of minimum sizes and closed seasons may result in significant fines.

Unregistered tourist fishing businesses risk injunctions, coercive fines, and penalties.

In serious violations, fish, equipment, and potentially the boat may be confiscated.

Upcoming changes

From 2027-01-01

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

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a fishing licence to fish in the sea in Norway?
No, sea fishing in Norway is free and does not require a fishing licence for tourists. You do not need any special permit. However, freshwater fishing (rivers and lakes) for salmon, trout, and char requires a fishing card and payment of a fishing fee.
What fish species can I catch as a tourist in Norway?
You may fish for most saltwater species with rod, handline, and jig, including cod, saithe, haddock, halibut, wolffish, redfish, pollack, and many more. Some species have minimum sizes and closed seasons that must be observed. Certain species, like lobster, have their own specific rules.
What does it mean that a fishing camp is "registered"?
A registered fishing camp is a business listed in the Directorate of Fisheries' register of tourist fishing businesses. Registration is legally required for all businesses offering accommodation combined with boat rental or organised fishing for tourists. Registered camps must report catch data and inform guests about current regulations.
Can I fish from shore without being affiliated with a fishing camp?
Yes, you may freely fish from shore with rod and handline without any form of registration or fishing licence. The same minimum size and closed season rules apply. Note that fish caught outside a registered tourist fishing business cannot be exported.

Source

Source

Main tourist fishing regulation page from the Directorate of Fisheries. (accessed 2026-03-08)

Lov om turistfiskevirksomheter (Tourist Fishing Business Act). (accessed 2026-03-08)

Registration requirements for tourist fishing businesses. (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.