Fish Species in Norway 2026
Learn about the most important fish species for sea fishing in Norway. Minimum sizes, seasons, techniques and tips for cod, halibut, saithe and more.
The species that define Norwegian sea fishing
Norwegian sea-fishing species differ substantially in behaviour and season. Cod, skrei, halibut, saithe, pollack, redfish, haddock, wolffish, ling and monkfish are among the species covered here, with different rules and seasonal patterns.
Each species has its own rules and seasonal patterns. Pick a species below for its scientific name, guide season, techniques, equipment and regions covered – and check current closures and minimum sizes before fishing.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod is a well-known sea-fishing species found along the Norwegian coast. Northeast Arctic cod migrate from the Barents Sea to spawning grounds along the coast; Lofoten and Vesteralen are the main spawning areas from February to April. The species inhabits bottom to mid-depth waters, feeding on herring, capelin, shrimp, and small fish.
Atlantic Halibut
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Atlantic halibut is a slow-growing flatfish that uses different depths and bottom types through its life. For recreational catch kept for personal use, the minimum length is 84 cm, and every halibut over two metres must be released. Targeted fishing is regulated by area and season.
Saithe (Coalfish)
Pollachius virens
Saithe occur along the Norwegian coast and often form schools. They take lures and jigs and can be fished from shore or boat. Young saithe often use shallow water near harbours and rocks, while mature fish also occur in deeper coastal water and over subsea banks.
Wolffish
Anarhichas lupus
The wolffish is a cold-water bottom-dweller with powerful jaws adapted for crushing sea urchins, crabs, and shellfish. It is found in deep, cold waters along the Norwegian coast, particularly in Northern Norway. The species has firm, white flesh.
Redfish
Sebastes norvegicus
Redfish is a deep-water species found at 100--500 m depth over rocky bottom. It is easily recognised by its red colouration. Redfish grows extremely slowly. Due to slow reproduction the stock is vulnerable to overfishing, and responsible harvesting is important. North of 62°N, targeted redfish fishing is prohibited except with handline (jukse) from 1 June to 31 August.
Haddock
Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Haddock belongs to the cod family and is easily identified by its dark lateral line and characteristic "thumbprint" mark behind the gills. It is a bottom-dwelling species often found over sandy and muddy bottoms. Haddock is an important food fish in Norway.
Ling
Molva molva
Ling is an elongated deep-water fish often associated with wrecks and rocky structures. The species has firm, white flesh and is fished with deep-water tackle.
Pollack
Pollachius pollachius
Pollack is a close relative of saithe but prefers warmer water and has a more southern distribution. It is an active predator hunting small fish and sprat near reefs, kelp forests, and underwater structures. Pollack may take lures and jigs.
Monkfish
Lophius piscatorius
Monkfish is a bottom-dwelling ambush predator with an enormous mouth that uses a "fishing rod" on its head to lure prey. It is found at 20--600 m depth on sandy and muddy bottoms. Monkfish is rarely targeted by sport fishers but may be caught as bycatch during bottom fishing. The tail meat is used as food.
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Frequently asked questions about Norway's fish species
Which fish species can I catch in Norway?
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What are the minimum sizes for the main species?
When is each species in season?
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