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.
Atlantic Cod
Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod is Norway's most sought-after sea fishing species, found along the entire coastline. It is especially renowned for the skrei season in Lofoten from January to April, when spawning cod migrate from the Barents Sea. Cod can be caught year-round, but the largest specimens are taken during the skrei season. The species inhabits bottom to mid-depth waters, feeding on herring, capelin, shrimp, and small fish.
Atlantic Halibut
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the Atlantic and one of Norway's most sought-after trophy species. It can exceed 200 kg and 2 metres in length, though most catches are in the 10--40 kg range. Halibut lives on sandy bottoms and along edges and deep-water channels, typically at 20--200 m depth. The species is slow-growing and does not reach sexual maturity until age 10--14, making sustainable catch-and-release critical for larger fish.
Saithe (Coalfish)
Pollachius virens
Saithe is one of the most common and reliable species along the Norwegian coast. It is perfect for beginners due to its aggressive feeding and willingness to take lures and jigs. Saithe is found in large schools from the surface to deep water. Young saithe (sei-mort, under 1 kg) often school near the surface in harbours and off rocks, while mature fish of 3--15 kg inhabit deeper waters along the coast 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. Wolffish is prized for its firm, white flesh and is considered a delicacy. It can exceed 20 kg, but typical catch size is 2--8 kg.
Redfish
Sebastes norvegicus
Redfish is a deep-water species found at 100--500 m depth over rocky bottom. It is easily recognised by its bright red colouration. Redfish grows extremely slowly and can live over 50 years. Typical catch size is 0.5--3 kg. Due to slow reproduction the stock is vulnerable to overfishing, and responsible harvesting is important.
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 preferring sandy and muddy bottoms at 40--300 m depth. Haddock is one of Norway's most important food fish and can exceed 10 kg, but typical catch size is 1--4 kg.
Ling
Molva molva
Ling is a large, elongated deep-water fish found at 100--400 m depth, often near wrecks and rocky structures. It can exceed 30 kg and reach nearly 2 metres in length. Ling is a popular food fish with firm, white flesh and is particularly sought after by deep-water anglers on the west coast and in Nordland.
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 is popular among sport fishers due to aggressive takes and hard fights. It can exceed 12 kg, but typical catch size is 1--5 kg.
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 is often caught as bycatch during bottom fishing. The tail meat is highly prized in gastronomy and compared to lobster. It can exceed 40 kg.