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.

Winter (Dec–Feb)Spring (Mar–May)6 regions

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. Halibut fishing is regulated by area and season.

Summer (Jun–Aug)Autumn (Sep–Nov)5 regions

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.

Summer (Jun–Aug)Autumn (Sep–Nov)Spring (Mar–May)6 regions

Wolffish

Anarhichas lupus

The wolffish is a cold-water bottom-dweller with powerful jaws adapted for crushing sea urchins, crabs, and shellfish. This guide covers Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus), found along the whole Norwegian coast and in the North Sea. It is more coastal and lives in shallower water than spotted and northern wolffish. The species has firm, white flesh.

Summer (Jun–Aug)Autumn (Sep–Nov)5 regions

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 (juksa) from vessels under 15 m overall length from 1 June to 31 August.

Summer (Jun–Aug)4 regions

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.

Spring (Mar–May)Summer (Jun–Aug)Autumn (Sep–Nov)5 regions

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.

Spring (Mar–May)Summer (Jun–Aug)4 regions

Pollack

Pollachius pollachius

Pollack belongs to the cod family and resembles saithe, but has a prominent lower jaw and a dark lateral line that curves downwards. The Institute of Marine Research describes rocky coastal habitats, often at 40–100 m depth, and a distribution extending to northern Norway. It feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Summer (Jun–Aug)Autumn (Sep–Nov)4 regions

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 occurs from the shore zone into deep fjords; farther south in the Atlantic it also occurs below 1,000 m. Monkfish may be caught as bycatch during bottom fishing. The tail meat is used as food.

Summer (Jun–Aug)Autumn (Sep–Nov)5 regions

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Regions

Find fishing camps by region – from Lofoten to Rogaland.

Fishing rules

Export quota, minimum sizes and catch reporting – checked against current official sources.

Frequently asked questions about Norway's fish species

Which fish species can I catch in Norway?

The guides cover cod and the winter skrei run, halibut, saithe, pollack, redfish, haddock, wolffish, ling and monkfish. Which species may be targeted, and when, depends on the area, closed seasons and gear rules.

Which fish is the biggest?

Atlantic halibut can exceed two metres. For recreational catch kept for personal use, the minimum is 84 cm, and every halibut over two metres must be released regardless of viability.

Which species are best for beginners?

The guide cannot rank a species as ideal for every beginner. Saithe and cod may be fished with pirks or jigs from a boat and, in some places, from shore; match species and method to local rules, weather, safety and experience.

What are the minimum sizes for the main species?

Cod: 40 cm south of 62°N; north of 62°N it is 55 cm within four nautical miles of the baselines and 44 cm farther out. Haddock: 32 cm south, 40 cm north. Halibut: minimum 84 cm; all halibut over two metres must be released. Viable undersized fish must be released; dead or clearly non-viable incidental catch may be kept for personal consumption.

When is each species in season?

Seasons depend on species and place; no documented catch peak applies everywhere. North of 62°N halibut is closed from 20 December to 20 April; all halibut fishing south of 62°N is prohibited year-round. Northern redfish fishing has a narrow exception from 1 June to 31 August for handline (juksa) from vessels under 15 metres. Check the species guide, local closures and conditions before fishing.

Planning a fishing trip to Norway?

Confirm prices, boats, facilities and registration status directly before booking. SafeCamp360 offers camps in Norway tools for catch data and export-quota overview.