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Atlantic Cod

Gadus morhua

Guide seasonWinter (Dec–Feb), Spring (Mar–May)

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.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Gadus morhua
Guide season
Winter (Dec–Feb), Spring (Mar–May)

Minimum sizes

ZoneMin. sizeEffective
North of 62°N, farther than four nautical miles from the baselines44 cm—
North of 62°N, within four nautical miles of the baselines55 cm2024-01-01
South of 62°N40 cm—

Cod fishing in Lofoten – read the region guide

Regions in this guide

LofotenVesterålenSenjaFinnmarkTromsøNordland

Fishing techniques

  • Jigging with pirk/cod jigs from boat
  • Bottom fishing with natural bait (herring, mackerel, shrimp)
  • Trolling with large spoons

Recommended equipment

  • 30--50 lb boat rod (6--7 ft) with multiplier or jigging reel
  • Pirk jigs 200--500 g (depending on depth and current)
  • Braided line 0.25--0.40 mm with fluorocarbon leader

Fishing camps targeting atlantic cod

106 camps in Norway list atlantic cod as a target species.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season for cod fishing in Norway?
Northeast Arctic cod mainly spawn from February to April, with Lofoten and Vesterålen as the principal spawning areas. Availability varies by year and location. Coastal cod occur along the coast, but local and national rules must be checked before fishing. Cod fishing is prohibited in the authority-defined Oslofjord area inside the baseline from Telemark to the Swedish border; check its map for the exact boundary.
What is the difference between skrei and coastal cod?
Skrei are Northeast Arctic cod that migrate from the Barents Sea to coastal spawning grounds, mainly from February to April. Coastal cod belong to more resident stocks along the coast. These are stock groups, not weight classes.
How much cod can I take home from Norway?
In 2026, travellers aged 12+ may export up to 15 kg of fish up to twice per calendar year. The traveller must both fish and stay through a registered tourist fishing business and carry individual export documentation. The allowance covers sea fish in total, not 15 kg of cod.
What equipment do I need for cod fishing from a boat?
The tackle in this guide is indicative. Match rod, reel, line and jig to depth, current, the boat and the fishing you will actually do. The guide does not establish one standard rod class, line diameter or jig weight for all cod fishing. Ask the operator about local tackle and safe handling.

Source

Source

Current Oslofjord regulation §2 defines the area and §4 prohibits cod fishing; map boundaries and exceptional incidental-catch rules apply. (accessed 2026-10-04)

Updated ministerial measure table: 55 cm within four nautical miles of the baselines north of 62°N started 1 January 2024. (accessed 2026-10-04)

Current official minimum sizes, including the two cod zones north of 62 degrees north. (accessed 2026-08-03)

Current export allowance and documentation rules for tourist anglers. (accessed 2026-08-03)

Institute of Marine Research profile: migration, main spawning areas and February-April spawning time. (accessed 2026-08-03)

Season, technique and equipment descriptions are general guidance, not catch guarantees. Confirm local conditions and species rules before fishing.

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