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Atlantic Halibut

Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Typical weight5–40 kg
Norwegian record232 kg
Best seasonSummer (Jun–Aug), Autumn (Sep–Nov)

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.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Typical weight
5–40 kg
Norwegian record
232 kg
Best season
Summer (Jun–Aug), Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Export quota
15 kg

Minimum sizes

ZoneMin. sizeEffective
Hele kysten (entire coast)84 cm2026-01-01

Closed seasons

Nord for 62°N (North of 62°N): 12-20 – 04-20

Closed season north of 62°N. South of 62°N, targeted halibut fishing is prohibited year-round.

Best regions

LofotenVesterålenTromsøSenjaNordland

Fishing techniques

  • Deep-water trolling with large herring or mackerel as bait
  • Bottom fishing with live bait (saithe, herring) on edges and deep-water channels
  • Jigging with large rubber shads (20--30 cm) near the bottom

Recommended equipment

  • 50--80 lb boat rod (6--7 ft) with heavy-duty multiplier reel
  • Braided line 0.40--0.60 mm with wire trace or heavy fluorocarbon
  • Circle hooks 8/0--12/0 for catch-and-release

Fishing camps targeting atlantic halibut

81 camps in Norway list atlantic halibut as a target species.

Frequently asked questions

Where in Norway is the best halibut fishing?
Lofoten, Vesteralen, and Troms are the most productive areas for halibut in Norway. Key spots include the Maelstrom edge off Rost, the deep waters between Vesteralen and Senja, and the fjords around Tromso. Flat sandy bottoms near deep-water channels are typical hotspots.
When is the best season for halibut fishing?
The best halibut season in Northern Norway is from June to October, peaking in July--September. The midnight sun provides long fishing days, and halibut is most active during this period. Winter season has closed periods in many areas.
Should I release large halibut?
Yes. Halibut below 84 cm must be released, and halibut above 200 cm (2 metres) must always be released by law. The reason is the high level of environmental toxins in the largest specimens, plus that they are the spawning stock. Even large halibut within the legal interval are often best released to protect the population. Use circle hooks and keep the fish in the water as much as possible when unhooking.

Source

Source

Official minimum size for halibut in recreational fishing: 84 cm. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Halibut closed season 20 December to 20 April north of 62°N; year-round prohibition south of 62°N. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Mandatory release of halibut over 2 metres (200 cm) due to environmental toxin levels. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Institute of Marine Research species profile for Atlantic halibut (accessed 2026-05-07)

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