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Saithe (Coalfish)

Pollachius virens

Guide seasonSummer (Jun–Aug), Autumn (Sep–Nov), Spring (Mar–May)

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.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Pollachius virens
Guide season
Summer (Jun–Aug), Autumn (Sep–Nov), Spring (Mar–May)

Regions in this guide

LofotenNordlandBergen / VestlandRogalandTromsøHelgeland

Fishing techniques

  • Jigging with pirk and rubber shads from boat
  • Spin fishing from shore with spoons, spinners, or jigs
  • Trolling with deep-running lures along banks and edges

Recommended equipment

  • 20--40 lb boat rod (7 ft) with multiplier or spinning reel
  • Pirk jigs 100--300 g for boat fishing, lures 20--60 g for shore fishing
  • Braided line 0.18--0.30 mm with fluorocarbon leader

Fishing camps targeting saithe (coalfish)

106 camps in Norway list saithe (coalfish) as a target species.

Frequently asked questions

Is saithe a good fish for beginners?
Saithe can suit beginners because they may take lures and jigs and can be fished from both boat and shore. A catch is never guaranteed; local conditions, weather and season vary.
When is the best time for saithe fishing?
This guide uses spring, summer and autumn as indicative seasons. Actual availability varies by area, year, weather and local conditions.
Where can saithe be found?
Saithe occur along the Norwegian coast, from shallow coastal habitats to deeper water around banks and current edges. Use local advice and nautical charts; occurrence does not guarantee a catch.
Is there a minimum size for saithe in Norway?
Section 47 of the harvesting regulations sets 45 cm north of 62°N and 40 cm south of 62°N, but section 48 a exempts catch that is not to be sold. Foreign tourist anglers cannot sell their catch. No minimum size applies to saithe kept for personal use. Norwegian recreational anglers may sell catch subject to specific conditions; the 45 cm / 40 cm minimum applies if the catch is sold.

Source

Source

Recreational sale is conditional, not universally prohibited. Foreign tourists have a separate sale prohibition. (accessed 2026-10-04)

Foreign tourist anglers cannot sell their catch. (accessed 2026-10-04)

Regulations for recreational sea fishing including minimum sizes for saithe (accessed 2026-09-04)

Institute of Marine Research species profile for saithe (accessed 2026-09-04)

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.