Wolffish
Anarhichas lupus
Typical weight2–8 kg
Norwegian record23 kg
Best seasonSummer (Jun–Aug), Autumn (Sep–Nov)
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.
Quick facts
Best regions
Fishing techniques
- Bottom fishing with natural bait (herring, squid, crab)
- Jigging near rocky bottom and reefs
- Deep-water jigging with heavy tackle
Recommended equipment
- 30--50 lb boat rod with multiplier reel
- Heavy bottom rigs with circle hooks size 6/0--8/0
- Braided line 0.30--0.50 mm with wire trace (wolffish have sharp teeth)
Fishing camps targeting wolffish
69 camps in Norway list wolffish as a target species.
- Nusfjord Arctic ResortLofoten
- Henningsvær RorbuerLofoten
- Lofoten RorbuerLofoten
- Lofoten RorbuopplevelserLofoten
- Lofotbrygga BrettesnesLofoten
- Å-hamna RorbuerLofoten
- Eliassen RorbuerLofoten
- Svinøya RorbuerLofoten
- Reine RorbuerLofoten
- Anker BryggeLofoten
- Statles Rorbu- og KonferansesenterLofoten
- Hattvika LodgeLofoten
- Røst BryggehotellLofoten
- Sakrisøy RorbuerLofoten
- Live Lofoten Fishermen's CabinsLofoten
- Buodden RorbuerLofoten
- Eggum RorbuerLofoten
- Hemmingodden LodgeLofoten
- Saltstraumen BryggeNordland
- Nordskot BryggeNordland
- Kjerringøy RorbusenterNordland
- Camp HamarøyNordland
- Rorbukaia SkrovaNordland
- Mefjord BryggeSenja
- Hamn i SenjaSenja
- Senja FjordhotellSenja
- Camp SteinfjordSenja
- Senja HavfiskesenterSenja
- Adventure Senja (Skrolsvik Kystferie)Senja
- Å Gård Lavangen SjøfiskeSenja
- Sandbakken FeriesenterSenja
- Bleik Sea Cabins (Havhusene Bleik)Vesterålen
- Andoy Fiske CampVesterålen
- Vesterålen KysthotellVesterålen
- Lankanholmen SjøhusVesterålen
- Vesterålen RorbuerVesterålen
- Risøyhamn SjøhusVesterålen
- Offersøy FeriesenterVesterålen
- Sommarøy Arctic HotelTromsø
- Vengsøy RorbuerTromsø
- Mikkelvik BryggeTromsø
- Maribell SjøbuerTromsø
- Manndalen SjøbuerTromsø
- Ersfjordbotn BryggeTromsø
- Lyngen LodgeTromsø
- Arctic Lyngen SeacampTromsø
- Torsvåg HavfiskeTromsø
- Sørvær HavfiskeFinnmark
- Båtsfjord BryggeFinnmark
- Kongsfjord Arctic LodgeFinnmark
- Hasvik Hotel (Big Fish Adventure)Finnmark
- Sørøya Rorbuer og HavfiskeFinnmark
- Nordkapp HavfiskeFinnmark
- Adventure Camp Mehamn (Nordic Safari)Finnmark
- Varanger BryggeFinnmark
- Loppa SeafishingFinnmark
- Cape Marina ASFinnmark
- Ingøy SjøhusFinnmark
- Nordic Sea Angling HavøysundFinnmark
- Frøya HavfiskecampTrøndelag
- Garten SjøhusTrøndelag
- Gurvikdal HavfiskesenterTrøndelag
- Smøla HavfiskesenterTrøndelag
- Træna RorbuferieHelgeland
- Vega BryggeHelgeland
- Lovund HotellHelgeland
- Herøy BryggeHelgeland
- Offersøy Camping HelgelandHelgeland
- Torghatten CampingHelgeland
Frequently asked questions
Where can you find wolffish in Norway?
Wolffish are found along the entire Norwegian coast but are most common in Northern Norway. The best areas are Lofoten, Vesterålen, Troms, and Finnmark. They prefer rocky bottoms at 20--300 metres depth.
When is the best time for wolffish fishing?
Summer and autumn (June--October) are the best seasons for wolffish fishing. The fish is most active when the water is at its warmest, hunting more actively along the bottom.
How do you prepare wolffish?
Wolffish has firm, white flesh that is excellent fried, grilled, or baked. The firm meat holds up well during cooking. Wolffish cheeks are a particular delicacy in Northern Norway.
Source
Source
Regulations for recreational sea fishing including minimum sizes (accessed 2026-03-08)
Institute of Marine Research species profile for wolffish (accessed 2026-03-08)