🎣 Top 3 regions for fishing excursions

• Lofoten Islands (Nordland) — classic sea fishing: cod (including winter skrei), halibut, saithe, haddock, and mackerel in summer. Stunning bays, rorbu with boats, and numerous charters.
• Hardanger and surroundings (Vestland) — fjord bays with sea trout and large cod at the ocean outlets; in small rivers, salmon/trout are caught seasonally (with permits). Beautiful villages and a mild climate.
• Trøndelag (around Trondheim) — powerful rivers and lakes: salmon (Gålå, Orkla, etc. — with licences), large lake trout/char/pike. On the coast — stable sea cod and saithe.

💡 Brief overview of the rules: at sea, amateur fishing for tourists is usually without a licence (there are limits on the size/quantity and export of the catch). In fresh water, a fiskekort (permit) is almost always required, and an additional state fee is often charged for salmon. Always check the local regulations and minimum/maximum fish sizes with the organisers or on site.

🚤 Best sea excursions: where to go by boat

• Lofoten — bases Svolvaer, Henningsver, Ballstad: cod/halibut, in summer — mackerel; there are ‘family’ half-day charters.
• Bergen and the surrounding fjords — cod/mackerel/pollock, convenient half-day and full-day trips, beautiful even in rough weather.
• Tromsø and the northern fjords — large cod, saithe, halibut; in winter there is a ‘combo’: fishing + whale watching (seasonal).

🧭 Route selection (region/season/format)

📅 Seasonal calendar: who gets caught when

⚓ Choosing a boat and departure format

💰 Budget calculator (charter/rental/equipment)

🎒 Checklist of gear and clothing

🗓️ Ready-made plans for 3/5/7 days

• 3 days — Lofoten (sea fishing):

Day 1: Check-in at the rorbu (Svolvær/Henningsvær) → half-day charter (cod/pollock).

Day 2: Morning halibut fishing → evening cleaning/smoking/sunset photos.

D3: Weather reserve → pier fishing/scenic trails.

• 5 days — Trøndelag (salmon/trout + sea):

D1–2: River fishing (licensed) with a guide.

D3: Lake trout/char.

D4–5: Transfer to the coast → sea cod/pollock on a half-day charter.

• 7 days — Hardanger (fjord mix):

D1–2: Sea trout at dawn (shore/boat) + daytime trips to waterfalls.

D3–4: Sea cod at ocean outlets (boat).

D5–6: Small rivers (trout/salmon — with permits).

D7: Reserve for weather/excursion to Vøringsfossen.

🧯 Safety and rules

• The weather decides everything: only go out when the weather is stable; on the Atlantic, the wind picks up around noon.
• Life jacket/communication: on the boat — always wear a life jacket, keep your phone/radio in a waterproof case.
• Minimum sizes/quotas: apply by species; there are restrictions on the export of catches by tourists. Check the limits and current regulations with the captain/base.
• Freshwater: fiskekort is mandatory; for salmon — additional fee and frequent disinfection of tackle.
• Ethics: large halibut are often released (catch & release); keep your distance from coastal bird nesting sites.
• Hygiene and processing: use the cleaning tables at the bases; dispose of waste according to the rules.

🐟 Weight estimate by length (guide)

Conclusion: For sea fishing and picture-postcard views, go to Lofoten; for gentle fjords and sea trout, go to Hardanger; for salmon/trout/lake fish, go to Trøndelag. For sea excursions, add Bergen and Tromsø. Plan according to the season and weather, choose the type of boat based on your experience, follow the rules — and Norway will reward you with trophies and unforgettable days on the water.