🎣 Fishing on the trail: licences, gear, top lakes

Imagine spending a perfect day in a Norwegian national park. You have a light backpack, you are hiking along mountain trails, you see clear lakes and you catch your dinner right on the route. Fishing on the trail is a great way to combine hiking with your favourite hobby. You'll get an unforgettable experience and a fresh catch.

We have prepared a detailed guide to the best fishing spots in national parks, explained everything you need to know about fishing licences (fiskekort), told you about the lightest tackle (weighing less than 400 grams!), and shared recipes for the perfect 'trophy fish cakes' made from freshly caught fish.

Grab your fishing rod and set off on a delicious adventure!

📑 Fishing licences (Fiskekort): what to buy and how?

Fishing is permitted in Norway's national parks, but requires a licence — fiskekort. Average prices:

• 1 day: 50–100 NO
• 1 week: 200–400 NOK
• Seasonal licence: 500–900 NOK

🎟️ Licences can be purchased online at:

• inatur.no
• fefo.no (for northern regions)
• Licences are also available at tourist centres and national park shops.

❗ Fishing without a fiskekort is prohibited and fines can reach 2,000 NOK.

🏞️ Top 5 lakes for trekking and fishing

1. Lake Gjende (Jotunheimen)

• 📍 Where: Gjendesheim, Besseppen trail
• 🐟 What to catch: trout, Arctic char (400–1000 g)
• 🎣 Best spots: eastern shore, river mouths
• 💳 Fiskekort: 80 NOK/day

2. Lake Femunn (Femunnsmark)

• 📍 Where: Elgå village
• 🐟 What to catch: large char, trout, grayling
• 🎣 Best spots: bays, northern islands
• 💳 Fiskekort: 100 NOK/day

3. Lake Rondvatnet (Rondane)

• 📍 Where: Rondvassbu hut
• 🐟 What to catch: medium-sized trout
• 🎣 Best spots: western shore, streams
• 💳 Fishing licence: 60 NOK/day

4. Lake Mjøvatnet (Hardangerfjord)

• 📍 Where: Skinnarbu village
• 🐟 What to catch: large Arctic char, trout
• 🎣 Best spots: south shore, deep bays
• 💳 Fiskekort: 90 NOK/day

5. Lake Langvatnet (Dovrefjell)

• 📍 Where: Reinheim hut
• 🐟 What to catch: small char, large trout
• 🎣 Best spots: stream mouths and deep depressions
• 💳 Fishing licence: 50 NOK/day

🎒 Ultralight tackle up to 400 grams

Light tackle is the key to comfortable hiking and effective fishing:

• 🎣 Telescopic spinning rod (180–210 cm, weight up to 100 g)
• 🔄 Compact reel (Shimano Ultegra 1000), weight 180 g
• 🪝 0.16–0.20 mm line (ultra-light monofilament)
• 🥄 Set of lures (spinners: Mepps No. 1–2, Blue Fox Vibrax 4 g, wobblers 5–7 g)

Total: tackle weight < 400 g — convenient and compact!

🍳 ‘Trophy cutlets’: simple recipes for a camping trip

After a successful fishing trip, treat yourself to fresh cutlets right by the campfire!

🐟 Cutlets made from grayling or trout

Ingredients

• Fresh grayling or trout — 400 g
• Instant mashed potatoes — 2 tablespoons
• Salt, pepper, lemon
• Vegetable oil

Preparation:

1. Finely chop the fish fillets (with a knife or fork).
2. Mix with dry mashed potatoes, add salt and pepper.
3. Form small patties and fry in a pan until golden brown.
4. Sprinkle with lemon juice.

🔥 Serve hot with bread and herbs!

🧭 Fishing tips for camping

• Fish early in the morning or in the evening — that's when the fish bite best.
• Look for deep pools or places where streams flow into the water — fish like cool water.
• Fish carefully and observe the minimum size for fish (at least 25 cm).
• A fishing knife and multi-purpose pliers are a must-have in your backpack.
• Always follow fishing rules and national park restrictions.

🚯 Ethics and rules: how to fish responsibly

• Never catch more than you need to eat.
• Release small fish back into the water.
• Do not use prohibited bait (live bait, nets).
• Take all your rubbish with you after fishing.
• Do not light fires in unauthorised areas (fine up to NOK 5,000).

📌 Checklist for a fishing trip

• Fiskekort licence (printout or online copy)
• Ultralight spinning rod and reel (weight < 400 g)
• Lures (at least 3–4 types)
• Lightweight fishing knife and pliers
• Airtight bag for storing fish
• Dry mashed potatoes and spices for cooking fish

🛎️ Conclusion: the perfect combination of hiking and fishing

Fishing in a national park is a great way to catch dinner and experience Norway's nature. Get your fishing licences and tackle, then head to the clear mountain lakes for Arctic char and trout.

Have fun fishing and try out some new activities in Norway's national parks!