Fishing – one of the most popular hobbies in Norway
Fishing is one of the most popular hobbies in Norway, due to the rich natural resources of water, including the sea, rivers and lakes. Norway is a country that offers many beautiful fishing spots for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Fishing – one of the most popular hobbies in Norway
One of the most popular fishing spots in Norway is the fjords, which not only offer beautiful scenery, but are also home to a variety of fish, including pollock, cod, ling, halibut, flounder and many others. One of the most famous fjords in Norway is the Sognefjorden. It is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, the second longest fjord in the world and the longest open fjord in the world. The Sognefjorden is 205 kilometers long.
Another popular fishing destination in Norway is the mountains, where there are numerous streams and lakes where you can catch trout, eels and salmon. In the south of Norway, near Oslo, there is a popular fishing region, the Randsfjorden, which is famous for its good conditions for eel fishing.
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Do you know what rules apply when fishing in Norway?
Norway offers many opportunities for anglers, both beginners and experienced. Great landscapes, rich fish resources make Norway a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. When fishing in Norway it is important to always follow the rules and regulations.
Allemannsretten means that it is allowed to fish and harvest from nature in Norway, but certain rules apply. Here you will find an overview of the rules you should know before going fishing.
Fishing on the lake
In the lake, fishing is free for everyone, as long as you use a fishing rod or only fishing line. If you are fishing off the beach, be sure to respect bathers and others using the area.
There are minimum size rules for many species of fish. This means that you are not allowed to catch small fish below a certain size. The goal is to keep more small fish alive until they are big enough to reproduce. The best thing you can do to avoid catching small fish is to try to adjust the way you fish. You do this with a slightly larger hook, for example. Here you will find information on minimum sizes for different species of fish.
You can buy fishing licenses for many places in Norway online
If you intend to fish in freshwater, slightly different rules apply. There are also different rules for adults and children.
It is worth knowing that children under 16 have the right to fish for free in the period from 1 January to 20 August.
This applies to fishing with a rod as well as with a line. This means that children do not have to pay for fishing licenses. If you are fishing where you normally need a licence, children under 16 are entitled to a free fishing license during this period. But there is no rule without exception: children do not have free fishing for salmon, sea trout and char in watercourses. Here they must also have a fishing license. Until the age of 18, they only need a local license. If you are over 18, you must pay a fishing fee in addition to your river license. The fishing fee applies throughout the season and can be paid online at website of the Norwegian Environmental Protection Agency. In many places, you can also buy a fishing card at your local sporting goods store, petrol station or campsite.
It is worth knowing that there are also reservoirs and rivers where fishing is prohibited. This is because the landowner has the right to fish and can choose whether to sell or give it away.
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Fishing fee
Anyone over the age of 18 must pay a fishing fee to the state if they wish to fish anadromous waters for salmonids (salmon, sea trout and char). In addition, you must purchase a fishing license.
You don't need a fishing fee to fish in fresh waters where there is no salmon, sea trout or char. Then a local fishing license or permission from the landowner/fishing rights holder is sufficient.
Children under the age of 16 fish for free from January 1 to August 20, except in watercourses with anadromous salmon. If children and young people under 18 are going to fish for salmon, sea trout or char, they do not have to pay a fishing fee, but they usually have to pay a local fishing license. However, this varies greatly, so it's important to familiarize yourself with local laws.
The Norwegian Environment Agency regulates salmon fishing
In anadromous watercourses (salmon, sea trout and char rivers), the Norwegian Environment Agency sets rules regarding both the number of fish that can be caught and the length of the fishing season. Here, however, landowners or fishing rights management associations may additionally set local rules as long as they fall within the limits set by the Norwegian Environment Agency. For example, lower quotas, protection of female fish, higher minimum and maximum targets and local protection periods. Lots of information can be found on the site inatur.no .
Eight fishing rules.
- Think safety in everything you do as an angler
- Treat fish with respect
- Be moderate
- Leave as few traces as possible
- Watch out for other nature users
- Learn first aid
- Get home safely
- Be proud to be a fisherman
Fishing in Norway is not only a popular hobby, but also an important source of income for the local economy. Fishing is one of the country's major economic sectors, and tourist fishing attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
In conclusion, fishing in Norway is a popular hobby that offers many opportunities in beautiful and picturesque places. However, it is worth remembering to comply with the rules and regulations of fishing and be prepared for the costs associated with fishing in some places.
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