Everything you need to know about fishing in Nordfjord - from fjords and mountain lakes, to salmon rivers and fishing permits
Nordfjord is a paradise for recreational anglers. Here you can fish in deep fjords, salmon rivers, and hundreds of lakes and mountain waters surrounded by spectacular nature. Whether you are an experienced angler or simply want a calm day by the water, you will find good fishing opportunities throughout the region.
The rules vary depending on whether you fish in the sea, in freshwater, or in a salmon river. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules that apply where you plan to fish.
Sea fishing
It is free to fish with a handheld fishing rod or handline in the sea. Therefore, you do not need a fishing permit if you fish from shore, a quay, or a boat in the fjords and along the coast in Nordfjord. Here you can, among other things, catch cod, saithe, pollack, mackerel, and several other saltwater species.
Even though sea fishing is free, national rules apply for, among other things, minimum size limits, protected species, and the use of gear. If you are a foreign tourist and want to take fish out of Norway, separate export rules apply.
Fishing in lakes and mountain waters
If you want to fish for trout or Arctic char in lakes and mountain waters, as a main rule you must buy a fishing permit. The permits are administered by landowners, hunting and fishing associations, or other local organizations, and the rules vary from area to area.
Many fishing permits can be purchased digitally through Inatur, while others are sold locally at campsites, in sporting goods stores, or directly by the landowner. If you are unsure where fishing permits can be purchased, we recommend contacting the nearest tourist information office or your accommodation.
Salmon fishing
Nordfjord has several well-known salmon rivers that every year attract recreational anglers from Norway and abroad. Among the most popular are Stryneelva, Loelva and Eidselva.
To fish for salmon or sea trout, everyone over 18 must pay the national fishing fee in addition to buying a local fishing permit. Each river has its own rules for season, quotas, fishing times, and gear use. Some rivers also require that fishing equipment is disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases and parasites.
Fishing permits for the salmon rivers are often sold through Elveguiden, but can also be purchased from local outlets.
Where can you buy fishing permits?
There is no single shared solution for all fishing areas in Nordfjord. Many lakes and rivers are available through Inatur, Norway’s largest digital portal for fishing permits. Several salmon rivers use Elveguiden, while other areas still sell fishing permits locally through campsites, sporting goods stores, landowners, or river owner associations.
We recommend that you check which rules apply to the area where you want to fish before you head out on your fishing trip.
Fishing in the municipalities
In Stryn you will find some of the most well-known salmon rivers in the country, in addition to a large number of lakes and mountain waters with good trout fishing.
Gloppen offers good fishing opportunities both in Breimsvatnet and in a number of smaller mountain waters. Many areas are managed by local landowners or fishing associations.
In Stad, Eidselva is the most well-known salmon river, but the municipality also has several lakes and mountain areas with good inland fishing. Along the coast there are good opportunities for sea fishing year-round.
Bremanger is known for its long coastline and good sea fishing, but the municipality also has many lakes and mountain areas with trout fishing.
Good advice before your fishing trip
Show consideration for nature and others who use the area. Take all litter home, follow local rules, and respect protected zones and fishing quotas. This helps ensure that fish resources are preserved for future generations.