Fishing Regulations for Tourists in Norway
Updated information on export quotas, documentation requirements and catch reporting – valid from 2026, with changes effective from 2027.
Regulation of Tourist Fishing in Norway – Guidelines and Responsibilities
Tourist fishing in Norway is regulated to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of fish stocks. Businesses that offer recreational sea fishing to tourists – and meet the official registration requirements – must be registered with the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
Registered tourist fishing businesses are required to report catches daily. All catches must be recorded digitally after each fishing trip – including trips with no catch. The reporting obligation applies regardless of the tourist’s nationality or place of residence.
The reporting requirement specifically applies to five species: cod, halibut, coalfish, redfish and wolffish. Catches must be documented by species, date, vessel and number of fish. Fish that are caught and released must also be recorded. Catch data must be submitted before export documentation can be issued.
At Hindrum Fjordsenter, catch reporting is handled through the approved platform FishReg.
Duties for Recreational Fishers and Tourists – Catch Quotas and Conduct Rules
Foreign recreational fishers may only use handheld gear such as rod and line. The use of passive gear – including nets, pots, traps and longlines – is prohibited. It is not permitted to sell your catch.
Guests staying with a registered tourist fishing business may export up to 15 kg of fish or fish products, twice per calendar year. You must be at least 12 years old and have fished through a registered business. From 1 January 2027, the export quota will be reduced to 10 kg. Trophy fish may not be exported in addition to the quota.
Fish below the minimum size limit must be released immediately. Halibut over two metres must always be released. A minimum distance of 100 metres must be maintained from aquaculture facilities while fishing, and boats must stay at least 20 metres away from farm structures and moorings.
Direct harvesting of king crab is not permitted unless carried out through an approved scheme in Finnmark. Under specific conditions, foreign nationals holding a valid licence may participate in coastal seal hunting, provided they are accompanied by a Norwegian citizen.
These regulations are in place to protect Norway’s coastal and fjord environments and to ensure fair access to marine resources. For legally binding and updated information, consult the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
Reportable Species – These Fish Must Always Be Registered
Catch of the following species must always be reported through FishReg – including zero catch.
Minimum Size Limits in Recreational Fishing
Everyone fishing at sea in Norway must follow the minimum size regulations. The purpose is simple: small fish must be allowed to grow, reproduce, and sustain healthy stocks.
There are exceptions for species such as mackerel and saithe, provided the catch is not sold. Tusk, wolffish and pollack have no minimum size limits. The most common species with size limits are cod, haddock, crab and lobster.
How We Protect the Fish
To avoid catching undersized fish, use larger hooks, nets with wider mesh, or move to a different area. If you catch a small fish, wet your hands in seawater, remove the hook carefully and release it quickly.
If the fish is dead or not viable, it may be used for food — but you should then change location or method to avoid repeated small catches.
Deliberate harvesting of undersized fish may lead to penalties. The intention is not punishment, but protection. Recreational fishing in the fjords affects fish stocks more than many realise. Small individual catches add up over time.
We are privileged to harvest from the sea. That comes with responsibility. Small fish must be allowed to grow, spawn and carry life forward.
The Most Common Fish in the Trondheim Fjord
Each species has its place in the fjord. Click for details on identification, habitat and current regulations.
- Monkfish (Lophius piscatorius)
- Flounder (Platichthys flesus)
- Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)
- Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)
- Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Ling (Molva molva)
- Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)
- European Hake (Merluccius merluccius)
- Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
- European Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)
- Coalfish (Pollachius virens)
- Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus)
- Sea Trout (Salmo trutta)
- Wolffish (Anarhichas lupus)
- Cod (Gadus morhua)
- Redfish (Sebastes norvegicus)
