Halibut fishing in Norway can look quite different depending on where you go. At some destinations, much of the focus is on targeted halibut fishing with a guide, while at others you have your own boat and can plan your days around the weather, conditions and the type of fishing you feel like doing.
Here, we take a closer look at five of our destinations for halibut fishing in Norway: Camp Halibut on Sørøya, Frovåg on Senja, Loppa Sea Fishing in Nuvsvåg, Risøyhamn on Andøya and Nappstraumen in Lofoten. All offer the opportunity to fish for halibut, but the setup and character of the fishing differ considerably.
Camp Halibut, Sørøya - full focus on halibut
The name itself says something about what Camp Halibut is all about. You primarily come here to spend plenty of time targeting halibut with guides who know the area and the fishing.
This allows you to work methodically with fishing spots, drifts and presentation depending on the day's conditions. For anyone who truly wants to dedicate plenty of time to halibut fishing, it is an interesting setup.
There is also an opportunity to fly fish for halibut, which adds a completely different dimension to the fishing. If you want a break from targeting halibut, the area also offers cod and skrei, saithe, redfish, plaice and ling.
View the fishing trip to Camp Halibut
Frovåg, Senja - halibut and varied sea fishing
Frovåg is located in southern Senja, where halibut is an important part of the fishing but far from the only species to target. There are also opportunities to fish for cod, saithe, wolffish and plaice, among others.
This makes Frovåg interesting for a group that enjoys targeting halibut but also wants to be able to vary the fishing during the week. The conditions determine the day's plan, and sometimes a session for saithe or cod can be just as enjoyable as another drift for halibut.
June to August is an interesting period for halibut fishing. In September, the fish also move into shallower areas, opening up opportunities for more active spinning.
After fishing, the camp has a sauna, jacuzzi, bar and a small fishing shop. You can choose between self-catering and meal packages, and the local guides can help with information about the weather and how the fishing has been in recent days.
View the fishing trip to Frovåg
Loppa Sea Fishing - small camp and close to the fishing grounds
Loppa Havsfiske is located in Nuvsvåg, with steep mountains surrounding the camp and several types of sea fishing available within relatively short distances.
Here you can look for halibut in shallower areas one day and head for deeper water in search of redfish the next. The ability to switch between different types of fishing without having to travel very far by boat is one of the area's major advantages.
The camp is smaller than several of the larger Norwegian sea fishing camps, which also gives the trip a more personal feel. The fjord is also relatively sheltered and can offer more options when the weather makes fishing farther out difficult. As always in Northern Norway, however, the weather, wind and sea conditions determine where it is safe to fish each day.
The journey goes via Alta, followed by travel by car or bus and ferry. You can also rent a car and drive yourself.
See the fishing trip to Loppa Havsfiske
Risøyhamn, Andøya - your own boat and great freedom
Risøyhamn offers a slightly different setup. Here you have your own boat and accommodation and can decide for yourselves how to plan your fishing days.
This is well suited to those with previous experience of sea fishing who appreciate the freedom to choose their own fishing spot, method and species according to the day's conditions.
Halibut is one of the species you can target, including with jigs over shallower areas. You can also fish for redfish and plaice and vary your fishing throughout the week.
For this type of sea fishing, a rod of around 6-7 feet rated at 20-30 lbs is a good starting point. A reel with plenty of braided line, heavier leader material and jigs in different weights allow you to adapt your fishing to the depth, current and species you are targeting.
See the fishing trip to Risøyhamn
Nappstraumen, Lofoten - shallow-water halibut fishing and great variety
Nappstraumen is a good option for those who want to combine targeted halibut fishing with the varied sea fishing that Lofoten is known for.
Here you will find sandy and gravel bottoms, edges, depth changes and current-swept areas where you can search for halibut. Some of the fishing takes place in less than 25 metres of water, and even considerably shallower than that.
Jigs and baitfish are two common methods, but when halibut move into shallow water, this also opens up opportunities for much more active spinning. Catching a larger halibut in shallow water is a completely different experience from traditional heavy sea fishing.
During March and April, the focus is largely on the classic skrei fishing for cod. From late spring onward, the fishing becomes more varied and halibut plays a bigger role.
On our trip to Nappstraumen, you have six full days of fishing and your own boat during the week. The camp has Swedish-speaking guides who can help with up-to-date information about the fishing, and if you want additional assistance on the water, you can book a fishing guide. Complete fishing equipment and flotation suits are also available to rent.
If you want to learn more about the area, you can find our guide to sea fishing in Nappstraumen. We also have a separate guide to halibut fishing in Lofoten and a guide for those who want to try spinning for halibut in Norway.
See the fishing trip to Nappstraumen
What type of halibut fishing suits you?
There is a fairly clear difference between the five destinations, so it is better to start with how you want to fish rather than trying to find one place that is best for everything.
If you want to spend a large part of your trip specifically targeting halibut with guides, Camp Halibut is an obvious choice. Frovåg gives you more room to switch between halibut and other species, while combining the fishing with comfortable accommodation.
Loppa is a good choice if you appreciate a smaller camp and relatively short distances to different types of fishing. At Risøyhamn, more responsibility lies with you, with your own boat and plenty of freedom to plan your days.
Nappstraumen also combines the freedom of having your own boat with varied sea fishing, while the opportunity to fish for halibut in shallow water makes the destination especially appealing to those who enjoy a more active style of fishing.
When should you go to Norway to fish for halibut?
There is no simple answer that applies along the entire Norwegian coast. The season and fishing vary between destinations, and the best period also depends on the type of fishing you want to do.
In Frovåg, June to August is an interesting period for halibut, while September offers more fishing in shallower areas. In Nappstraumen, much of the focus in March and April is on skrei, while halibut plays a greater role from late spring onwards.
It is therefore best to first consider what type of halibut fishing you are looking for, and then choose your destination and time of year.
Frequently asked questions about halibut fishing in Norway
Where in Norway can you fish for halibut?
We offer trips to destinations including Sørøya, Senja, Loppa, Andøya and Lofoten, where halibut is one of the species you can target. The fishing and package differ between destinations.
When is a good time to fish for halibut in Norway?
It varies between different parts of Norway. In Frovåg, June to August is an interesting period, and September offers opportunities for more fishing in shallow water. In Nappstraumen, halibut become a greater focus from late spring onwards.
Can you fish for halibut in shallow water?
Yes. At several destinations, it is possible to target halibut in shallow water. In Nappstraumen, some of the fishing takes place at depths of less than 25 metres and even shallower.
Can you spin fish for halibut?
Yes. When halibut move into shallow water, it is possible to target them with active spinning. Nappstraumen is one of the destinations where this type of fishing is possible.
What equipment is used for halibut fishing?
It depends on the method, depth and conditions. A heavier sea fishing rod, a reel with plenty of braided line, strong leader material and jigs in different weights are a good starting point for traditional halibut fishing.
Do you need a guide for halibut fishing in Norway?
Not always. At Camp Halibut, guides are an important part of the package, while in Risøyhamn you have your own boat and fish independently. In Nappstraumen, you also have your own boat, but it is possible to book a fishing guide.
Can beginners go on a halibut fishing trip?
Yes, but the choice of trip makes a big difference. If it is your first time fishing in Northern Norway, a package with more support from guides can be a good option. If you have experience with sea fishing and operating a boat, there are also trips where you have considerably more freedom.
What other species can you fish for on the same trip?
It depends on the destination and time of year, but cod, skrei, saithe, redfish, wolffish, plaice and ling are some of the species found at our various destinations.