Ice Fishing in Norway
Fishing is a major part of Norwegian life, with it being the main source of the country's economy and food for hundreds of years. However, the fishing industry does not come to a screeching halt just because some snow starts flying. If it did, then the entire country would almost come to a halt for almost half of the year.
Photo: Ice fishing - Nothern Norway, Bjarne Riesto Riesto.No /Www.Nordnorge.Com
Ice fishing is not nearly as widespread in Norway as it is in other Northern countries due to the fact that the coastline and fjords in Norway do not freeze up during the winter season. Therefore, doing any ice fishing in these areas is impossible because there is no ice to fish through. There are still thousands of lakes located throughout mainland Norway that do completely freeze over in the winter season—which makes them a prime spot for ice fishing.
The locals who live in these areas have learned to adapt their fishing tactics to cope with the winter weather. This has led to a thriving ice fishing industry throughout the country, especially in the northern half of it. If ice fishing is one of the things to do in Norway that interests you, then here are some of the best places to head out onto the country’s frozen lakes and catch some fish.
Tromsø
Tromsø is called the "Gateway to the Arctic" and offers perfect conditions for every one who wants to go ice fishing. With its dancing Northern Lights and its many frozen lakes and waters, Tromsø is great place to try your fishing luck! In the arctic wilderness you have so many opportunities to catch a trout, a coalfish or a cod. Few things beat the feeling of excitement when the fish bites and you catch your own lunch, fresh and ready to be fried on the bonfire.
Photo: Lyngsfjord Adventure
Lake Mjøsa
Located right next to the town of Gjøvik is Lake Mjøsa, which is the largest lake in all of Norway. Although it is located in the Southeastern part of the country, it is still known to get at least a few inches of ice on it during the winter season.
Since it is the largest lake, it also contains one of the highest populations of fish in mainland Norway as well. This makes it a fisherman's paradise as 50cm perch and trout weighing over four kilograms are quite a common thing to catch at Lake Mjøsa.
Photo: Ice fishing Northern Norway, Baard Loeken/Www.Nordnorge.Com
Jonsvatnet
Located further north is another Lake named Jonsvatnet, which is nearby the bustling city of Trondheim. Its Northern location and proximity to the major city as well as a popular fjord in Norway means that it is very easy to access, even during the middle of winter. As the main source of drinking water for Trondheim, Jonsvatnet has certain restrictions on fishing but is still a popular spot to catch endless amounts of fish, especially during the winter season.
Ørsjøen
Located in the Southeastern tip of the country, Ørsjøen is a lake that is a popular fishing destination for locals and tourists alike in the summer and winter seasons. Once winter arrives, fishermen trade in their boats for augers and drill holes in the ice to begin their ice fishing expeditions. It is also located only a couple of hours away from the town of Halden, making it remote but not too remote to easily get to.
Tinnsjå
Approximately two hours West of Oslo is the third deepest lake in the entire country, which is Tinnsjå. Not only does this lake contain the great ice fishing that can be expected in most of Norway but it also possesses a species of fish that had gone undiscovered up until 2005. Therefore, fishermen have the chance to continue catching fish all year round and even possess the ability to potentially see a mystery fish.
Photo: Lyngsfjord Adventure
If you have been tempted to go to Norway and try this and other winter actvities, Fjord Tours offers many great tours and activites during the winter season, check it out HERE!