Hardangerfjord

Hordaland, Norway · Saltwater · Intermediate

Norway's second-longest fjord, running deep between orchards and waterfalls. Sea trout patrol the shallow shorelines and river mouths, with cod and coalfish over the drop-offs.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based or boat

HEALTH ADVICE: Mattilsynet (the Norwegian Food Safety Authority) publishes dietary advice for the Hardangerfjord/Sorfjorden area, which is contaminated with cadmium, lead, mercury, dioxins and PCB. The advice includes avoiding brosme and pollock in specified zones, pregnant and nursing women avoiding crab, lobster and stationary fish in the inner areas, and shellfish restrictions in designated zones. Read Mattilsynet's current advice and zone descriptions before eating any catch, and confirm current Norwegian fishing rules.

Access information source

Species

  • sea trout
  • Atlantic cod
  • coalfish

Best times to fish

  • Sea trout (Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct)
  • Dawn along the shoreline
  • Rising tide at river mouths

Recommended gear

Essential

  • 9ft spin rod or 7-weight fly rod
  • Coastal spoons and shrimp flies
  • Chest waders
  • Polarized sunglasses

Optional

  • Small boat hire
  • Line basket
  • Rain jacket

Regulations and requirements

  • No licence needed for sea fishing, but river mouths have protection zones where fishing is banned
  • Sea trout in poor condition or coloured fish must be released
  • Check local rules — many fjord arms restrict fishing near salmon farms and river outlets

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

Nearby fishing spots

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