Nappstraumen lies in the heart of Lofoten and is a truly interesting area for anyone who wants to experience sea fishing in Northern Norway. The area is best known for exciting shallow-water halibut fishing, but it also offers cod, coalfish, wolffish, plaice and several other species.
One of the great advantages of Nappstraumen is the variety. The sound, Vestfjorden and the waters outside Lofoten offer several different types of fishing areas. This allows you to adapt the fishing to the weather, wind, current and the species you want to focus on that day.
For us at Outside Travels, it is precisely the combination of the fishing and the location that makes Nappstraumen interesting. Here, you can enjoy six full days of fishing, your own boat and the freedom to plan the week according to the conditions.
Where is Nappstraumen located?
Nappstraumen lies between the islands of VestvÄgÞy and FlakstadÞy in Lofoten. The sound connects the areas toward Vestfjorden with the waters on the outside of Lofoten and is surrounded by the characteristic scenery that many associate with the archipelago: steep mountains, small fishing villages and sea in almost every direction.
The location is also important for the fishing itself.
Depending on the wind direction and conditions, you can choose between several different fishing areas. When the weather allows, you can venture farther out, while the sound and other more sheltered areas provide more options when the wind picks up.
Halibut fishing in Nappstraumen
For many people, halibut is the main reason to go on a fishing trip to Nappstraumen.
The sound is relatively shallow, and the edges, sandy bottoms, current-swept areas and shallower plateaus offer interesting areas for targeted halibut fishing. In some places, fishing takes place at depths of less than 25 metres, and it is also possible to find considerably shallower areas.
That is what makes the fishing particularly exciting.
When a halibut takes in shallow water, it cannot simply use the depth below it. Instead, its runs often move sideways, creating very active fishing where both the angler and boat driver need to stay engaged.
Large jigs and baitfish are common methods, but in shallower water there is also the opportunity for more active spinning for halibut.
Sea fishing for cod and coalfish
Nappstraumen is about far more than just halibut.
Around Lofoten, there are countless shallow pinnacles, steep drop-offs, depth edges and current-swept areas where you can search for cod and coalfish. Here, the fishing can change quickly depending on where the baitfish are and what conditions prevail on the day.
It is also one of the reasons we like the option of having your own boat. You do not have to decide that the entire week should be devoted to the same type of fishing.
One day, you can spend your time targeting halibut in shallower water. The next day, conditions may be better suited to searching for saithe or cod farther out.
Skrei fishing in Nappstraumen
In spring, the fishing changes as skrei move towards Lofoten to spawn.
March and April are therefore particularly interesting for those who want to experience classic skrei fishing for large cod. During this period, much of the focus is on cod, while the fishing becomes more varied later in the season.
This means that the right time for a fishing trip to Nappstraumen depends largely on the type of fishing you most want to experience.
Plaice, wolffish and other species
There are also more species to target.
Plaice can be fished over suitable bottoms in and around the strait, offering considerably lighter fishing than targeting large halibut.
During the season, there are also opportunities to catch wolffish, haddock, ling and redfish, among other species.
This also makes Nappstraumen interesting for those who enjoy targeting different species and want to take a break from heavier saltwater fishing with lighter tackle.
A weather-sheltered location in Lofoten
Everyone who has fished in Northern Norway knows how important the weather is.
Lofoten is exposed to the open sea, and there will be days when the wind affects where and how it is possible to fish. Nappstraumen's geographical location is therefore one of the area's major advantages.
The strait itself offers more sheltered fishing waters, and depending on the wind direction, there are also alternative areas on different sides of Lofoten.
That does not mean it is always possible to fish regardless of the weather. Safety always comes first. However, being able to choose between several different fishing areas is a major advantage during a full week of saltwater fishing.
When is the best time to fish in Nappstraumen?
The fishing season runs approximately from March to November, but the fishing changes throughout the year.
MarchâApril: Particularly interesting for skrei fishing, when cod move towards Lofoten to spawn.
MayâJune: The fishing becomes more varied, and halibut becomes a more prominent target. At the same time, there is fishing for cod, saithe and wolffish, among other species.
JulyâAugust: Long, bright days provide plenty of time on the water. Halibut can be targeted over sandy bottoms and in shallower areas, while cod and saithe are fished around shoals, edges and areas with strong currents.
SeptemberâNovember: Halibut fishing remains interesting, along with opportunities to catch cod and saithe, among other species.
The best period therefore depends on which species and type of fishing you want to prioritise.
What equipment is needed for saltwater fishing in Nappstraumen?
It is great to be able to cover both heavier saltwater fishing and lighter spinning during a week in Lofoten.
A sea-fishing rod around 6â7 feet in the 20â30 lb class is a good starting point for halibut, cod and saithe. A heavier sea-fishing reel or spinning reel with plenty of braided line works well with it.
It is also a good idea to bring a lighter spinning rod. This opens up more enjoyable and active fishing when conditions allow for lighter tackle.
In the tackle box, it is good to have jigs in several different weights, metal jigs and rigs for the species you want to target. For halibut, you also need heavier leader material.
Complete fishing equipment and flotation suits are also available to rent locally.
Your own boat during the fishing trip
On our fishing trip to Nappstraumen, you have your own boat for the week.
The boat in our standard arrangement is an Arronet 23.5 SPT with a 150 hp Suzuki, giving you the opportunity to plan your fishing days around the weather, wind and the type of fishing you want to prioritise.
Before fishing, you receive information about the boat and the area. You also receive a detailed fishing map to help you find different types of fishing spots.
A fishing guide can be added for anyone who wants help on the water and to get to know the area more quickly.
Accommodation close to the fishing
During the trip, you stay seven nights in your own seaside cabin in Nappstraumen.
The proximity of the boats means that fishing can shape your days. You do not have to catch an organised departure every morning; instead, you can plan for yourself when you want to head out, depending on the weather and conditions.
The camp has facilities for handling your catch after a day's fishing, among other amenities.
Six full days of fishing in Lofoten
Our standard arrangement comprises eight travel days and six full days of fishing.
You fly to Lofoten and continue to Nappstraumen, where you check in, go over the boats and prepare your equipment.
After that, six days await in which you can vary your fishing between, for example, halibut, cod and saithe, depending on the season and conditions.
This gives you considerably more time to get to know the area than on a shorter fishing trip and means you do not have to try to fit all your fishing into just a few days.
Fishing trip to Nappstraumen with Outside Travels
For us, Nappstraumen is above all a destination for those who want the freedom to fish independently while still having a complete travel arrangement in place.
Flights, transfers, accommodation and boat can be included in the same package, and we help with planning your trip. Once there, you have your own boat and can let the weather, fishing and your own preferences shape your days.
It is an arrangement that suits both those who want to spend the week targeting halibut and those who want to experience more varied sea fishing for several of the species Lofoten is known for.
See our fishing trip to Nappstraumen in Lofoten
Frequently asked questions about Nappstraumen
Where is Nappstraumen located?+
Nappstraumen is located in Lofoten in Northern Norway, between VestvÄgÞy and FlakstadÞy. Its location provides access to both more sheltered waters and more open sea areas.
What fish are found in Nappstraumen?+
Halibut, cod and saithe are some of the main target species. Depending on the season, there are also opportunities to fish for skrei, wolffish, plaice, haddock, ling and redfish, among others.
Is Nappstraumen good for halibut?+
Nappstraumen is known for its halibut fishing, not least because of the opportunity to fish in relatively shallow water. Sandy bottoms, edges and areas with strong currents create interesting spots for targeted halibut fishing.
How deep do you fish for halibut?+
It varies depending on the location and conditions, but some fishing in Nappstraumen takes place in relatively shallow water. In some areas, you fish at depths of less than 25 metres, and there are also considerably shallower spots.
When is the best time to fish for halibut in Nappstraumen?+
Halibut is primarily a clear target from the latter part of spring through summer and autumn. The best period depends on which other species you also want to combine with your halibut fishing.
Can you fish for skrei in Nappstraumen?+
Yes. March and April are primarily the season for skrei fishing, when cod move toward Lofoten to spawn.
Do you need a fishing licence for sea fishing in Norway?+
No, sea fishing with a rod in Norway normally does not require a fishing licence. However, Norwegian regulations concerning minimum sizes, protected species and the export of fish, among other things, must be followed.
How many fishing days are included?+
Our standard trip to Nappstraumen includes six full days of fishing and seven nights of accommodation.
Do you have your own boat?+
Yes. With our standard arrangement, you have your own Arronet 23,5 SPT with a 150 hp Suzuki during the fishing days.
Can you rent fishing equipment?+
Yes, complete fishing equipment and flotation suits can be rented locally if you do not want to bring all your equipment from home.
Is a fishing guide available?+
Yes, a fishing guide can be booked as an add-on. This can be a good option if you are visiting the area for the first time and want to get into the fishing more quickly.