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Sea fishing in Nappstraumen in Lofoten - halibut, cod, saithe and skrei

FjÀll och kustlandskap runt Nappstraumen i Lofoten

Emil Randemo |

Sea fishing in Nappstraumen on Lofoten offers considerably more than just one type of fishing. In the sound itself, there are exciting opportunities to target halibut in shallow water, while underwater peaks, edges and flats farther out open up opportunities to fish for cod and saithe.

The great thing about the area is its variety. One day you can spend your time targeting halibut and the next searching for cod or saithe, depending on the weather, wind and where the fish are. With your own boat for the week, you have the freedom to adapt your fishing to the conditions and to what you would most like to fish for.

Where is Nappstraumen?

Nappstraumen lies between VestvÄgÞy and FlakstadÞy in the middle of Lofoten. Here, sounds, mountains and more open sea areas meet within a relatively small area, creating several different types of fishing waters.

The location is also a major advantage when the weather changes. Depending on the wind direction, you may be able to choose between fishing inside the sound, in more sheltered areas or in more open waters farther out.

The weather always controls sea fishing in Northern Norway and safety comes first, but the opportunity to choose between different areas is one of the reasons Nappstraumen is so interesting for a full week of fishing.

Halibut in Nappstraumen - shallow and active fishing

For many people travelling to Nappstraumen, halibut is at the top of their wish list.

Some of the fishing takes place in relatively shallow water along sandy bottoms, edges and areas with strong currents. This makes the fishing both active and exciting, especially when a halibut decides to strike.

In shallow water, the fight is quite different from fishing at great depths. The fish can take off a long way sideways, and both the angler and the boat driver need to be ready for what happens.

Jigs and baitfish are common methods, but in the shallower areas there is also the opportunity to fish more actively with spinning tackle.

Cod and saithe around Nappstraumen

Halibut gets a lot of attention, but a week in Nappstraumen certainly does not have to be all about flatfish.

Around Lofoten, there are plenty of underwater peaks, steep drop-offs and depth edges where you can search for cod and saithe. The fishing can change quickly depending on the current, weather and where the baitfish are.

This is also where the freedom of having your own boat becomes a major part of the trip. If the conditions look better for cod and saithe than for halibut, you can change plans and spend the day fishing in a completely different way.

Cod caught while spinning in Nappstraumen, Lofoten

Skrei fishing in Lofoten during spring

In spring, something special happens around Lofoten when the skrei arrive from the Barents Sea to spawn.

March and April are therefore particularly interesting for those who want to experience the classic skrei fishing for large cod. During this part of the season, the trip has a different focus than in summer, when many instead have halibut high on their list.

If you want to experience skrei fishing, it is therefore important to choose the right period from the outset.

Skrei cod caught while sea fishing in Nappstraumen, Lofoten

Plaice, wolffish and more species

There are also plenty of opportunities to vary the fishing even further.

Plaice offers lighter, more refined fishing that can be great fun as a change from the heavier halibut fishing. Depending on the season, there is also a chance of encountering wolffish and several other species.

Those who enjoy species fishing can therefore experience plenty of variety over a week without having to leave the area.

Wolffish caught while sea fishing in Nappstraumen, Lofoten

When is the best time for sea fishing in Nappstraumen?

It mainly depends on what you want to fish for.

During March and April, the focus is largely on skrei fishing. As spring turns into summer, halibut becomes an increasingly clear target, while fishing for cod, saithe and other species offers varied days at sea.

Summer also brings the long, bright days that Lofoten is known for. This gives you plenty of time to fish and the opportunity to let the weather and conditions determine when during the day you head out.

Even in autumn, fishing for halibut, cod and saithe, among other species, continues.

There is therefore no single period that is best for everything. Instead, consider which type of fishing you most want to experience and choose your travel dates accordingly.

Your own boat gives you freedom during the week

On Outside Travels' fishing trip to Nappstraumen, you have six full days of fishing and your own boat for the week.

This means you can adapt the days yourselves according to the weather and the type of fishing you want to prioritise. The camp also has Swedish-speaking guides with experience in the area who can help with up-to-date information about the fishing and conditions.

For those who would like more assistance on the water, it is also possible to book a fishing guide.

It is an arrangement that suits those of you who enjoy the freedom to plan your fishing days yourselves, while still wanting help and expertise close at hand.

Plan your fishing trip to Nappstraumen

First, consider what you most want to get out of the week. Is halibut your main goal? Do you want to experience skrei fishing? Or would you like a week combining several different species and fishing methods?

Once you know that, it becomes much easier to choose the right period.

On our trip to Nappstraumen, you get six full days of fishing, your own boat and accommodation close to the fishing grounds. We also help with flights, transfers and planning before the trip, so you can focus on what matters most once you are there - the fishing.

See the fishing trip to Nappstraumen in Lofoten

Frequently asked questions about sea fishing in Nappstraumen

Which species can you fish for in Nappstraumen?+

Halibut, cod and coalfish are some of the main target species. Depending on the season, you may also catch species such as skrei, plaice and wolffish.

Can you fish for halibut in shallow water?+

Yes. Nappstraumen is known, among other things, for the opportunity to target halibut in relatively shallow water, which can make for very active and exciting fishing.

When is the skrei fishing season in Lofoten?+

March and April are the main period for skrei fishing around Lofoten, when the cod come in to spawn.

When is the best time for halibut in Nappstraumen?+

The latter part of spring, summer and autumn are interesting periods for halibut. The best period also depends on which other species you want to combine your fishing with.

Can you fish in Nappstraumen when it is windy?+

It depends on the wind direction and strength. The location provides access to several different fishing areas and more sheltered alternatives, but safety and the conditions on site always determine where and whether it is possible to fish.

How many fishing days are included in the Outside Travels trip?+

Our standard arrangement includes six full days of fishing with your own boat, giving you plenty of time to try several different types of fishing during the week.

Is there a fishing guide in Nappstraumen?+

Yes. The camp has Swedish-speaking guides, and it is possible to book a guide for anyone who wants help out on the water.