We know that boat fishing isn’t for everyone, so with that in mind, we’ve worked hard to bring you a fantastic shore fishing destination in northern Norway. Situated at our exclusive Nordic Sea Angling camp on the incredible Lofoten Islands, this fully guided trip offers travelling shore anglers the chance to wet a line in the fish-rich waters of this famous area of the country. Based in Nappstraumen and set amongst some breathtaking scenery, we have a wide range of well-researched marks, with something to suit the needs of all anglers, from steep shelving rock marks to the comfort of a smoothly concreted harbour wall. In addition, we have areas for different species and conditions, meaning our guide can always put you in the most suitable locations, whatever the weather.
If you’re a beach fishing angler in the UK and yearn to experience some of the fishing from yesteryear, this trip is perfect for you. The waters around our camp are home to abundant numbers of Cod, with specimens of over 20lb. As well as this, there’s the chance to battle with monster Halibut, dustbin lid-sized Plaice, super-charged Coalfish and freakishly big Dabs, to mention just a few.
Our shore fishing trip runs over two seasons, spring and autumn and is open to solo travellers with no extra charges, pairs of friends and groups. It’s also all based on luxurious single-room accommodation.
The shore fishing at our destination in Nappstraumen is not dissimilar from that in the UK, with the main difference being the abundant numbers of fish to catch and the variety of species on offer. The primary two that most travelling anglers visit to target are the humble Cod and hard-fighting Halibut.
As with all sea angling at home and abroad, the weather, conditions and tide play a considerable role in how productive or unproductive the fishing can be, but on suitable days the fishing can be exceptional and the best you will ever experience. Cod get caught in good numbers almost every day. They average around 5lb in weight, but much bigger fish into double figures get landed on the majority of weeks, and every season fish topping the magical 20lb make an appearance.
The Halibut are fantastic to target and get the pulse racing, especially when you get that initial run and the clicker on your reel bursts into life. At our destination, good numbers of smaller fish between 10lb and 20lb get landed regularly through the weeks, with much bigger specimens of over 50lb mixed in. Of course, there’s always the chance of hooking into a fish of a lifetime, with a monster of over 100lb and even 150lb not out of the question. Other popular species amongst travelling rods include Coalfish, which can top over double figures, Plaice over 5lb and Dabs to over 2lb.
The fishing styles used in Norway are similar to that in the UK, although it’s essential to use the most robust components when making your rigs, as some of the marks are rough and rocky, and the fish specimen-sized and hard-fighting. The species you wish to target will dictate the size of the bait and rig choice you use, although our guides will advise what they recommend. Fish baits are used almost exclusively and catch everything that swims; they are also supplied free of charge. One thing we do recommend is taking an array of lures, especially some surface poppers, as over the last few seasons, the Coalfish fishing has been spectacular.
All the marks we offer differ significantly, and there’s something to suit the needs of all anglers; most are also located within a short drive from the camp. We have easy-to-access piers and jetties that provide fantastic fishing for all species, to stunning deepwater rock marks, for those wanting to sit it out for the most significant specimens.
One excellent thing about our shore fishing experience is it’s suitable for anglers of all ages and abilities. However, the ability to cast 50 metres from the shore and a basic understanding of beach fishing will undoubtedly be of benefit.
If you don’t want to take your tackle with you, then we have an array of beach casting tackle available for hire, including rods and fixed spool reels. Tripods and seat boxes are also supplied free of charge.
Our shore fishing trips to Norway are fully guided, and our two guides, Ross Johnson and Zac Harrow-Deitz are on hand to help you every step of the way. They’ve been shore fishing at our camp for many seasons and were responsible for test fishing all the marks we currently offer today. They know what areas fish best on what tides and during certain conditions. They will advise on bait and rig choice, help with landing and photographing that fish of a lifetime, and drive the minibus to and from the marks, meaning all you have to concentrate on is the incredible fishing on offer.
Ross Johnson is a full-time Sportquest guide and has guided trips worldwide, from shore and boat fishing in Norway to big game fishing in Mexico to popper and jig fishing on Rodrigues Island. He is also a well-known angler in the UK, with an impressive array of PBs and fishing experience in various venues. Zac Harrow-Deitz is the newest member of the Sportquest guiding team, but being Ross’s understudy, he’s learnt from the best. The results from his first season of full guiding speak for themselves.
Both guides pride themselves in offering anglers the best guiding experience possible. They will work as hard as possible to ensure all anglers get the most out of their shore fishing experience on the Lofoten Islands.
The destination of Nappstraumen on the Lofoten Islands needs no introduction; it’s an area famed in the sea-angling community for its excellent sea fishing opportunities from both the boat and the shore.
The fantastic cabins at our destination on the Lofoten Islands have been designed with the sea angler in mind, providing travelling anglers with the chance to stay in some of the most luxurious fishing accommodations in the country. Surrounded by towering mountains and situated right on the edge of the fish-filled Nappstraumen fjord, these stunning cabins will make your stay at Nappstraumen all the more pleasurable.
Downstairs in each accommodation, you will find a large shared bathroom with a hot shower, heated floors and a washing machine. The kitchen area has touch-sensitive hobs, a fan-assisted oven to cook on, and a microwave. Each lodge also comes equipped with all the pots, pans, trays and cutlery, and a dishwasher. The cabin’s communal area comprises a comfortable corner sofa, a large dining table, and stools with a smart TV.
Upstairs you will find four rooms, all holding twin beds but set out for single sleeping arrangements. The cabins are constructed to offer guests single rooms, so you will have your own space when sleeping, with no risk of being kept up at night by your room partner snoring.
The cabins are a short drive from the local town (10 minutes), where you can do some shopping, eat out at one of the local restaurants or even visit the local bowling alley.
If you need to dry your clothes, there is a large drying room opposite the cabins, perfect for storing wet clothes and drying them out after a long day on the water.
Each cabin has a large wooden balcony where you can relax, take in the stunning views of the fjord, and even cast a rod out whilst enjoying some downtime.
Our shore fishing holidays are solely catering, and there is a local supermarket within a ten-minute drive where you can buy all your food for the week.
To learn more about the fishing on offer at our shore fishing destination in Norway, visit our YouTube channel.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart UK (alternative routes available)
Arrive Oslo Depart Oslo
Arrive Bodø Depart Bodø
Arrive Leknes
On arrival, you will be met and transferred via our private minibus to the fishing camp (approx 10 mins). Depending on the time of arrival you may have a chance to wet a line outside the apartments.
Overnight accommodation: Nappstraumen Luxury Cabins (Single Rooms) S/C
Over the next 6 days fishing after breakfast, you will be driven to the marks you will be fishing by your guide, he will chat with you about what you need to do to prepare for the day ahead and what species you want to target. Once your fishing day is finished you will return to the cabins and prepare your evening meals. Then if you have discussed it with your guide you may be able to head out on a night fishing session.
Overnight accommodation: Nappstraumen Luxury Cabins (Single Rooms) S/C
Depending on what species you wish to target you will be taken to whichever mark the guide feels will best suit your needs. This is big Halibut territory so you could well be doing battle with a monster fish from the shore on one of these days. If you wish to do a night session discuss this with your guide and he will arrange for you to fish the mark with the highest chance of fish dependant on winds and tides.
Overnight accommodation: Nappstraumen Luxury Cabins (Single Rooms) S/C
In the morning your group will be transferred back to Leknes airport for your return flights.
Depart Leknes
Arrive Bodø Depart Bodø
Arrive Oslo Depart Oslo
Arrive UK
The season runs from February to April & September to November.
Season: February to November
Peak: Feb to March October to Nov
Weight: 20lb to 350lb
Average Weight: 20lb
Season: January to December
Peak: March to November
Weight: 5lb to 60lb
Average Weight: 10lb
Season: February to November
Peak: March to November
Weight: 3lb to 12lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: January to December
Peak: January to December
Weight: 4lb to 17lb
Average Weight: 6lb
Season: March to October
Peak: July to September
Weight: 4lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 9 lb
Season: January to December
Peak: January to december
Weight: 3lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 6lb
Season: January to December
Peak: January to December
Weight: 1lb to 2.5lb
Average Weight: 1.5lb
Season: January to December
Peak: January to December
Weight: 5lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 8lb
There are no supplements for single anglers
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| Departing | Returning | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27/09/2023 | 04/10/2023 | 8 | £1,660 | Enquire Now |
| 04/10/2023 | 11/10/2023 | 8 | £1,660 | Enquire Now |
| 11/10/2023 | 18/10/2023 | 8 | £1,660 | Sold Out |
| 18/10/2023 | 25/10/2023 | 8 | £1,660 | Enquire Now |
| 25/10/2023 | 01/11/2023 | 8 | £1,660 | Sold Out |
| 01/11/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 8 | £1,660 | Enquire Now |
| 14/02/2024 | 21/02/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 21/02/2024 | 28/02/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 28/02/2024 | 06/03/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 06/03/2024 | 13/03/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 13/03/2024 | 20/03/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 20/03/2024 | 27/03/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 25/09/2024 | 02/10/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 02/10/2024 | 09/10/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 09/10/2024 | 16/10/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 16/10/2024 | 23/10/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 23/10/2024 | 30/10/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 30/10/2024 | 06/11/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
| 06/11/2024 | 13/11/2024 | 8 | £1,674 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on single rooms and 1 Sportquest Holidays fishing guide per 7 people and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
Pure fun, I can say no more. Perfect guide - Ross is a marine biologist! Extremely knowledgeable, perfect sense of humour, always going out of his way to make things work, calm, excellent teacher. The surroundings are astonishing - if the bites slow down a little, your minder drafts away into nature. And then the fish - have a look at the pictures. We'll have to open a fish store back in Belgium here... Can't wait to return.
Hi Jan
Thank you for the fantastic feedback. it sounds like you had a great time in Norway and caught some great fish.
Hopefully we will get to chat soon.
Tight lines
Matt
I have just got back from Lofoten islands Norway shore fishing
Ross Johnson our guide was excellent in his knowledge of the marks to fish
The accommodation was great
Travelling there was fine even in these uncertain times
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone
Even the northern lights gave us a show
A trip to remember
Thanks
Hi Danny, thank you for your feedback it is very much appreciated.
Sounds like you guys had a great weeks fishing. I kept speaking to Ross to make sure you guys were being looked after. So pleased we actually managed to get you there and a huge thanks for the little video you made. All the best and speak soon
Tight lines, Paul
The weather started out wet and windy.But as the days went on it brightened up.The fishing was hard .But we managed to get some nice fish.The biggest fish was a Halibut of 35lb with 2 others over 20lb.For me my fish were Halibut 7-8lb and 4lb 4oz .A plaice
Of 4lb 13oz and a pollack 3lb 8oz.Ross our guide was out standing.He took us to different marks each day.Only one day did we blank .Out of 7 anglers only one fish was caught a cod of 6-7lb. ANY angler who has trouble getting around .Tell Ross and he will put you on an easy mark.There are loads off deep water marks aswell as piers and jetties.
Hi Roland, thank you so much for your great feedback. So glad we got you out there finally. I will pass on your very kind comments to Ross and like you say, we have got a mark for everyone.
All the best, Paul
It was my first experience of Norway and no amount research prepared me for how cold it is. The fishing is amazing thanks to Ross who’s relentless enthusiasm and energy to help you catch is second to none.The general stamp of fish is unbelievable ,I’ve certainly never experienced anything quite like it ,this is mainly down to Ross who thinks of little else but fishing ,his knowledge is impressive.
Two things to make sure you take are studs for the boots
and sealskin gloves .Without these you are going to struggle both are worth every penny .
I went as a single angler not having met any of the group and was anxious to who I would be in a group with but there was nothing to worry about because everyone is there to fish so there is a common bond.
I’m looking forward to going next year now and achieving even more personal bests.
Hi Richard
Thank you for your feedback.
It sounds like you had a fantastic time and I know that you enjoyed yourself as you booked up for 2021 straight away.
Hopefully we will get to chat soon.
Tight Lines
Matt
On arrival Ross was already there waiting with a big smile and a handshake, introductions over we loaded the gear into the van and headed to the accommodation which once inside was clean, warm and comfortable.
The first days fishing turned out to be very hard going with some big dabs and plaice , but no cod or Halibut .
The highlight of the trip was the next day on the lay-bye mark where we managed 3 Halibut, two over 20lbs one over 35lbs a seasons best according to Ross and a forth fish that was clearly much bigger , almost pulling the lucky guy attached to it over the lay-bye crash barrier before parting the line and escaping
The rest of the week was spent catching coding, plaice, dabs ,pollack, coalfish and a lumb, not big fish but plenty of them .
Ross work extremely hard all week to put us on and catch fish often baiting up and casting for members of the party. As for fishing tips Ross taught me the Bimini Hitch and changed me reel line to Shimano Exage 4.05, with this set up you can literally pull the plug out.
Everyone in the group had a great time and I can only thank Ross for working so hard to make it a successful week, we will definitely be going back.
Hi Peter, thank you so much for finding the time to fill out your feedback form. These are so valuable to future customers.
Sounds like ROss really worked hard for you guys and well done on your fish. I am glad you learnt how to tie that knot I have been trying for years!!
All the very best, Paul
We missed our connecting flight because the 40 mins between flights simply to short to effect transfers. Allow two hours at least both inbound and outbound. People can enjoy duty free ect.
We got on another flight within an hour so sorted. The accommodation is first class as described however no washing machine as expected so glad took enough clothing. Views from lodge spectacular and northern lights to boot. As this is a new venture the Mark's was an unknown so when the Mark's fished in march blanked our very capable guide thought outside of the box and found new ones. Needless to say these all fished very very well and after a frustrating start a few good fish changed the mood and expectations. Everyone enjoyed PB.s with some huge plaice and Whiting plus double figure cod and halibuts.
What cant I say about your guide Ross, I spent a week at the university of shore fishing and I guess my grades would be showed improvement but can do better. His knowledge base is off the planet and couple this to an incredibly nice guy your trip is assured success.
I took vicki a non angler so with the storms of the first three days she spent time indoors catching up on her reading but a shopping trip into town she really enjoyed. However trips to the viking museum ect never materialised due to the amount of fishing we did.and zero transport. If some form of transport could be factored in for the non anglers to do things that would be a huge plus even a reliable taxi service. All in all my first shore trip to norway was incredible with a great group of fishoholics who never gave in.
Check list suggestions before you go.
1 check your clothing is water tight as discovering it's not when you start fishing isnt funny
2 field trial all your fishing gear on as many different Mark's as you can as some of us lost leads for a passion whereas ross only lost two.
3 take bait if you wish but fish baits provided outfished everything including fresh peeler which caught but not any better.
4 fishing in dark doesn't give you an edge like fishing at home enjoy your sleep and fish twilight to twilight.
5 listen to your guide most important point and you will catch fish you only dream of, Leave your british angling head at home and fish like a viking.
Will I do it again without a doubt, l enjoyed this challenge more than any boat trip and I can say halibut off the shore go like holy stink and the adrenaline rush spectacular.
I would just like to have a big once up to Ross who I rate as the best angler I have ever met and sportquest are very fortunate to employ such a high caliber guide.
Roll on October next year.
Hi Melvyn
Thank you for the great feedback.
I am really glad you enjoyed the shore fishing on the Lofoten Islands, the first few days I know you had some truly awful weather but once this passed I know the fishing you had was very good indeed.
I will pass your comments on to Ross, we are very proud to have him working for us and his calibre as an angler is truly up there with the best.
Tight Lines
Matt
Perhaps it was just unfortunate but we had the first 3 worst days weather for fishing, fortunately Ross found us some sheltered marks.
No washing machine or tumble dryer provided. Yes the drying room is nice but lots of soaking wet clothes would have been nice to have been washed and dried. Luckily it was just 4 of us using the room so plenty of space.
Ross is an excellent guide and I would happily pay for his knowledge and assistance in future holidays. First time shore fishing for me, looking forward to next year. Perhaps dates need to be investigated for the bigger shore fish..
Loved the fact that we discovered some very good future marks, and Ross continuously looking and finding more after our departure.
Personally I do think 8 fisherman in those apartments/bedrooms would prove very cramped tho especially with rods, clothing etc.
1 shower between 8 could cause delays and arguments.. Lol..
Love to come back but different time of year for weather and daylight.. Its all well and good nighttime fishing from boats (easy) but great shore marks would prove difficult in darkness..
Thanks for great holiday. Would highly recommend.
Ps, stocking up a small box, with weights, rigs, terminal tackle for purchase would also be a great help.. (amazon UK prices tho.. Lol) Lots of tackle lost at marks proved annoying..
Hi Mark
There is a washing machine there but I would not recommend using its as it is there specifically for the flotation suits so it is not advisable to put your clothes in it.
Thank you for your feedback, Ross is an excellent guide as you have stated and we are very proud to have him working for Sportquest Holidays.
The apartments are set out for 4 people to an apartment when groups of more than 4 are out there then 2 apartments will be used so everybody has their own rooms. So there will only be 4 people using an apartments amenities on each week.
Hopefully we can get you out there next year earlier in the season!
Speak soon.
Matt
Our party of 4 anglers had an excellent holiday In the most scenic place you could ever dream to fish in.
The guides done there very best in trying conditions but that did not deter our efforts and didn’t dampen our enthusiasm and I have already chose a future date for next year and will be paying our deposit this coming week . We had some good sessions on the cod to 13.00lb and our party had 6 Halibut in total with the best of over 42.00lb . The Dab fishing is exceptionally good yes there not monster fish but catching Dabs almost to 2.0lb is something we can’t do in the UK . I would advise anybody thinking of trying the Lofoten Islands to shore fish don’t hold back . The guides are spot on and accommodation is some of the best I’ve ever stayed in.
We only had one negative , that was the time spent in Oslo airport waiting for our flight of almost 6.00hrs but when we checked the airline flights and availability we could of quite easy arrived at our destination 4.00 hrs earlier than what we did . We could also of flown from an airport from northern UK and done it in one day rather than doing an overnight in London. By having an overnight we were unable to bring any fish back as it meant we were traveling for almost 30 hrs .
We understand there is issues with aircraft and covid and hopefully next year things will be a lot better!
The guides really made this trip for me, fantastic knowledge of the local marks and the fishing catches too. They kept us informed though out the trip each day and adjusted our venues to suit the weather conditions.
They also assisted me on the big walks without any bother as I struggled on a couple of the venues. The flights were horrific, being cancelled as I arrived at the airport and losing a days holiday and to cap it off my luggage was lost for 5 days on return.
I have just got back from the Lofoten Islands in Norway and would like you to thank Zac the guide, for a fantastic trip. He was so helpful and the marks he put me on were very productive. He was hands on and a star. I will be booking with you again and hope I get Zac as a guide again. Many thanks for a really good trip.
We were exceptionally proud to be involved with the Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing Christmas Special to Norway in 2022. Being the first time the programme had ventured outside the UK, it took a tremendous amount of work to produce the itinerary and cater for the thirteen-strong production team, but it was a fantastic couple of weeks away. If you enjoyed the programme, here is more information on Paul and Bob's trip and the itinerary it followed.
If you are looking for a family fishing holiday then Mefjord is the destination for you. Not only is this an anglers paradise with super-sized specimen Cod, Halibut and Coalfish coming out of the waters at various times of the year but there are also a huge variety of activities on offer to keep the whole family entertained.
Ever fancied going to Norway to do battle with some of the hard fighting fish that this part of the world is known for and struggled to get your friends to join, well now is your chance to come on your own and fish with like minded anglers. The waters around Lofoten Islands are a magnet to the mighty Halibut plus all the usual species.
We are extremely pleased to be able to offer you yet another fantastic opportunity to fish this part of the world as a single angler or small group and would like to welcome you to Vesterålen. Located in the north of Norway surrounded by some of the most stunning landscape Norway has to offer. This destination is an excellent area for a mixed species trip.
If you want to target real monster Cod then this hosted fishing trip to Mefjord Brygge is for you. With Cod caught approaching near-record sizes it is your chance to smash your PB's. Cod of 70lb are caught daily in March & April and it won't be long before one is caught over 100lb. Join us on your next adventure
