Cod Fishing in Norway: Where to Find Big Cod at Havnnes

Cod, or torsk in Norwegian, is the backbone of a sea fishing holiday at Havnnes. It is caught around the Lyngenfjord throughout the year, and the grounds within reach of the harbour produce everything from reliable fjord cod to the heavy fish of the outer coast.

Why Havnnes is strong cod country

A resident herring population in the Rotsundet keeps cod feeding close to home in every season, while the deeper Lyngenfjord and the open coast off the outer islands hold larger fish. The mix of sheltered fjord grounds and productive offshore banks is what lets you catch cod here in almost any weather.

Where to catch cod

Three zones lie within range of the self-drive boats:

• Rotsundet, the home grounds: cod hold here all year over the sandy plateau, a short run from the harbour.

• The Lyngenfjord: deeper marks near Vaggasnasen hold good fish that move with the tide.

• The outer waters off Arnøya and Vannøya: the banks around Jewasgrunnen produce the largest cod of the trip on settled days.

The best season for cod

Cod fishing is productive across the open-boat season. Late winter and spring bring the migratory skrei into the region, which is when the heaviest fish are landed. Summer offers steady mixed fishing, and autumn is excellent as cod feed hard before winter. For a fuller breakdown, see the guide to the best time of year for sea fishing in Norway.

Sizes and rules

North of 62°N, the minimum size for cod is 55 cm within four nautical miles of the baseline, which covers the fjord and most of the grounds at Havnnes, and 44 cm further offshore. Visitors fishing from a registered tourist fishing facility, which Havnnes is, may export up to 15 kg of fish per person, twice per calendar year. Confirm the current rules with the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries before you travel.

Tackle and technique

Cod feed close to the bottom, so pirks and heavy jigs, large soft-plastic shads and baited rigs all work well. A rod in the 12–20 lb class with braided line covers most fjord fishing, and drifting over the plateau edges and banks keeps your lure in the productive zone. Basic tackle is stocked in the on-site shop.

Plan your cod trip to Havnnes

Stay in a historic self-catering house, fish to your own schedule, and prepare your catch in the on-site filleting room and freezer. While you are here, the halibut fishing on the Rotsundet plateau is well worth a session. Book your accommodation or enquire about boat hire to begin planning.