Am I allowed to fish for free in Norway?
Yes — saltwater fishing is free for everyone, tourists included, with no fee or licence. To fish salmon, sea trout and char in fresh water, however, you need two things: a local fishing permit (fiskekort) from the landowner and the national fishing fee, which is 347 kr in 2026 (554 kr for a family). Under 18s fish free. Since 1 January 2026 tourists may export 15 kg of sea fish, at most twice a year, and only via a registered fishing business. It is illegal for tourists to sell their catch. The limit drops to 10 kg from 2027.
📋 The rules
- Saltwater fishing is free for everyone, tourists included
- Salmon/sea trout in fresh water needs a permit + fishing fee
- Fishing fee 2026: 347 kr (554 kr family)
- Under 18s fish free
- Tourist export: 15 kg sea fish (10 kg from 2027)
🔓 Exceptions
- Self-caught salmon in fresh water is not covered by the 15 kg sea-fish limit
- The export limit applies only via a registered fishing business with documentation
- King crab is not covered by the quota
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Exporting more than the quota brings seizure of all fish and a police report. Fishing salmon in fresh water without the fee or a permit is an offence with fines set case by case.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Must I pay to fish in the sea?
No. Saltwater fishing is free for everyone, including tourists, with no fee or licence.
What do I need to fish salmon in the river?
You need both a local fishing permit from the landowner and the national fishing fee, which is 347 kr in 2026.
Do children fish for free?
Yes. People under 18 do not pay the fishing fee.
How much fish can tourists take out of the country?
Since 2026 the limit is 15 kg of sea fish, at most twice a year, and only via a registered fishing business.
Can I sell the fish I catch?
No, not as a tourist. Selling a catch is illegal for recreational fishers without registration.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I fish for free norway”
- “saltwater fishing free tourist”
- “fishing fee 347 kr 2026”
- “fishing permit salmon river”
- “tourist export 15 kg fish”
- “fishing without permit penalty”