Flounder Fishing in Norway – A Calm, Underrated and Surprisingly Exciting Experience
- Espen Haaland
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
When people think about fishing in Norway, they often imagine cod, halibut, or deep-sea fishing far offshore. But flounder fishing in Norway is one of the most underrated and rewarding fishing experiences you can have - especially in calm fjord waters.
This guide explains why flounder fishing is so enjoyable, how it works in fjord environments, and when is best to try it.
Targeting flatfish like plaice, flounder, turbot and brill offers a completely different kind of fishing: relaxed, technical, peaceful, and surprisingly engaging. It’s fishing at a slower pace, where patience, feel, and understanding the seabed matter more than strength or speed.
Having grown up fishing these fjords, flounder fishing has always been one of my favorite spring techniques.
It’s fishing at a slower pace, where patience, feel, and understanding the seabed matter more than strength or speed - and a great example of the kind of fishing adventures in Stavanger we focus on.
Why flounder fishing is so underrated in Norway
In countries like Denmark and Sweden, flounder fishing has long traditions and a strong following among recreational anglers. In Norway, however, it remains overlooked - despite our long coastline, sheltered fjords, and excellent flatfish habitats.
Norwegian fjords offer:
Large areas of sandy and mixed seabed
Sheltered waters with minimal swell
Seasonal migrations that bring flounder closer to shore in spring
Calm conditions perfect for light tackle and precise fishing
Once people try flounder fishing properly, they are often surprised by how technical and exciting it actually is.
What makes flounder fishing special
Flounder fishing is often described as quiet - but it is never boring.
Flatfish are cautious feeders. Bites can be subtle, sometimes just a gentle movement in the rod tip. Success depends on:
Reading small signals
Timing the hook-set correctly
Understanding how the fish behaves on the seabed
When you hook into a good plaice or turbot, the fight is powerful and determined - far more than many expect from a “flat” fish.
The best time for flounder fishing in Norway
Spring is the prime season for flounder fishing in Norway.
As water temperatures rise, many flatfish species move into:
Shallow bays
Fjord arms
Sandy areas close to land
These areas warm up faster and attract baitfish and bottom-dwelling prey. Spring also offers long daylight hours and calm weather - perfect conditions for relaxed fjord fishing.
How flounder fishing works in the fjords
Flounder fishing is a form of bottom fishing, usually done with light tackle.
The most effective approach is fishing from a slowly drifting boat, allowing us to cover ground while keeping the bait naturally presented along the seabed. In some situations, anchoring is more effective, especially if the drift is too fast.
We focus on:
Sandy or mixed bottoms
Gentle depth transitions
Areas where food naturally collects
Once we find fish, there are often several in the same area.
Why flounder fishing fits perfectly with a fjord experience
Flounder fishing is ideal for people who want:
A calm, unhurried experience
Scenic fjord surroundings
Learning-based fishing rather than pure action
A mix of fishing and fjord cruising
Between bites, there’s time to enjoy the landscape, observe wildlife, and learn about the underwater terrain of the fjord.
Flounder fishing is often combined with other light fjord fishing, making it a perfect fit for our longer private tours.
For a broader look at fjord fishing beyond flatfish, see our guide to fjord fishing in Norway – species, seasons and expectations.
Flounder fishing as food fishing
One of the great rewards of flounder fishing is the quality of the fish.
Flatfish like plaice, turbot and brill are considered delicacies across Europe. Their firm, white meat is mild, clean-tasting and extremely versatile in the kitchen.
Even smaller flounder species offer excellent eating when prepared properly - something that surprises many first-time anglers.
A different kind of fishing experience
Flounder fishing in Norway isn’t about chasing trophies or fighting the elements.
It’s about:
Precision over power
Calm over chaos
Understanding nature rather than rushing through it
It’s fishing that rewards attention, patience and curiosity - and that’s exactly why so many people end up loving it once they try.
Common Questions About Flounder Fishing in Norway
What is flounder fishing in Norway?
Flounder fishing in Norway focuses on flatfish species such as plaice, flounder, turbot and brill, typically caught in calm fjord and coastal waters over sandy or mixed seabeds. It is a quiet and technical style of fishing well suited for sheltered environments.
Is flounder fishing common in Norway?
Yes, flounder fishing has long traditions in Norway and the wider Nordic region. While it is less visible than cod fishing, it is widely practiced by local anglers and highly regarded for both sport and food.
Where do you find flounder when fishing in Norway?
Flounder are most commonly found on sandy or gently sloping seabeds, often near drop-offs, eelgrass areas or zones where currents bring food. Fjords with mixed bottom structure are particularly productive.
When is the best season for flounder fishing in Norway?
Spring through early autumn is generally the best period. Rising water temperatures and increased baitfish activity bring flatfish closer to accessible fishing depths, especially in fjords and sheltered coastal areas.
Is flounder fishing suitable for beginners?
Yes. Flounder fishing is calm, accessible and well suited for beginners. The techniques are simple to learn, the gear is light, and the sheltered fjord environment allows for a relaxed learning experience.
Do you usually catch a lot of fish flounder fishing?
Catch rates vary naturally depending on conditions, location and season. Some days offer steady action, while others are quieter. Flounder fishing rewards patience, technique and understanding of the seabed rather than speed or volume.
Is flounder fishing mainly about food or experience?
Both. Flatfish such as plaice and turbot are highly valued eating fish, but many anglers appreciate flounder fishing just as much for its calm pace, technical approach and close connection to the fjord environment.
How is flounder fishing different from offshore fishing in Norway?
Flounder fishing takes place in sheltered waters using light tackle, focusing on seabed structure and subtle presentation. Offshore fishing often involves heavier gear, deeper water and a more weather-dependent, action-focused approach.
Why is flounder fishing considered underrated?
Because it lacks dramatic visuals and fast action, flounder fishing is often overlooked. Those who try it often discover a highly engaging and rewarding form of fishing that combines technique, calm surroundings and excellent table quality.
Is flounder fishing in southern Norway worth it?
Join a private fjord fishing tour in Stavanger
On our private fjord fishing tours with Stavanger Adventure, flounder fishing is often part of the experience when conditions are right.
All tours are:
Fully private
Adapted to your level and interests
Focused on calm fjord waters and quality fishing time
We offer 3-, 5- and 7-hour private fjord fishing tours, where we combine targeted fishing with scenic fjord cruising and learning about the underwater landscape.
👉 If you’re curious about flounder fishing in Norway and want to experience it properly, feel free to get in touch or learn more about the guide behind Stavanger Adventure.
If you’d like a broader understanding of what fjord fishing in Stavanger really involves, you can also read The Ultimate Guide to Fjord Fishing in Stavanger, which brings together safety, suitability, species, tour styles and practical expectations in one complete overview.
Calm. Personal. Real.
Comments