How to catch fish on a trip

Fishing luck on a trip

There is a difference between going fishing and fishing while hiking. This guide focuses on the latter and covers freshwater fishing with simple spinning gear, such as spoons, spinners, wobblers, soft lures, and natural bait.

Fishing can add an extra dimension to any hike. With a little knowledge, some basic equipment, and an understanding of fish behaviour, your chances of success increase significantly. Fish are opportunistic and generally seek out places where they can find food while staying safe from predators.

In this guide, you'll learn about fishing regulations, essential equipment, common freshwater fish species, where to find fish, and how to improve your chances of getting a bite.

Rules for fishing in freshwater

Before casting your line, make sure you understand the local fishing regulations for the area you plan to visit.

Important points to check:

• Whether a local fishing licence is required
• Any minimum or maximum size limits for fish species
• Daily catch limits (bag limits)
• Restrictions on fishing methods and equipment
• Protected species and closed seasons
• Rules regarding salmon, sea trout, and sea-run Arctic char, which may require a national fishing fee
• Children under 16 are often entitled to free fishing in many freshwater areas
• The use of live bait fish is prohibited
• Dead bait fish from other watercourses may also be prohibited
• Never move live fish between lakes, rivers, or watercourses

What kind of equipment do you need?

Rod and reel

For hiking and backpacking, choose a lightweight rod capable of casting small lures. A rod rated for casting weights between 3–25 grams and measuring 8–10 feet (2.4–3 metres) is suitable for most freshwater fishing.

A four-piece travel rod is generally recommended over telescopic rods, as it usually offers better casting performance and durability while remaining easy to carry.

For reels, an open-faced spinning reel in size 1000–4000 will cover most situations. Ask your local tackle shop for advice on matching the reel to your rod.

Fishing line

Braided line provides long casting distance and excellent sensitivity. Use a braided main line with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader attached to the end.

The leader is less visible underwater and offers better abrasion resistance against rocks and fish teeth.

For most freshwater fishing:

• Leader diameter: 0.15–0.25 mm
• Thin lines cast farther and are less visible to fish

Don't worry too much about line strength—proper technique allows you to land surprisingly large fish on relatively light tackle.

Swivels and Snap Clips

A swivel helps prevent line twist caused by spinning lures or fighting fish.

A snap swivel makes it easy to change lures quickly while also reducing line twist.

Lures

A small selection of lures is often all you need:

• Spoons
• Spinners
• Wobblers
• Soft plastic lures (jigs)

Weights between 4–16 grams work well in most freshwater situations.

Recommended colours:

• Silver
• Copper and red
• Bright colours such as red, orange, and yellow

Small lures are often surprisingly effective—even for large fish.

Float fishing

Fishing with a float and natural bait is simple, effective, and fun.

Use:

• A casting float suited to your rod's casting weight
• Small hooks (size 10 is suitable for most freshwater species)
• A long leader
• Just enough weight to keep the float balanced

Natural bait

Common freshwater baits include:

• Earthworms
• Corn
• Bread or dough
• Dead bait fish (where permitted)

Earthworms remain one of the most effective baits for trout, Arctic char, and perch.

Common freshwater fish species

Trout, Arctic Char, and Grayling

Best methods:

• Spinners and spoons
• Float fishing with worms
• Bottom fishing with natural bait

Perch

Best methods:

• Worm fishing under a float
• Small lures and soft plastics

Cyprinids (Roach, Bream, Tench, Rudd, and Similar Species)

Best methods:

• Float fishing with bread, corn, or worms

Pike

Best methods:

• Large spoons
• Soft plastics
• Wobblers
• Dead bait fish where permitted

European Eel

European eel is a protected species and must always be released carefully if caught.

Where to find the fish

Think like a fish:

"Where can I find food while staying safe and conserving energy?"

Fish are usually found where food is abundant and shelter is available.

Good places to try include:

• Along reed beds and vegetation
• Near drop-offs and deeper water close to shore
• Around submerged logs, roots, and rocks
• In pools below waterfalls and rapids
• Along current seams where fast and slow water meet
• At river bends and backwaters
• Around inlets and outlets of lakes
• Behind large rocks in flowing water

Fish are generally most active:

• At dawn
• At dusk
• During the night
• During mild, overcast weather

Rain often washes insects and other food into streams and lakes, making fishing particularly productive after rainfall.

How to get the fish to bite?

• Of course, fish bite best when they are hungry, and when they are not frightened and scared
• The fish need more food and are generally more active when it is hot
• The water is like a lens and the fish look over edges, never go all the way out to the water's edge
• Avoid casting shade over the water, fish towards the sun and preferably along the shore in front of you
• Be as silent and as inconspicuous as possible, and don't be afraid to look a little comical.
• Feel free to squat or lie in the grass, or sit next to or behind bushes, trees and rocks
• Rain, wind and general turmoil in the water camouflage your movements
• Fish evening, night and morning, then the fish will get closer and you will be less visible
• Vary the methods, vary the casting length, direction and reeling, and change colors/bait often
• Small is good. Try with smaller lures if you don't catch fish.
• Try with earthworms, small nook with naturally unfolded worms (do not budge)
• Preferably with just hook/worm, possibly with a few split shots. As easy as possible!
• Be patient! The big fish moves more and will pass you by eventually

What do you do when it bites?

• Make a small counter-strike/strike to secure the hook
• Hold the rod straight up, all the time with the line tight. Don't point at the fish with the rod
• Adjust the reel brake so that the line does not break, but so that you still manage to reel in the line
• Many lose their fish close to shore. Avoid sudden jerks, and use a net on large fish!
• Quick killing by breaking the neck or hitting the head with a stick/stick/knife, if you are going to use the fish (remember any rules about minimum sizes and protections).
• Bleed the fish right away by cutting or tearing over some gill arches
• Do not wait too long to make up the fish and take out the blood strip (kidney)
• With foil, salt and pepper (preferably butter) on hand, you can season and pack right away
• Then put it on the grill/fire at the first opportunity
• Boiling in a saucepan or frying on a stone slab are also goodies, but remember salt and pepper
• In some places, the fish have intestinal parasites. There are many types, but none are dangerous to humans. As long as they come out with you when you make up the fish, the fish is just as good as food!

Tips for further exploration of the topic

• www.inatur.no – A place for information about Norwegian waters and watercourses, and for buying fishing licenses
• www.artsfiske.com – A free website for logging and recording your catches and species.
• www.hooked.no – Norway's largest website for fishing