Yes, you can join a guided fishing trip from Ålesund on the Borgundfjord without your own boat or gear. The shared trip lasts about 4 hours and costs 2 090 NOK per adult and 1 849 NOK per child. Departures are at 10:30 from November to March, and at 10:30 and 15:00 from April to October. All ages are welcome, and no experience is needed.
Borgundfjord fishing in Ålesund – from historic skrei fisheries to modern sea adventures
Every winter, fishermen gather in the Borgundfjord outside Ålesund as the migrating skrei (Arctic cod) arrives to spawn. The Borgundfjord fishery is one of the best-known seasonal fishing traditions in Sunnmøre and an important part of the region’s coastal culture.
Today, you don’t need your own boat to take part in this tradition. Visitors and locals alike can join a guided fishing trip from Ålesund and experience the fjord with experienced local skippers. The trip runs year-round, so you can fish for skrei in winter and for mackerel and saithe in summer.
Fishing trip in Ålesund – key facts
| Duration | About 4 hours |
|---|---|
| Price (shared trip) | 2 090 NOK per adult, 1 849 NOK per child |
| Departures November–March | 10:30 |
| Departures April–October | 10:30 and 15:00 |
| Meeting point | Central Ålesund. The exact meeting point is listed in your booking confirmation. |
| Included | Boat with skipper and guide, all fishing equipment, safety gear and instruction |
| Suitable for | All ages. No fishing experience is needed. |
| Private trips | 4-hour private fishing charter or a full day with flexible planning (see below) |
| Booking | Check availability and book online |
What is the Borgundfjord fishery?
The Borgundfjord fishery is mainly connected to skrei, the migratory cod that travels from the Barents Sea to the Norwegian coast each winter.
When the skrei enters the fjord:
- Local leisure and professional fishermen head out to sea
- Boats fill the fjord
- A unique seasonal atmosphere spreads across the area
The skrei season usually falls in late winter and early spring, often from around January to April. The exact timing varies from year to year, depending on sea conditions and fish migration.
Why is Borgundfjord good for fishing?
Borgundfjord has several features that make it a good place to fish:
- Deep-water sections
- Strong, nutrient-rich currents
- Easy access to the open sea
- Sheltered areas close to Ålesund
These conditions attract skrei as well as other species throughout the year, including:
- Cod
- Coalfish (saithe)
- Haddock
- Mackerel (seasonal)
The combination of depth, seabed structure and currents creates excellent fishing opportunities close to the city.
Experience Borgundfjord fishing with a guided tour from Ålesund
Would you like to go fishing in Ålesund without planning everything yourself?
Uteguiden runs guided fishing trips from Ålesund with local skippers who know the fjord, the seasons and the most productive fishing spots. The trip lasts about four hours. That gives you enough time to try several spots and depths without taking up your whole day.
When you join a fishing trip, you get:
- A safe and comfortable boat
- An experienced skipper and guide
- All the fishing equipment you need
- Safety gear
- Instruction and guidance throughout the trip
The trip is suitable for:
- Cruise guests visiting Ålesund
- Families and couples
- Groups of friends
- Corporate groups
- Beginners and experienced anglers
No previous fishing experience is needed. The fishing trip is one of our most popular family activities in Ålesund because it suits all ages.
When is the best time for fishing in Ålesund?
The skrei season in late winter is the highlight of the Borgundfjord fishery. Sea fishing in Ålesund is possible all year, however. Different species dominate depending on the season and the weather.
A key advantage of a guided fishing trip is that the skipper adapts to the conditions of the day. This includes:
- Fishing location
- Techniques
- Depth
- Equipment
This gives you the best chance of a successful and enjoyable trip.
Summer fishing in Ålesund – mackerel, saithe and cod
Many people associate fishing in Ålesund with winter skrei, but summer is a great time to be on the water. The days are long and the air is milder. From April to October there are two daily departures, at 10:30 and 15:00, so the trip is easy to fit around other plans.
- Mackerel usually arrives along the coast in summer. Mackerel often swims in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast. This makes mackerel fishing especially fun for children and first-timers.
- Saithe (coalfish) is a strong fighter and can be caught for much of the year, often near currents and underwater structures.
- Cod is found in the area all year and is a classic catch at greater depths.
No catch is guaranteed. Your skipper still uses local knowledge to find the spots where fish are most likely to be feeding that day.
Fishing calendar – month by month
| Month | What you may catch | Shared departures |
|---|---|---|
| January–March | Skrei (when it arrives), cod, saithe, haddock | 10:30 |
| April | Late skrei, cod, saithe, haddock | 10:30 and 15:00 |
| May | Cod, saithe, haddock | 10:30 and 15:00 |
| June–August | Mackerel, saithe, cod | 10:30 and 15:00 |
| September | Mackerel (often until early autumn), saithe, cod | 10:30 and 15:00 |
| October | Cod, saithe, haddock | 10:30 and 15:00 |
| November–December | Cod, saithe, haddock | 10:30 |
Fish movements depend on water temperature and conditions, so treat the calendar as a guide rather than a promise.
What to wear on a fishing trip
It is often colder and windier at sea than in town, even in summer. Safety gear is provided. We recommend that you bring:
- A windproof and waterproof jacket
- Warm layers of wool or fleece
- A hat and gloves, especially from autumn to spring
- Sunglasses and sun protection on sunny days
- Sturdy shoes with a good grip
Light rain rarely stops a trip. The skipper always makes the final safety call. If we have to cancel because of the weather, you are offered a full refund or a new date.
Fishing trip for cruise guests in Ålesund
Ålesund is a popular cruise port, and the fishing trip fits well into a day ashore. It lasts about four hours, and the departure times make it possible to fish and still have time to explore the Art Nouveau town centre. Always allow a good margin before your ship’s all-aboard time. For more ideas, read our guide to what to do in Ålesund on a cruise stop.
Private fishing trips
Would you like the boat to yourselves? We offer private fishing charters for families, friends and corporate groups:
- 4-hour private fishing trip: 20 900 NOK per boat
- Full day of fishing with flexible planning: 41 900 NOK per boat
On a private trip, you decide the pace and focus together with your skipper. Contact us at travel@uteguiden.com for availability. For team events, see also our page on company outings.
A unique sea adventure close to Ålesund city centre
Borgundfjord is just minutes from Ålesund city centre. In a short time, you go from colourful Art Nouveau streets to open sea and dramatic coastal scenery.
During the trip, you may enjoy:
- Views of the Sunnmøre Alps
- Coastal landscapes and islands
- Fresh sea air and open horizons
A fishing trip in Ålesund combines easy access with authentic Norwegian coastal culture. To see more of the fjords, read our overview of fjord tours from Ålesund.
Combine fishing with other activities in Ålesund
Many guests pair the fishing trip with another activity on the same day or during the same stay:
- Classic kayak tour in Ålesund: a family favourite from age 5 (May–October)
- Coastal Safari by RIB: one hour of speed and scenery
- Wildlife Sea Safari: look for sea eagles and other wildlife in summer
- Fjord safari by RIB to Hjørundfjorden
See all our boat trips and RIB safaris and sea kayak tours, or read about the best boat tours and RIB safaris in Ålesund. Visiting in winter? See things to do in Ålesund in winter.
Why choose a guided fishing trip in Ålesund?
Many people associate the Borgundfjord fishery with private boats. A guided fishing trip has several advantages:
- Local knowledge of productive fishing spots
- Professional safety standards
- No need for your own boat or equipment
- Efficient use of your time at sea
- Small groups and personal attention
Uteguiden has offered guided outdoor experiences in Western Norway since 2012. Our guests rate us 4.8 on Google and 4.9 on Tripadvisor.
Book your fishing trip in Ålesund
Would you like to experience Borgundfjord fishing yourself? The shared trip runs all year, with one departure in winter and two in the summer half of the year. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Check availability and book online here to secure your spot, especially during the skrei season and on busy summer days. Looking for a present? A gift card can be used for the fishing trip as well.
Frequently asked questions
What is Borgundfjord fishing?
It is the traditional seasonal skrei (Arctic cod) fishery in the Borgundfjord just outside Ålesund. Today, you can experience it on a guided fishing trip without your own boat.
When is the skrei season in Ålesund?
Usually in late winter and early spring, often from around January to April. The exact timing varies from year to year with sea conditions and fish migration.
How much does a fishing trip in Ålesund cost?
The shared 4-hour fishing trip costs 2 090 NOK per adult and 1 849 NOK per child. A private 4-hour fishing charter costs 20 900 NOK per boat, and a full day costs 41 900 NOK per boat.
How long does the fishing trip last, and when does it depart?
The trip lasts about 4 hours. From November to March it departs at 10:30. From April to October there are departures at 10:30 and 15:00.
Do I need fishing experience, and can children join?
No experience is needed. All equipment and instruction are included. The trip suits all ages and is one of our most popular family activities in Ålesund.
What should I wear on a fishing trip?
Wear warm layers of wool or fleece and a windproof, waterproof jacket. Bring a hat and gloves in the colder months and sun protection on sunny days. Safety gear is provided on board.
Can I take my catch home or out of Norway?
Ask your skipper on the day what you can take with you. Norway has strict rules on taking fish out of the country as a tourist, so check the current export rules with the Norwegian authorities before you travel.
Is the fishing trip suitable for cruise guests?
Yes. The trip lasts about 4 hours and departs from central Ålesund, so it fits many port days. Always allow a good margin before your ship’s all-aboard time.
