For anyone who has been fishing in northern Norway for a long time, Greenland is a natural next step. The species are familiar, but the fjords are larger, the landscape wilder and the waters have hardly ever been fished systematically. At Camp Nataarnaq, the fish are not wary, the stocks are strong and every drop can produce something truly big.
The trip at a glance
- Destination: Camp Nataarnaq in the fjords outside Nuuk, Greenland
- Best time: June and July
- Species: halibut, spotted wolffish, cod and redfish
- Method: jigging, pilking and bait fishing from 20-foot boats, four anglers per guide
- Fishing days: six
- Accommodation: glamping tents with a stove, two people per tent
The species
- Halibut are one of the main attractions and are commonly found in the area.
- Spotted wolffish are abundant and attract many experienced sea anglers with their size and powerful fights.
- Cod are abundant and reach a good size.
- Redfish (ocean perch) have a stable population in deeper waters.
Depending on the location and depth, there is also a chance of catching other flatfish and smaller species.
How the fishing works
You fish from stable 20-foot boats with four anglers and one guide per boat. One day may focus on heavy halibut fishing, the next on wolffish or large cod. The weather and conditions determine the plan, and the guides choose spots with deep drop-offs, plateaus and softer bottoms depending on the species you are targeting.
Between fishing sessions, you will often see whales, seals, seabirds and white-tailed eagles in the fjords.
Baits and methods by species
Halibut are caught using heavy jigs and bait. Soft plastic jigs weighing around 200–500 grams work well near the bottom or when actively jigged up through the water. In shallower areas, lighter 100–200 gram jigs can produce hard strikes.
Spotted wolffish are best caught with bait fishing using dead bait, preferably pieces of small cod. Keeping steady contact with the bottom and being patient produces results.
Cod are caught with jigs and soft lures. Classic jigs weighing between 200 and 1,000 grams work excellently along drop-offs and depth contours.
Redfish are caught in deeper water, where a rubber-bodied jig is essential.
Accommodation and food
The camp is secluded, with views over the fjord. You stay in spacious glamping tents, two people per tent, with proper beds, a wood-burning stove and reindeer hides. There is electricity, hot water, a toilet and shower, as well as a larger tent for meals. The camp chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner using local ingredients. You can buy alcohol in Nuuk before you head out. There is Wi-Fi via Starlink.
On the last fishing day, you fish your way back to Nuuk and spend one night at a hotel before your journey home.
Best time
June and July are the best months for saltwater fishing. Weather windows are more stable and the days are long. Temperatures are usually between 5 and 15 degrees, and the sea is often calmer in the fjords than out in open water, although the weather can change quickly.
If you’re more interested in fly fishing, see our guide to Arctic char fishing in Greenland.
Interested in saltwater fishing in Greenland?
We’re happy to tailor the trip, for example with an extra focus on halibut or in combination with Arctic char fishing.
Frequently asked questions about saltwater fishing in Greenland
Which species do you fish for?
Halibut, spotted wolffish, cod and redfish, and occasionally other flatfish depending on the location and depth.
When is the best time?
June and July, when weather windows are more stable and the days are long.
Can I combine it with Arctic char fishing?
Yes, it’s possible to tailor a trip that combines saltwater fishing and Arctic char fishing.
Questions about the trip?
We’re happy to help with planning and questions about the fishing. Call us at +46 313 758 200 or email info@outsidetravels.com.