Raustadvatnet lake, Western Norway: Some ice fishers bring their own couch. (Photo: Private/ hjorundfjord.no)

Soon it is peak season for ice fishing and many Norwegians are enjoying themselves with the popular and stimulating outdoor activity. On frozen lakes Norwegians are fishing Arctic char, trout, perch and pike, and on frozen fjords many types of salt water fish such as cod and sea trout.

If you are a beginner, you do not have to invest in expensive equipment: There are many affordable ice fishing kits on the internet. You can borrow an ice auger from a friend, or you can make a hole in the ice with an ax.

It is important that you check the ice thickness. It should be 10 to 12 centimeters (4-5 in) on small lakes and 14 to 15 centimeters (5.5 – 6 in) on bigger lakes.

These pictures will hopefully tempt you to put on warm clothes, pack your backpack with something warm to drink and seek a frozen lake:

Finnmark, Northern Norway: In December 2013 Arnt Jensen caught this Arctic char weighing 5.7 kilo (12.6 lbs). (Photo: Private / Finnmark Dagblad)

Lyngenfjord, Northern Norway: The fish does not need to be big to enjoy the trip. (Photo: visit-lyngenfjord.com)

Hostovatnet lake, Central Norway: Everybody are welcome to participate in ice fishing competitions, like this one that took place in 2013. (Photo: trollheimsporten.no)

Litlevatnet lake, Western Norway: In April, the temperature is pleasant, and the fish willingly bites. (Photo: NVB / stordal-kommune.no)

Text by: Thor Lanesskog, ThorNews

Categories: Nature, Travel