Lake Mjøsa fishing at a glance
Lake Mjøsa fishing is open to anyone who fishes in the lake itself: no fishing card (fiskekort) is needed for the lake. That does not mean anything goes. Closed seasons, size limits, methods and the rules for the tributaries are set separately, and they decide where and how you can fish.
The lake is home to 20 fish species. The best known are brown trout (ørret), pike (gjedde), whitefish (sik) and perch (abbor), plus vendace (lågåsild). The big local trout is called Mjøsørret. If you would rather see the lake from the water without a rod, the Skibladner timetable and tickets show how to sail on it in summer.
Fishing rules around Lake Mjøsa by season
The main rules in one table. Check the current rules for your spot before you go.
| Rule | When | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Trout size | All year | Trout under 50 cm go back in the water immediately |
| Trolling and net fishing | 1 January to 30 April and 1 to 30 September | Generally banned, with exceptions and extra rules for some areas |
| Trolling gear | When trolling is allowed | At most 4 baits per boat |
| Rod fishing from the shore | All year | Allowed, subject to special rules for some places |
| Spawning tributaries | 1 September to 30 April | Fishing generally banned; Lenaelva has an exception from 10 September to 31 December |
| Åkersvika, motor boats | All year inside the railway bridge; 1 April to 31 May outside | Banned |
| Åkersvika, kayaks, canoes and rowing boats | 1 April to 31 May, inside the railway bridge | Banned; angling in this period only at marked bridges and zones |
For most visitors, the simplest plan is rod fishing from the shore of the lake, putting small trout back and staying out of the tributaries and Åkersvika unless you know the local rules.
Boat trips and activities on Lake Mjøsa
Cruises, sights and outdoor trips around Lake Mjøsa and Lillehammer, with live prices and availability.
Fish species and what to expect
Five names you will see on local fish lists.
| Fish | Norwegian name | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Trout | ørret | Trout under 50 cm go back in the water. The large local lake trout is called Mjøsørret. |
| Pike | gjedde | Check closed seasons locally |
| Whitefish | sik | Check closed seasons locally |
| Perch | abbor | Check closed seasons locally |
| Vendace | lågåsild | Check closed seasons locally |
Twenty species live in the lake in all. The closed seasons and methods in the rules table above apply whichever fish you are after.
Swimming in Lake Mjøsa: beaches at Hamar
Hamar has the best-known swimming places on the lake. Koigen has a beach and a diving tower, and the shore towards Domkirkeodden is also used for bathing. The municipality classes the water quality over several years as good to excellent, with samples taken from June to September.
Common sense still applies. Do not swim in green water, keep away from outlets and stay out of the water for the first 24 hours after heavy rain. A good multi-year rating is not a guarantee for today, so look for notices at the beach. Combine a swim with a visit to Domkirkeodden on the same shore. For boat trips on Norway's coast, see the Lofoten boat tours.
Swimming at Gjøvik and water temperature
At Gjøvik, Fastland and Hovdetjernet form a separate swimming area with a pond, not a beach on the lake itself. In summer entry is free, and there are no lifeguards. Parking costs NOK 38 per day, and it is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Buses B41 and B42 run from the Skysstasjon.
There is no single normal summer temperature for the lake. It differs by beach and by depth, so look for a measurement at the spot you plan to use. Air temperature says little about the water.
Water quality in Lake Mjøsa
Pollution and nutrient load were a problem in the past. An environmental campaign from 1973 to 1980 cut the inflow of pollution and nutrients, especially phosphorus. At the fixed monitoring stations the lake was rated good for nutrient load in 2024. That rating covers nutrients and algae. It is not a bacteria test for bathing and it does not make the lake water safe to drink without treatment.
Lake Mjøsa fishing and swimming: frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing licence for Lake Mjøsa?
No fishing card is needed to fish in the lake itself. Tributaries, private waters, nets and guided trips have their own rules, and the closed seasons and size limits above apply.
What fish can you catch in Lake Mjøsa?
The lake has 20 fish species, including trout, pike, whitefish, perch and vendace.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Mjøsa?
At Hamar's beaches the multi-year water quality is rated good to excellent. Avoid green water, outlets and the first 24 hours after heavy rain, and follow notices at the beach.
Can you walk on the ice in winter?
Do not rely on it. The ice differs from year to year, and organisers of skating events on natural ice warn about cracks and uneven surfaces. Ask locally before going out.
Is this an official website?
No. This is an independent guide to Lake Mjøsa. It is not run by an angling association, a municipality or a tourist board.