Fishing in Greenland

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a vast and sparsely populated Arctic territory where fishing has long been an essential part of local life. The country’s rugged coastline, deep fjords, and countless rivers and lakes create a diverse and abundant fishery. Anglers visiting Greenland are met with a landscape unlike any other, where towering icebergs drift silently through cold waters, seals and whales make regular appearances, and the northern lights often illuminate the sky. The combination of breathtaking scenery and thriving fish populations makes Greenland an unforgettable destination for those seeking an authentic wilderness fishing adventure. Greenland is one of the most difficult to access parts of the world. Being part of Denmark, most flights to Greenland come through Copenhagen, and North American anglers may find they will have to cross the Atlantic four times to get to the island and back home. But that is only the beginning of the adventure. Due to its remote nature, much of Greenland’s best fishing is accessed by boat or through guided expeditions that take anglers deep into the fjords or along isolated riverbanks. While modern fishing lodges and outfitters cater to visiting anglers, the island remains one of the least-developed recreational fishing destinations in the world, ensuring an experience that is as raw and untamed as the landscape itself. Whether fishing beneath the midnight sun in summer or drilling through thick ice in winter, Greenland offers a truly unique and rewarding experience for those willing to venture into its wild and remote waters.

Recreational fishing in Greenland is focused on backcountry expeditions into the remote rivers, where anglers stay in camps and explore the area by hiking. In the summer months, river fishing becomes a prime attraction, as Arctic char migrate upstream in large numbers, offering excellent sport for fly fishers. The country’s countless glacial lakes, many of which remain virtually untouched, also provide outstanding fishing for Arctic char and trout. Nearshore saltwater fishing in the fjords and around the island is also possible, and offered by some operators. The sheer variety of fishing environments, combined with the country’s unspoiled nature, makes Greenland a destination where every trip feels like an expedition into the unknown.

The Arctic and Atlantic oceans around Greenland support a diverse range of fish species, many of which are essential for the commercial fishing industry. Atlantic cod and halibut are the ocean dwellers that are of some interest to recreational angler. But the main attraction of the island is beyond doubt the Arctic char. In Greenland this fish is anadamorous, that is, it spends most of its adult life in the ocean, and returns to the rivers in summer only to spawn. Unlike some other salmonids, the char survives the spawning, which allows it to reach really impressive sizes. Atlantic salmon, though less common than Arctic char, can be found in select rivers and provide an exciting bonus for freshwater anglers.

Fishing techniques in Greenland vary depending on the target species and the environment, with local conditions often dictating the most effective approach. Fly fishingis a favorite among anglers targeting Arctic char in Greenland’s clear rivers and lakes, where the fish’s aggressive nature and strong fight make for an exhilarating challenge. A six-weight rod is recommended; the preferred flies are large, bright, and floating, which sometimes enables the angler to watch a trophy char chase the fly, raising a wave over the surface, before grabbing it. Streamers are a second choice when the big bright guys don’t work. Bottom fishing is a highly productive method of catching cod and halibut in the fjords; most locals don’t bother with rods and use jigging with hand-held line. If you come to Greenland in the winter, you might get a chance at ice fishing. Regardless of the technique, fishing in Greenland requires an appreciation for the country’s unpredictable weather and harsh conditions, with warm, waterproof clothing and the guidance of experienced local anglers often being essential for a successful trip.