Icefishing near Oslo

I love icefishing arctic char (siven, røya). This winter we did not travel to our favorite destinations such as Savalen or Femund and instead I focused my effort on Nordmarka near Oslo. It is not so easy here as in northern parts of Norway, but it is still possible to get some nice fish. There are several lakes, especially near Hakadal, that are known for relatively good char fishing. Best time is right after the lakes get frozen (end of November till Xmas). It means that the days are short and early start is required. And it also requires to be familiar with the places where char are gathering (called "varp"). Luckily, local guidebook provides good maps with such places. 

My goal was to get at least 2 blank (not spawning) char. I made 5 trips and got 6 fish, max was 400g, which is OK. I also met David, a fisherman from Czech republic, on one varp, which was great. Otherwise, there are typically local old men fishing, riding to the lakes on their e-bikes. They usually got more and bigger fish . But I am satisfied, as now I know what to do better next season:). Here are some pictures...

Early morning on one of the varps on Elvannet

Varp on Langvann, where I met David (we spoke Norwegian and English and after a few moment we realized we are from the same region in the Czech republic)

blank char from Langvann. Super tasty

always good to be on the ice

artic char is so beautiful

always good to have a company

I tried also Øyungen lake and got a few smaller char there. It was very cold day...

I got them under this rock, on mormyska (unexpected) from depth of 7-8m

And after Xmas, it is time for perch (okoun, abbor). Here we are with Tobias on Store Skillingen

good lake with bigger perch and some pike as well

and I made a trip to Rottungen as well...very good lake indeed. And now I am looking forward March  trip to Femund!