Cod Fish Season of Lofoten

Every year from Feb till end Apr, the Arctic cod fish migrates from the Barents Sea in the millions to Lofoten islands to spawn. At this time of the year fishermen get out to sea and start bringing in the migrating cods. The fish heads are removed and gutted and dried unsalted in the beautiful cool, dry weather. The nutrients are retained and the fish are exported to countries like Italy, Spain, Portugal and now even to Nigeria.

Cod fish drying in the cool dry weather 

We visited Lofoten in early March 2016. From Sakrisoy to Reine, you can literally see tons and tons of fish drying in the sun. Where we stayed at Sakrisoy, the fish were hanging just outside our cabins. And yes there was a slight fishy smell in the air. But it was certainly bearable.

Cod fish outside our cabin

Near to Reine, you can find this massive site of cod fish drying area.

Cod fish in the thousands

Nope. No flies. No birds!

Grisly heads

Workers hard at work hanging out the fish

Stockfish in Norway is unsalted fish that is dried in cold air and wind on wooden racks. It is world famous and of great quality. It is supposed to have a storage life of several years. It is fermented in a process whereby cold-adapted bacteria matures the fish (similar to cheese) Stockfish should not be wrongly mix with clipfish whereby this is salted before drying.

Stockfish dish with potato