LOFOTEN IS KNOWN all over the world, not least for its dry fish and fishing culture. Every year huge quantities of “skrei” are caught and dried on racks, most of which are then sent to Italy. The whole community lives and thrives on fishing, and at the very tip of Lofoten lies the small fishing community with the short name of Å. Here, time seems to have stood still and the old fishing culture shines brightly, despite the fact that it is now known more as a popular tourist destination than a fishing village. With its characteristic red fishermen’s huts with white window frames and blue cottage knots, inhabited by terns on almost every gutter, this really gives a flashback to the old days. More recently, however, Å has become well known in fishing circles and during the period April – October, these cabins are filled with anglers who flock to this area to challenge the great halibut and giant megrim of the Moskenes Strait.
The Moskenes Straumen itself is classified as the world’s strongest maelstrom, where the water periodically moves at a speed of over 6 knots and the tide varies by almost four meters between ebb and flow. This strong current is the reason why the fishing area around Å is one of Norway’s best. There is an enormous supply of baitfish here, and the big predatory fish feast on saithe, mackerel and herring throughout the season. Rarely have we encountered an area like this and rarely have we experienced a halibut fishery that is so stable and where the fish maintain an average size as it does just off Å. World record halibut swim in these waters and over the years we have been up and nosing at the record on several occasions.
In the middle of Moskenesstraumen there is also a unique shallow area, where the water flows strongly and the supply of bait fish is good. The saithe thrives here and is an excellent hunter in fast-flowing water. Because of the shallow water, the baitfish often push up towards the surface, which leads to surface hunting behavior in the saithe. Here is one of the few places in Norway where you can fish for saithe on the surface, with poppers, stickbaits or even on a fly. The average size is almost too good to be true and most people become speed blind after just one fishing session at this place. We dare to say that this is one of the most addictive fisheries that Norway has to offer.
DURING EARLY SPRING, the skrei tend to gather in large shoals just off the Å before starting their migration back towards the Barents Sea. Many of the local fishing boats from other villages in Lofoten also come here to enjoy the delights of the sea, and given the proximity of the fishing grounds, this makes Å an optimal starting point if you are looking for skrei. During the month of May, there is also plenty of cod to be found on the edges west of Lofoten, which usually offers some really fast-paced fishing for coarse cod in search of food after a long winter.
The classic rowing boats located right by the harbor give a cozy presence to the sea and on the jetty area everything is arranged. A large and spacious covered cleaning area, freezer room, drying room and a well-stocked fish shop are within a stone’s throw of the jetty. There is also a restaurant open all year round that offers a nice and tasty á la carte and the opportunity for something good to drink while looking out over the fantastic nature of high mountains that surround the community of Å. If you pass the local bakery, you can also take the opportunity to buy a large and tasty cinnamon roll that the bakery has become famous for among tourists.
Lofoten is renowned for its magnificent nature and Å is certainly no exception. The steep rock walls plunging into the sea, with skerries and beaches just below, give a powerful impression and the last stretch towards the Lofoten tip is probably the most beautiful part. The wildlife around Å is also impressive, with constant sightings of killer whales, porpoises and sea eagles. On site in Å there are guides who make sure that your experience is the very best with tips, advice and help before each fishing session. The guides also manage our fish shop where we have a large selection of baits and accessories necessary for fishing in the area.