Ice fishing in Greenland
When the temperature drops to below freezing and the water crystallises into a thick layer of ice, the fjords become a frozen expanse for snow adventures, dog sledding and ice fishing.
The practice of ice fishing in Greenland is an age-old cultural tradition, and one that allowed the ancient Inuit to survive in the harshest of conditions. For thousands of years, it was a way of life. Today, ice fishing is a method still active in Greenland’s thriving fishing industry and many fishermen continue to use the original form of transport, dog sledding, to reach choice ice fishing locations on frozen fjords.
The ice fishing equipment needed is relatively simple: you will need a tooq, which is a manual icebreaker tool, or a more advanced drill to bore a hole through the ice. The fishermen will then drop long lines (which can be up to 1000 metres long when commercially fishing) into the water that are laden with heavy iron hooks and weights. A few hours later, it will hopefully take some effort to pull the lines back up as the catch will be heavy.
Remember:
- You have to pay for a fishing license, and that if you go by yourself it is best to ask for local advice regarding ice conditions.
Ice fishing stats:
- Fishing is Greenland’s single most important export. In 2019, there were 364 dog sleds and 643 snowmobiles licensed for fishing (stat.gl)
- Longline fishing produces high quality produce as the fish are caught individually and there is no damage to the fish due to the pressure from the gillnet.
- A big sized Greenland halibut can be 15 – 20 kilograms!
Each destination has a slightly different take on ice fishing:
- In the northern part of Greenland on the west coast, it is Greenland halibut waters. This is also where the most ice fishing activity takes place also by dogsled. You will have the opportunity to fish in classic style with an ice hole on the broad flat sea ice.
- In inland Kangerlussuaq, you will likely catch cod, on a frozen fjord where a hole will be drilled into the ice.
- In Nuuk, you will first sail by boat and then snowshoe to your end point by a lake or the sea. There you will try your luck at ice fishing Arctic Char with a fishing rod. You are actually in close proximity to the town, but you would never guess this as the feeling is that you’re miles away from it all.
- In East Greenland, you are often surrounded by the most dramatic peaks when you go ice fishing.
Fish species and the Greenland shark
You might catch the highly prized flatfish Greenland halibut, which has sweet-tasting white flesh and is plentiful in numbers in Uummannaq, Ilulissat and the fjords on the Greenlandic west coast. Its primary spawning ground is in the central Davis Strait off Nuuk.
Some operators also offer the possibility to fish for the ancient Greenland shark. If it bites the hook, you will not eat it as its meat is poisonous to humans without treatment. The Greenland dogs, however, will be happy for your catch! It is possible to do this as high up as Qaanaaq and in East Greenland. Other fish species one can catch while ice fishing in Greenland include Atlantic cod, wolffish and golden redfish.
Ice fishing when to go
Ice fishing is available from January to April. It will take a few hours to reach your ice fishing location, so be prepared to breathe in the fresh air as your heart slows down to a pace needed to enjoy this experience.
Ice fishing clothing and gear
As you will be out in nature for quite some time, you should dress warmly in winter layers for the occasion. If it is very cold, it may be possible to rent warm sealskin outerwear to keep the heat in. You should also remember your sunglasses and sunscreen as the sun can reflect upon the snow!
