the ever-changing landscape of Iceland’s salmon fishing, constantly evolving our knowledge through personal experience. River leases change hands, river statistics fluctuate, but the people behind the companies that operate them remain the same. These are the relationships that we concentrate on and we are lucky enough to call many of them our friends. Iceland is a remarkable country in which to fish and for the salmon fisherman there are endless opportunities for new experiences.
The portfolio we offer presents the best of Iceland’s superb salmon fishing. We will match our expert knowledge with your wishes to tailor the perfect trip. We have no financial investment in any operation and are therefore able to give you a totally unbiased view. Unless stated otherwise, all operations in Iceland are sold in three day slots which can easily be bolted together, and are based on a single room with twin beds in case you wish to rod share. We hope that you will be as inspired by Iceland as we are.
SALMON FISHING
When discussing salmon fishing many ask why we have such a passion for Iceland. There are greater numbers on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, and certainly larger salmon in northern Norway. The answer, we think, lies in the method. The experience is visual, the tackle is very light and the Icelandic rivers offer consistency, ease of travel and huge variety. It is also uniquely possible to watch a salmon rise in the water column and hit a fly off the surface.
Many salmon anglers have found this experience to be the thrill they have been searching for. To begin with we just want to catch one. Then we want to catch a lot. The next challenge is to catch a really large fish. Finally, the true essence of salmon fishing emerges, the “take”. This is the all-encompassing thrill that drives us to make that pilgrimage every year. Iceland is the land of the “take”.
Our portfolio of very different Icelandic salmon rivers offers the opportunity to experience this enchanting mystery, with rivers to suit all preferences. It may be using a single handed 7# and casting out a size 16 hitched Red Frances to a pod of silver fish or using a double hander to deliver a two inch
Sunray Shadow to a multi-sea wintered fish. What all these rivers have in common is water is so clear it is often possible to see fish in the river, see their behaviour towards the fly, and frequently the moment that the fish commits to taking it.
The next few pages will take you through some of the finest salmon rivers around Iceland and what they have to offer every angler, both in terms of fishing and lodging. The rivers are featured by geographical order in a clockwise direction starting closest to Reykjavik in the south west.
PERFECT FOR - Single handed fishing, easy access to most pools, excellent sea trout fishing, Bugda as a separate river.
WHEN - Season: 20th June to 30th September. Prime time: mid-July to early August.
COST FROM - £4,200.
LAXÁ Í KJÓS
Laxá I Kjos has always been fished by the international elite, and has a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s best small salmon rivers. It is considered to be one of the more technical salmon rivers in Iceland and if you have a passion for fishing small flies and hitching, then the Laxá I Kjos will become your playground. Despite its size a number of large salmon are landed every year, complimenting the healthy season-long grilse runs.
Through the season, between six and eight rods are permitted on the river and its 100 marked pools. The river is blessed with gorgeous falls, currents, rapids and chasms. The middle section is the most unusual as often it is possible to see incredible numbers of fish layered in pools which, in the right circumstances, makes for amazing fishing. The river has a reputation for large sea trout up to 15lb that start to run in July, along with the Bugda tributary for variety.
GRÍMSÁ
The Grímsá is one of Iceland’s most beautiful fly fishing rivers and is one of a few in Iceland that has tradition stamped all over it. It was frequented by British lords and generals as early as the late nineteenth century and whilst, as with most of Iceland’s rivers today, it is primarily a grilse river, during those early days the Grímsá was famous for its monsters. The medium sized river is easily fished with single handed rods, although given that Iceland is often windy, a small double hander should be available as well. The river is fly only with a voluntary and widely practiced catch and release system. The average catch for the season is more than 1,000 salmon to just eight rods. Due to the cascading waterfalls and large pools the grilse tend to be slightly larger and more powerful than in neighbouring rivers. The Grímsá also has a substantial run of sea trout that can be caught both early and late in the season.
GRÍMSÁ LODGE - The famous lodge is full of character overlooking Laxfoss. It is spacious and comfortable with single occupancy en-suite rooms, drying room, hot tub, Wi-Fi and great views.
PERFECT FOR - Single handed and switch rods, fine food, easy access to pools and good sea trout later in the season.
SEASON - 16th June to 21st September. Prime time: mid-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
THVERÁ LODGE - The lodge has eight twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms, a large living area and drying room. It is fully equipped with large living areas, hot tub and Wi-Fi. Excellent food is prepared by the lodge chef.
PERFECT FOR - Varied water, high catch statistics, single handed fishing with micro hitch tubes and sea trout fishing.
WHEN - Season: 12th June to 30th September. Prime time: July.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
THVERÁ
Thverá is one of the most prestigious salmon rivers in Iceland and is the lower part of the legendary Thverá-Kjarrá River. It offers 107 diverse salmon pools over its 26km length. Consistent salmon fishing makes the Thverá one of the most sought after rivers in Iceland. The upper section offers a shallow canyon before opening out across meadows and eventually draining into the glacial waters of the Hvítá River. Access and wading on each pool is relatively easy and the fishing is limited to seven anglers. Like many Icelandic rivers, the water is crystal clear which makes it perfect for sightfishing with small hitch tubes and micro trebles. In late July the lower sections of the river receive a run of sea trout ranging from four to six pounds making a nice addition to the prime salmon runs of July. The lodging is comfortable and the service is first-class, providing a great atmosphere after a session out on the water.
Kjarrá has all the qualities that make Icelandic rivers famous for salmon fishing. With crystal s top rivers. The landscape is beautiful and you often feel like you are fishing in the middle of nowhere, with only you and
The 45km river is limited to seven rods that rotate between seven private beats with 91 named pools. The Kjarrá is every serious salmon angler's dream, providing plenty of space when fishing. It is perfectly suited to fishing with hitch tubes and small flies with a floating line. Fast runs give way to wide pools which offer the perfect fly swing. It is fly only and most salmon are released. Kjarrá lodge is known for excellent meals and service, with top Icelandic chefs in charge during the season.
KJARRÁ LODGE - The lodge has eight twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms a large living area and drying room. It is fully equipped with large living areas, hot tub and Wi-Fi. Excellent food is prepared by the lodge chef.
PERFECT FOR - Lightly fished water,
single handed fishing with micro hitch tubes and good catch stats.
WHEN - Season: 12th June to 30th September. Prime time: July.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person
NORĐURÁ LODGE - The lodge can accommodate 12 fishermen in single occupancy rooms with en-suite facilities. There is a sauna, hot tub, drying room, Wi-Fi and a cooling area for the fish.
WHEN - Season: 5th June to 5th September. Prime time: end of June to the beginning of August.
PERFECT FOR - Small two handed rods, larger parties, high catch returns, fine food, spectacular scenery, one hour from Reykjavik.
COST FROM - £4,700 per person.
As one of Iceland s top producing natural rivers, Nordurá averages over 1,600 salmon a season to its 12 rods. There are over 100 named fishing pools along 65km of fishable water. The river provides an incredibly diverse fly fishing experience along with some of the most dramatic scenery Iceland has to offer. The lower river offers a steep canyon with wonderful fly water and salmon lies but some troublesome wading. The middle section features wide Rio Grande-like bends with twisting gravel pools and pleasant wading. Fishing the upper section focuses on technical rock pools and runs. A wider river than some of its neighbours, it lends itself well to small double handed rods as well as single handers. Early season can see some good runs of multi-sea wintered fish in the powerful snowmelt waters. As the season progresses the water level drops and the grilse runs push into the river in good numbers.
LANGÁ LODGE - The lodge, Langárbyrgi, is six km from the ocean, overlooks the river and comprises 12 twin en-suite rooms. It is functional with drying room, sauna, Wi-Fi and excellent food.
PERFECT FOR - Single handed fishing, good vehicle access to most pools, easy wading and consistent catch returns.
WHEN - Season: 22nd June to 24th September. Prime time: mid-July to early August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
LANGÁ
The Langá is 36km long with 93 named pools. Located in the same area as Nordurá, it is a typical Icelandic salmon river offering technical fishing with small flies. This river has been fished by the British since the early 1900s, and has had a huge amount of work done to it in terms of fish ladders and other devices to improve its course for salmon to run.
Roads have been built to ease access and anglers can drive within 50 yards of every pool. This allows anglers young and old to safely, and easily, enjoy fishing the whole river.
The Langá represents classic Icelandic salmon fishing as the hard laval rock bands have created fantastic pools and runs. The river originates in Lake Langavatn, which offers a more dependable flow of water. If you are looking for clear water, good salmon runs and easy wading then this river is for you.
HÍTARÁ
The Hítará is another of the country's best-known salmon rivers. Though average sized, it has a long fishing history, dating back to when British gentry started fishing in Iceland. Hítará is a typical Icelandic river with complex currents, clear pools, small flies and technical fishing over its 29km. The river accommodates six rods on the main salmon section and is ideal for private parties. The proximity of the pools to the lodge offers a unique atmosphere for a close knit group. A single handed rod or a really light double handed rod is ideal and anglers are rewarded with quite a number of fish over the seven pound mark.
The upper stretch is quite wild, and apart from a good number of salmon caught here towards the end of July there is excellent Arctic char and brown trout fishing throughout the season.
HITARÁ LODGE - The historic lodge at Hítará accommodates six rods in a variety of room types and overlooks "Breidina," one of the river's pools. It has a drying room and can be taken self-catered or fully serviced.
PERFECT FOR - Small groups, single handed fishing, easy access to most pools, easy wading, consistent water flow.
WHEN - Season: 20th June to 20th September
Prime time: mid-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £5,000 per person.
STRAUMFJARĐARÁ
This small, exclusive salmon river is on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. It is a short river fed by two mountain lakes and several smaller springs which combine to create 12km of prime salmon holding water, as well as char and sea trout in the lower reaches.
There are 27 named pools producing an annual average catch of 400+ salmon to just four rods. All of the pools are easily accessible, with four wheel drive vehicles able to get within five minutes' walk of each fishing spot. The salmon average five to six pounds but each season good numbers of fish over 12lb are landed. Most of the fishing is done with light weight set ups and floating lines throughout the season.
The comfortable lodge overlooks the middle reaches of the river. It is a modern building offering single rooms as standard and all the comforts one needs.
STRAUMFJARĐARÁ LODGE - The lodge, overlooking the river, has five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, drying room, Wi-Fi, sauna. The lodge offers full service stays, excellent food.
PERFECT FOR - Small groups, single handed rods, floating lines, micro hitch fishing and good numbers of fish.
WHEN - Season: 20th June to 20th September. Prime time: mid-July to early August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
HAUKADALSÁ
The Haukadalsá is an exclusive river for just five rods, located approximately 150km north of Reykjavík. The river flows into Breiðafjörður and is surrounded by a number of other famous salmon rivers. This small to medium sized river has over 40 named pools covering eight kilometres of exciting water. Both grilse and multi-sea winter salmon enter the river throughout the season.
The long pools are interspersed with inviting riffles which encourage salmon to pause on their journey upstream, a perfect time to cast a fly to them. Lake Haukadalsvatn at the headwaters ensures that water levels remain fairly consistent throughout the season. The lodge is family run and offers a comfortable, warm and relaxed atmosphere to visiting salmon anglers whilst they explore this relatively hidden river.
HAUKADALSÁ LODGE - The lodge has five single occupancy rooms, each with en-suite facilities and full service with an excellent chef. It has a drying room, Wi-Fi, hot tub and a sauna.
PERFECT FOR - Single handed fishing, clear water, hitch fishing, intact groups and good numbers of fish.
WHEN - Season: 10th June to 15th
September Prime time: mid-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
LAXÁ Í DÖLUM
The Laxá I Dölum is a medium sized river flowing over bands of hard rock creating a wonderful combination of pools and runs. This river is famed for its mix of grilse and multi-sea winter salmon. Like many Icelandic rivers, the Dölum generally runs very clear often allowing anglers to see salmon holding and the chance to target specific fish. All the pools are easily accessible by car and present little difficulty to fish.
Some of the best holding pools are formed by bends in the river, fast broken water form at the head, a turbulent middle section then lead into a smooth tail. Throughout the season the river offers a chance to catch salmon from four to 30lb on both single handed and small double-handed rods.
Following the move away from worming the river has seen fantastic improvements, the last 10 seasons have produced an average of over 1,000 salmon to just four to six rods per season.
LAXÁ Í DÖLUM LODGE - Accommodation is in a fully serviced lodge, featuring six single occupancy rooms each with en-suite bathroom, a comfortable dining and sitting area, sauna, Wi-Fi and top chefs from Reykjavik.
PERFECT FOR - Small groups, single handed fishing, easy access to most pools, easy wading, multi sea-winter fish.
WHEN - Season: 20th June to 30th September. Prime time: mid-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
MIĐFJARĐARÁ LODGE - Modern lodge, en-suite single rooms. There is a large dining area, sitting rooms, bar, drying room, tackle shop, hot tub and Wi-Fi. The lodge has excellent chefs.
PERFECT FOR - Clear water hitching in stunning surroundings, single handed rods, strong catch returns and opportunities for larger salmon.
WHEN - Season: 20th June to 28th September. Prime time: Mid-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £4,700 per person.
MIÐFJARÐARÁ
Located on the north west coast of Iceland, the Miðfjarðará is the perfect choice for those who like to use floating lines and single handed rods. The gin clear water offers amazing clarity and salmon can be spotted lurking in the depths or coming to intercept your fly.
The majority of the salmon run would be between four to eight pounds, but the Miðfjarðará does produce a good head of double figure salmon in the 18lb range throughout the season.
The river has 220 named pools spread across four rivers; the main Miðfjarðará, Austurá, Vesturá and the little Núpsá, making up 115km of fishable water. It is fished by a maximum of just 10 rods, rotated over five beats along with an enviable international guide team. It is a true Icelandic gem that keeps producing the goods and offers fantastic hitched fly fishing with visual fishing being the Miðfjarðará’s forte.
VIDIDALSÁ
The Vididalsá river and its tributary, Fitja, run approximately 25km from the Vididalsá estuary up to the beautiful Kolufoss waterfall in the dramatic and scenic Kolugljufur canyon. Although smaller and lesser in volume, the salmon can run almost as high up the Fitja until it reaches the unpassable Bjarnafoss waterfall.
The average weight of salmon in the Vididalsá is among the highest in Iceland. Every year several salmon of over 20lb are landed. The annual catch is approximately 750 salmon to the eight rods during the season. On average an angler can expect just under two fish per rod per day with the numbers reaching an average of three to four salmon landed during the prime weeks.
The 100 named pools on the Vididalsá offer anglers varied fishing, from fast moving runs to slow meadow pools, where the river flows quietly along flourishing fields. Most of the beats are easily accessible, with no trees to hinder casting
VIDIDALSÁ - The lodge offers 14 en-suite twin rooms, an attractive living room, dining room and terrace with good views of the surroundings. Private rooms can be arranged for rod sharers
PERFECT FOR - Single and small double handed fishing, opportunity for bigger fish, easy access to most pools, easy wading, consistent water flow.
WHEN - Season: 15th June to 20th September. Prime time: mid -July to early August.
COST FROM - £5,000 per person.
VATNSDALSÁ LODGE - The lodge has ten large rooms with en-suite bathrooms a large living area and drying room. It is fully equipped with large living areas, hot tub and Wi-Fi. There is even a small practice golf course.
PERFECT FOR - Single handed and switch rod fishing, good vehicle access to most pools, easy wading and consistent catch returns.
WHEN - Season: 25th June to 30th September. Prime time: mid-July to late August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
VATNSDALSÁ
The Vatnsdalsá River, situated in northern Iceland, has championed catch and release fly fishing since the mid 1990s and with this has become a renowned salmon fishery. Anglers began fly fishing the river in 1936 and through much of the 50s and 60s the lease was held by John Ashley Cooper.
Even today it is easy to see why these anglers were drawn to the river, which is split into three rotating beats spanning over 20km of water. The river is varied with rock pool runs, deep gutters and classic open pools. One of the things that sets Vatnsdalsa apart from others is the fact that 50% of salmon encountered are in excess of 10lb, and fish of between 20 25lb are landed each season. Anglers can also fish for sea-run Arctic char, sea trout and brown trout.
Most seasons over recent years see between 600 and 1,000 salmon on this remarkable river. When first viewed from the road it has a humble aspect, yet the 14km of private fishing from Laxávatn to the point it joins the Vatnsdalsá are some of the most productive in the country. The upper section is squeezed through hard rock bands, but it soon opens out and becomes more placid, flowing though fertile pastures. A slight tinge to the water colour hides the salmon well and instils a false sense of security. This could be why the fish on Laxá Í Ásum are so incredibly aggressive and will readily take hitched tubes and micro flies.
The lodge now has access to 18km of fishable water following the decommission of Laxárvatn power plant in 2017, and the addition of the estuary section into the salmon rotation. The river has also increased from two rods to four rods throughout the season.
LAXÁ Í ÁSUM LODGE - The lodge has six large en-suite rooms, a large living area and drying room. It is fully equipped with a hot tub and WiFi. Excellent food is prepared by the lodge chef.
PERFECT FOR - Private river for four rods, high catch statistics, single handed fishing with micro hitch tubes and char fishing.
WHEN - Season:15th June to 15th
September. Prime time: early July to early August.
COST FROM - £5,200 per person
BLANDÁ
The Blandá is a glacial river in northwest Iceland rising in the foothills of the mighty Hofsjökull glacier. The river flows 125km through the vast highlands into the stunning valleys of Blöndudalur and Langidalur before reaching the sea next to the town of Blönduós. Prior to 1991 and the installation of a dam 60km above the estuary, Blandá was unfishable due to its overwhelming and coloured flow pattern. Thanks to the dam, the pools of the Blandá are today milky-clear during summertime, offering an exciting fly-fishing experience.
Fishing the Blandá is a 37km long adventure where anglers encounter fast flowing rapids, long calm stretches and a canyon on the uppermost section of the river. Heavy wading is necessary in parts of the lower section but becomes easier towards the upper part. All these pools are ideal fishing with double-handed rods, which we highly recommend, as Blandá is notorious for its high ratio of multi-winter salmon. The salmon of the Blandá have a well-known reputation for being among the most powerful in the country.
The Blandá River opens to anglers in early June after the first spring runs arrive at the end of May, fishing with only four rods. Later in the season as the salmon runs increase, reaching their peak in July and early August, the whole river becomes an eight-rod operation. Throughout the season, the river offers anglers plentiful pools to choose from, ensuring well-rested waters for both the fisherman and the salmon.
BLANDÁ LODGE - The spacious lodge offers 12 en-suite twin rooms. Private rooms can be arranged for rod sharers if space allows. The lodge is on the middle section of the Blandá, with an extensive bird life roaming the nearby riverbank.
PERFECT FOR - Traditional double handed fishing, opportunity for multi sea winter, easy access to most pools, heavy wading in the lower, easier in the upper, consistent water flow.
WHEN - Season: 5th June to 20th September. Prime time: mid-July to midAugust.
COST FROM - £4,500 per person.
LAXÁ Í AÐALDAL
The Laxá Í Adaldal, or “big” Laxá as it is also known, has a reputation as THE big fish river of Iceland. Historically it was one of the first Icelandic rivers fished by foreigners and most weeks of the season produce salmon of over 20 lbs. The river still holds the national record for the largest salmon landed.
Pools for the most part are grass banked, wide, and with a relatively even bottom. There are the intermittent lava shelves that drop away, hidden from someone reading the surface which in turn create excellent lies. The river is deceptively clear as the bottom in most areas is black laval sand, this gives the impression of depth which is extremely misleading.
The large sweeping pools are best fished with double handed rods and floating lines, with many anglers enjoying fishing with larger single hook flies. That said, small flies are often very effective, and a delicate approach can be best. In recent years many of the largest salmon in Iceland have been found in the Laxá Í Adaldal.
LAXÁ Í AĐALDAL LODGE - Steeped in history the comfortable Vokuholt Lodge has private bedrooms for each angler, most with en-suite bathrooms, drying room, Wi-Fi and good food.
PERFECT FOR - Multi sea-winter fish, two handed rods, floating lines, good food, easy access to pools with easy wading.
WHEN - Season: 1st July to 20th September. Prime time: late-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £3,700 per person.
REYKJADALSA
The Reykjadalsa is a tributary of the Laxa I Adaldal. Historically, only a few salmon run Reykjadalsa but this is growing year on year and supplemented by fantastic trout fishing. The river flows for 35km and is serviced by one lodge offering fishing to just six anglers which means there is plenty of water to explore. The upper section flows relatively fast and the angler will find countless small pools and deep holes suitable for spotting salmon and targeting them individually. As it flows down its course the water slows and meanders through meadows offering long glides and deep pools where traditional small salmon flies and hitch tubes can be most effective. Although primarily a trout fishery, there has been a recent ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainable practices and various projects to support the local salmon population.
For trout anglers, there is spectacular dry fly and nymph fishing to be had throughout the course of the river. The brown trout average 2lb and a number of fish between 6-8lb are landed each season.
REYKJADALSA LODGE - The recently refurbished lodge accommodates anglers in four comfortable en-suite double bedrooms. Common areas include a lounge and dining room. Available self catered or fully serviced with an in-house chef.
PERFECT FOR - Small groups looking for a private fishery.
WHEN - Season: 1st July to 20th September. Prime time: late-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £2,500 per person.
MÝRARKVÍSL
Mýrarkvísl is the lowest tributary of the Laxa I Adaldal on Iceland’s north coast. It offers the perfect opportunity to have a private river system and lake for three to four rods combining brown trout, salmon and Arctic char. This intimate river holds a large head of brown trout along with a reasonable run of good sized salmon through the summer. Mýrarkvísl flows across the Reykjaheiði plateau for the first 15km making it perfect for dry fly fishing for trout. It is not unusual to catch 15-20 browns a day with an average size of two pounds. The diversity of fishing means there will always be something to entertain, from casting a nymph or a dry fly on the upper section to rising trout, or trying to winkle out a large salmon from one of the canyon pools. Fishing on Langavatn lake is also included, it holds a large stock of small Arctic char along with good sized brown trout.
MÝRARKVÍSL LODGE - A new lodge was built in 2017 featuring four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, big living area, kitchen and a wooden deck with hot tub. The lodge can be taken either as fully serviced or you could choose to self-cater.
PERFECT FOR - Trout, salmon and char combination, upstream dry fly and nymph fishing, ideal for intact parties and families.
WHEN - Season: 1st June to 20th September. Trout prime: late June and July. Salmon prime: August.
COST FROM - £2,500 per person.
DEPLAR FARM
Eleven Deplar Farm is located in the remote Fljot valley in northern Iceland’s mountainous Troll Peninsula. With access to some of the most productive rivers in Iceland, professional fishing guides will design an itinerary to suit your goals and to give you the best chance at landing a salmon, sea trout or brown trout – from Deplar’s home river the Fljótaá, the magnificent Húseyjarkvisl, or the remote cabins
past with authentic Icelandic architecture and glorious views.
PERFECT FOR - Combining various rivers from a luxurious base.
WHEN - Mid-June through September.
COST FROM - £1,695 per person per night.
SVALBARĐSÁ LODGE - Svalbarðsá Lodge is a recently built, traditional small lodge. The four rooms are en-suite and it can be taken self-catered or fully serviced. There is a spacious deck area which provides a great spot to discuss tactics.
PERFECT FOR - Private groups, multi sea-winter fish, fishing with single handed or small two hander rods in spectacular pools.
WHEN - Season: 1st July to 20th September. Prime time: late July and August.
COST FROM - £4,700 per person.
SVALBARÐSÁ
Svalbarðsá is one of Iceland’s premier big fish rivers. It is a three rod, catch and release river averaging 390 salmon a year. Exhibiting classic pools starting with fast runs and opening out into smooth tails, it is one of Iceland’s secret gems, fished year in and year out by a dedicated following. The river is one of only a handful that can be taken privately and that catches large multi-sea winter fish. The prime salmon section is approximately 17km and requires a little walking, thus not advisable for those who are less mobile and unable to cover distance over uneven ground. The river opens in early July and begins to fish well mid-month when good runs of aggressive fresh salmon, averaging ten pounds, enter the river. Although the runs reach their peak in the first weeks of August, the fishing continues to be good into early September.
DEILDARÁ LODGE - Recently renovated, Deildará Lodge has three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, drying room, Wi-Fi and can be taken on a full service or self-catered basis.
PERFECT FOR - Multi sea-winter fish, single handed rods, floating lines, small groups and mixed species.
WHEN - Season: 20th June to 30th September. Prime time: late-July to mid-August.
COST FROM - £2,500 per person.
DEILDARÁ
Deildará is a delightful three rod river in north east Iceland. Although just seven kilometres long, the 19 named pools offer the chance to catch large multi-sea winter salmon, brown trout and Arctic char. Most anglers enjoy hiking from pool to pool through the day looking to intercept fresh fish as they run the river.
The river itself meanders through grasslands, tumbling over rocky narrow pool necks before opening out into deeper slow pools. The steady gradient of the river as it makes its way towards the sea creates great fly water. For larger groups, the lodge also offers access to the headwater lake, Deildarvatn. This is home to great populations of Arctic char and brown trout, and is a perfect option if you want to take a brace of fish for dinner.
The Deildará lodge and river are ideal for a small party of friends or family. It offers great fishing from a comfortable lodge and is also in a good location to explore northern or eastern Iceland as part of a combination itinerary.
HAFRALONSÁ LODGE - Comfortable and cosy lodge, en-suite single rooms. There is an open plan living area incorporating kitchen, dining area and sitting room. The lodge provides excellent chefs or be taken as a selfcatered option.
PERFECT FOR - Private groups, multi sea-winter fish, fishing with single handed or small two hander rods in spectacular pools.
WHEN - Season: 23rd June to 30th September Prime time: late July to late August.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
HAFRALONSÁ
Hafralonsá is one of Iceland’s big fish rivers on the east coast. It has long had a reputation of producing big fish in the high teens and low twenties. What makes this river so unique is you are fishing for these big salmon in a similar way to the west coast; rock pools, canyons, crystal clear water and hitched flies. Landing them is not easy and some unbelievable battles have ended in tears on its rocky shores. Hafralonsá is best suited to the more adventurous angler looking for a challenge and the chance of bigger fish.
The Hafralonsá requires a certain level of fitness to get the most out of it as some of the upper pools require scrambling down the side of the canyon using a rope for support. It is this combined with the ability to see your quarry from above that can make for some incredibly exciting fishing. There are also some lovely trout and char beats which have great fishing in their own right and can provide some variety for those looking for more than salmon.
HOFSÁ
Hofsá is one of two major Vopnafjordur rivers, the other being the famous Selá. The river has a long canyon on the top beats, with a dramatic impassable falls and a string of challenging pools as the river thunders down the canyon. Once the canyon ends, the river turns into an almost endless string of long slow flowing pools, each one seemingly more enticing and inviting than the last. All of the named pools offer multiple taking spots for large salmon as they stop on their journey up river.
Hofsá is one of the best multi sea the average weight is excellent with good numbers over 20lb. Conservation practices have been so well implemented that there is a huge proportion of returning multi sea the Icelandic elite rivers and so consumes its visitors that many wish to return each year.
HOFSÁ LODGE The Arhvammur lodge is
JOKLA
The Jökla system lies just to the north of Egilsstaðir town and runs 100 km from the eastern slopes of the Vatnajokull glacier to the sea. The Jökla river system comprises three main rivers; the Fossa, Laxa and Kalda, and the lower reaches run parallel to the Fögruhlíðará. With over 50 km of water for six to eight rods the fishing on the tributaries is varied and gives a pleasant contrast to the daily rotation of beats.
Jökla is a river with a growing reputation amongst salmon anglers since being made fishable thanks to a hydro-electric dam higher up in the system. The river benefits from boosting its natural stocks with a smolt release programme, many of which, return to the river after two winters at sea offer big and strong salmon. Fish bred from Jökla natives are released into all the major tributaries throughout the system, but most of the effort is concentrated on the lower river. Guests fishing the lower Jökla, and its tributaries stay at a comfortable full service lodge.
JOLKA LODGE - Guests are accommodated in eight double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The main building includes the kitchen, dining room, lounge area with a wood burning stove and satellite television. Lodge amenities also include a sauna and a drying room.
PERFECT FOR - traditional two handed rods, multi sea winter salmon, larger groups or single anglers.
WHEN - Season: 1st July to 30th September. Prime time: mid-July to early August.
COST FROM - £4,000 per person.
BATTLE HILL
Iceland’s incredible sea trout fishing has long been overlooked by those in favour of salmon. Battle Hill Lodge is the country’s first specific sea trout operation and concentrates on the Fossálar, Vatnamót, Jónskvísl and Grenlækur. These rivers offer a hugely diverse fishing environment for sea trout weighing up to and over 20lbs.
The principal rivers fished are the Fossalar and Vatnamot. The extremely beautiful Fossalar has diverse pools and is approximately 15km of water fished with just five rods. The Vatnamot is the junction of the Fossalar, Geirlandsa and Horgsa rivers, and every year up to 2,000 sea trout are landed on this five kilometre beat.
Anglers will be based at Battle Hill lodge on the banks of the Fossálar. Comprising two single and four double bedrooms, it offers a warm and cosy base whilst exploring the autumn sea trout waters of southeast Iceland.
BATTLE HILL - The lodge is a recently converted farmhouse on the banks of the Fossalar River, overlooking the Vatnajokull Glacier. It’s cosy rather than luxurious, with two single and four twin rooms.
PERFECT FOR - Single and double handed rod fishing, late season fishing, easy wading and consistent catch returns.
WHEN - Season: 1st April to 20th October. Prime time: late-August to early October.
COST FROM - £3,500 per person.
TUNGUFLJÓT
Tungufljót is Iceland’s answer to Argentina’s Rio Grande. Not that it has its length or huge number of fish – the river only has about five to six kilometres accessible to sea trout, but the size of the fish is certainly comparable. Slightly bigger than the East and West Rangás, it is rated as a large by Icelandic standards. Its gin clear water offer endless pools for fly fishing. The river bed is predominantly gravel with large boulders scattered throughout the pools which creates the perfect hiding places for sea trout and the occasional salmon.
Sea trout fishing can be good in the spring but it is the autumn fishing for the fresh running fish that is truly special. Sea trout between five to ten pounds on Tungufljót are considered modest with fish in excess of ten pounds caught regularly. Anglers are accommodated in comfortable selfcatering summerhouses near to the river, each one offers the basic requirements.
TUNGUFLJÓT LODGE - Accommodation is in individual summerhouses, two anglers to a house. Each comes with two twin rooms, living room, kitchen and hot tub. It is generally self-catered but full service is available.
PERFECT FOR - Private river to three or four rods, big sea trout and single handed fishing. Combines with Tungulækur.
WHEN - Season: 1st April to 20th October. Prime time: September.
COST FROM - £3,200 per person.
TUNGULÆKUR
Tungulækur is a small intricate river that rises up from a spring in Eldhraun, Iceland’s largest lava field. The spring is fed by the Skafta River; a glacial river that disappears into the lava field only to reappear as the crystal clear waters of the Tungulækur. The river then slaloms through the lava field, and over its three kilometres of fishable water it provides incredible sea trout fishing, with runs known to approach thousands. The average size is six to ten pounds but every year it is common for fish of 12 to 15lb to be landed, some have even tilted the scales at 20lb. Along the river’s short length, numerous pools provide sea trout with perfect resting spots and these are excellent for fly fishing. With a maximum of four rods this river remains reasonably under-fished and ideal for small groups of anglers. For those looking for longer trips it is possible to combine with other notable sea trout rivers in Iceland.
TUNGULÆKUR LODGE – The brand new lodge has seven bedrooms mostly with en-suite bathrooms, a large living area and drying room. It is fully equipped with large living areas and hot tub. Food is prepared by the lodge chef.
PERFECT FOR - Private river to three or four rods, big sea trout and single handed fishing. Can also be combined with Tungufljót.
WHEN - Season: 1st April to 20th October. Prime time: September.
COST FROM - £3,200 per person.
WEST RANGÁ
West Rangá, situated 90 km south west of Reykjavik, is one of the best known salmon rivers in Iceland. It is famous for its beauty and great variety of fishing pools, and the high volume of salmon caught every year. West Rangá usually ends in the top two most productive rivers in Iceland each season, the 10 year average is over 4,000 fish to 18 rods. Stability is the key to West Rangá producing such high numbers of salmon per rod per day.
The water is never unfishably low and seldom colours due to flooding and heavy rains. The headwaters of West Rangá are near the foot of the spectacular Mount Hekla. This entirely spring fed source is responsible for both the consistent water temperature and flow. The river is best fished with double handed rods and unlike most of Iceland, larger flies and various sink-tips or full sinking lines are most effective throughout the season.
Easy wading and open pools make the river a joy to fish and with a chance to encounter both grilse and multi sea winter salmon throughout the season we find that most anglers enjoy the fishing at West Rangá.
WEST RANGÁ LODGE - The lodge has 18 single occupancy rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The main building houses the kitchen and dining area overlooking one of the most productive pools on the river. There is a drying room and Wi-Fi.
PERFECT FOR - High catch statistics, traditional two handed rods, long season, larger groups or single anglers.
WHEN - Season: 24th June to 20th October. Prime time: early July to late August.
COST FROM - £4,500 per person
STORA LAXÁ
The Stóra Laxa has long had a reputation for its run of large multi sea winter fish amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Iceland. The river itself is 150km east of Reykjavik, is 90km long and flows from Lake Grænavatn down to the glacial river of Hvítá. It is a medium-sized river that winds its way down through spectacular canyons from the Highlands before opening up on the lower beats into gorgeous open meadows.
The river is split into two specific fisheries, the lower three beats are fished under one rotation for groups of up to six anglers on a full-service basis. The uppermost beat is fished separately for four rods on a self-service basis. The whole river provides a productive and breathtakingly stunning salmon fishing experience.
The opening of a brand new lodge at the beginning of the 2023 season has only enhanced Stóra Laxa’s reputation as one of Iceland’s top big fish rivers.
STORA LAXÁ - The brand new lodge, completed for the start of the 2023 season, has seven en-suite twin bed rooms, a hot tub and sauna.
PERFECT FOR - Small two handed rods, exclusive groups, multi sea winter salmon, spectacular scenery, two hours from Reykjavik.
WHEN - Season: 24th June to 30th September. Prime time: early July and mid-August through September.
COST FROM - £4,200 per person.
REYKJAVIK DAY TRIPS
Many of the numerous options to fish for Iceland’s salmon, trout and Arctic char come in three day packages with accommodation and guiding. However, these are not the only choices available and we can arrange plenty of day trips from the capital, Reykjavik.
The wonderful array of hotels, guesthouses and apartments in the city provides a broad range of accommodation from which you can be collected and be on the water in under an hour. Tackle, waders and lunch can all be provided if necessary. Fishing day trips can easily be combined with other Icelandic experiences such as horse riding, hiking, visiting the Blue Lagoon and many more outdoor activi
PERFECT FOR - Those looking for a single fishing day or to extend an existing fishing trip.
WHEN - From 1st April to 20th October. Prime times depend on species and venue.
COST – From £1,500 per person.
Whale watching
The cold coastal waters host a plethora of marine life, and during the summer months in particular, they become a rich feeding ground for many large marine mammals. Whale watching here is spectacular, with excellent opportunities to view these magnificent creatures at close quarters.
Hiking
A first glance of the lunar looking landscape as you arrive at Keflavik disguises the wealth of natural beauty that draws so many back to Iceland again and again. We can include a range of activities into a fishing holiday, but here are some of the highlights:
Glacier tours
Walking routes criss-cross the countryside offering a great way to experience Iceland’s unique fauna and flora.
A half day tour on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, is another Icelandic treat. The tours are generally around three hours including an hour on a snowmobile on the glacier itself. Combine this with a more general sightseeing tour of the spectacular natural environment and you can add waterfalls and geysers too.
Thermal spas and springs
The Blue Lagoon is the famous one, an extraordinary geothermal spa in the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, but there are many others scattered throughout the country. A dip in these warm, mineral rich waters is an fun way to spend an afternoon.
Bird watching Iceland is a paradise for bird watchers. Along with the charismatic Atlantic puffin, Arctic tern, guillemot, gannets and gulls can all be viewed with little effort.
Horse riding
INTERNATIONAL FLY FISHING SPECIALISTS
Exploring on the back of a hardy Icelandic pony is a wonderful way to get fully immersed in the stunningly rugged countryside. These tough little ponies can easily carry an adult and there are options for experienced and novice riders .
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is well worth exploring. Small and easy to navigate, its maze of vibrant streets are awash with interesting shops, lively cafes and world class restaurants. Wander down Laugavegur and Skólavörðustígur, Reykjavik’s most prominent shopping streets, taking the time to explore any interesting looking side streets, and you will get a good flavour of this colourful, quirky city. You can’t miss The Hallgrimskirkja Church which dominates the skyline of this most northerly capital – take the lift to the top of the tower for a panoramic city view. Foodies will enjoy a plethora of wonderful dining options with talented chefs serving up imaginative cuisine including local specialities and superb seafood.
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