Iceland Trout

The portfolio we offer presents the best of Iceland’s superb trout 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.

The next few pages highlight some of the wonderful trout rivers and streams that we offer. Whether you are looking for one big fish or to catch multiple fish, there is a trout river for you in Iceland.

TROUT FISHING

Although better known for salmon fishing, Iceland has forged a name as one of the world’s top wild brown trout destinations. There are rivers home to dry fly hungry browns of up to ten pounds, even 20lb in some cases, and lakes where fish of 30lb are landed each year. Arctic char feature here too, and many anglers will enjoy the variety of casting to these ancient fish. This geographically young landscape is still being carved and shaped by natural forces, including the hundreds of streams and rivers that pour over large masses of irregularly shaped igneous rock on their way to the waters of the North Atlantic. It is in part thanks to the quantity of volcanic rock that the fish grow so large. The water is filtered to crystal clear purity and the minerals it contains allow the fish and their food to thrive.

The trout feed hard during the short summers in preparation for the long winter ahead and this is when trout anglers can capitalise on their voracious appetite. Early season the fish are actively hunting sub-surface for nymphs and baitfish. With the onset of mid-summer and 24 hour daylight they find their way to the surface and gorge on midge, bibio and caddis fly. These fish build strength and energy quickly; cock fish will leap multiple times ripping 100 yards of line in a single run whilst hen fish dig deep causing your line to sing in the breeze.

THINGVALLAVATN

Imagine a lake producing wild brown trout between seven and nine pounds, where fish over 20lb are not uncommon. You’ll find this less than a three hour flight from London in Iceland’s Lake Thingvellir, which has a growing reputation for monster trout. Surrounded by hot springs, the water in Lake Thingvellir is a constant three to four degrees centigrade. Life flourishes and the brown trout have a huge quantity of naturally occurring food from midge to stickleback and even Arctic char. Stories of extraordinary battles have gone down in folklore with some of the largest fish in excess of 30lb. Fly fishing methods vary with the conditions, but fish can be caught on dries, nymphs and streamers. Spring, when the cannibalistic trout follow the Arctic char into the shallower water, is the best time for the largest fish.

THINGVALLAVATN LODGE - There are various lodging options based on group size and personal preference, from small selfcatering lodges to full service hotels.

PERFECT FOR - Small groups and those looking to catch the biggest brown trout.

WHEN - Season: 20th April to 31st September. Prime time: May, early June and late August.

COST FROM - £2,000 per person.

VILLINGAVATAN

Lake Villingavatn is the home to some very large brown trout. The smaller cousin of Lake Thingvallavatn, to which it is connected by a small stream, it has been under the radar for years, fished only by a select few.

The numerous hot springs surrounding Thingvallavatn keep certain parts of the water at a constant three to four degrees centigrade. Life flourishes here and the brown trout have a huge quantity of naturally occurring food from midge to stickleback. There are folklore stories of extraordinary battles landing fish in excess of 30lb. Fish pass freely through the connecting stream allowing the large Thingvallavatn trout to enter Villingavatn.

Fish can be caught on dries, nymphs and streamers. Spring tends to be the best time for the largest fish as this is when the cannibalistic trout follow the Arctic char into the shallower water. Stealth needed as the fish can cruise along the margins and wading is not advised. Casting along the banks and towards the weed lines usually produces the best results. Streamers are most productive, particularly patterns that resemble sticklebacks (local bait fish), however the browns will take nymphs and dries in the right conditions. The fish have incredible markings and are some of the most stunning brown trout you will encounter in Iceland.

ACCOMMODATION - Various lodging options from small selfcatering lodges to full service hotels.

PERFECT FOR - Ideal for those looking to bump into a massive Icelandic brown trout but perhaps intimidated by the size of Lake Thingvallavatn.

WHEN - Season: 1 April to 30 September. Prime time: June and July.

COST - From £2,000.

Season: 20th June to 20th September. Prime time: July and August. £1,850 per person.

WEST HIGHLANDS

The highlands is the home of mountain char where endless streams, rivers and lakes provide a hugely varied fishing experience. The three main rivers - the Vatnsdalsá, Alka and Brikakvislbreak into many smaller streams as you venture further upstream. This is backpack fishing, where you explore every lie and stretch of river in the hope of finding big Arctic char. Fish average two to three pounds with many ranging from five to ten pounds. The fishing is predominantly upstream with nymphs, but char also come up to dries in good conditions. This destination, with endless possibilities of untouched waters, is great for anglers who want to be alone in the wilderness. The only limit is your own imagination; you can walk up river, down river, or fish a lake that you find interesting. Fishing in the Icelandic midnight sun is an experience not to be missed. Accommodation is in basic highland cabins and food is prepared by your guide.

HIGHLANDS LODGE - There are two main mountain lodges used on these trips. They are simple buildings with combined bedroom, living space and kitchen. It is possible to arrange more comfortable accommodation.

PERFECT FOR - Small groups, single handed fishing, those looking for a more rustic wilderness experience in Iceland.

LAXÁRDAL LODGE - Laxardal is serviced from Raudholar Lodge which is a modern Scandinavian style lodge looking out over the broad river. The lodge has 12 en-suite bedrooms and provides full board lodging. It has a drying room, sauna, hot tub and Wi-Fi.

PERFECT FOR - Trout aficionados hunting large wild brown trout, upstream dry fly and nymph fishing, single fisherman as well as groups.

WHEN - Season: 1st June to 30th August. Prime time: July and early August for dry fly fishing.

COST FROM - £2,500 per person.

LAXÁRDAL

Laxárdal is the lower of the two sections on the upper valley of the Laxá Í Adaldal. Spanning 12½km it represents some of the finest wild brown trout fishing in Europe. The river is wide and shallow, and not dissimilar to flats fishing as you wade out and cast at rises. Like the salmon beats below, the river bed is a contrast of black sand punctuated with laval rock creating superb lies for large brown trout. These ice age fish have a large average sizeof four pounds, but unlike trout in other areas of the world they remain insect feeders.

Numerous five to seven pound trout are caught every year, with the occasional fish of eight to nine pounds making an appearance. Some Icelanders fish with streamers, but upstream dry fly and nymph tactics are considerably more effective. Although there are none of our normal variety of biting mosquitoes in Iceland there are a number of other chironomids that the trout feed on readily.

MÝVATNSSVEIT

Myvatnssveit is the upper of the two sections on the upper valley of the Laxá Í Adaldal which flows directly out of Lake Myvatn. This 12km section is broken into beats that accommodate between two and three rods. These upper beats are wonderfully braided with fast runs, small pockets and crystal clear water. Pools for the most part are grass banked, wide, and with a relatively even bottom. The laval shelves create good lies for large trout to ambush unsuspecting insects as they drift past. The water varies from fast runs to glassy tail-outs which offers anglers some very interesting fishing, whether that is prospecting with nymphs or casting dries to confidently feeding fish. The wild brown trout average two to three pounds with fish of up to ten pounds encountered every season. As these fish live in fast, powerful, water they are extremely strong, and hooking one will test your tackle and skill.

MÝVATNSSVEIT LODGE - Hof Lodge has 16 rooms, although fairly basic it is right in the midst of the beats providing easy access to the river. The food is simple but wholesome and just what is needed after a long day on the river.

PERFECT FOR - Trout anglers hunting large wild brown trout, upstream dry fly and nymph fishing, single fisherman as well as groups.

WHEN - Season: 1st June to 30th August. Prime time: July and early August for dry fly fishing.

COST FROM - £1,850 per person.

Mýrarkvísl, the lowest tributary of the Laxa I Adaldal on Iceland s north coast, offers 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 1520 browns a day with an average size of two pounds.

The river’s unique character, and the diversity of fishing, means there is always something to entertain, from casting a nymph or a dry fly on the upper section to rising trout, or trying to winkle out salmon from one of the canyon pools. Fishing on Langavatn lake, which holds a large stock of small Arctic char along with good sized brown trout, is also included.

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 full service or self-catered.

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 - £3,000 per person.

REYKJADALSÁ

The Reykjadalsá is a tributary of the Laxa I Adaldal. A few salmon run it but trout fishing is the focus. The river flows for 35km and is serviced by one lodge offering fishing to six anglers. The river flows relatively fast in the upper section and anglers will find countless numbers of small pools and deep holes suitable for dry fly fishing or prospecting with a nymph. As it flows downstream the water slows and meanders through meadows where there are long glides and deep pools with free feeding fish. Although the brown trout are not as large as some other Icelandic trout, averaging one to two pounds, there are a few larger specimens lurking to eight pounds. The river is akin to a UK chalkstream with crystal clear water and large amounts of weed growth common. The midge, bibio and nymph fishing can be excellent.

REYKJADALSÁ

LODGE - The recently built lodge accommodates up to eight people in four double bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom and shower. It can be taken self-catering or full serviced.

PERFECT FOR - Trout anglers hunting wild brown trout in small rivers, upstream dry fly and nymph fishing, small groups.

WHEN - Season: 15th May to 15th September. Prime time: July and early August for dry fly fishing.

COST FROM - £1,300 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 20lb.

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: lateAugust to early October.

COST FROM - £6,000 per person.

KALDAKVISL

The Kaldakvísl river is a wonderful hidden gem in Iceland’s scenically stunning highland region. Fished only by a select few, there is a four rod limit, the incredibly beautiful 16km section of river holds a good population of native Arctic char and some large wild brown trout. The waterfalls, great canyons, fast water, slow water, rock pockets, sandy stretches and so much more provide a rich habitat for Arctic char averaging two to four pounds, with some fish in excess of seven pounds.

At its bottom end, the river drops into a char-filled lake from which, through the summer months, the char migrate upriver. Anglers can target these incredibly strong fish as they rest in the pools during their journey. The upper part of the river flows through inaccessibly deep canyons where the char and trout can grow to their full size, safe from anglers. Nymphs and streamers on a floating line are the most productive methods. Dry fly fishing is also good when caddis and the famous Iceland midge (non-biting) hatches are in full force.

Kaldakvisl is a 4 rod river and anglers fish it in conjunction with Tungnaá using Thoristungur Highland Lodge as the base for daily excursions to the rivers.

PERFECT FOR - Varied fishing in a pristine environment.

WHEN - Season: 15 May to 30 September. Prime time: July and August.

COST - From £2,750.

KALDAKVISL LODGE - Recently renovated, Thoristungur Highland Lodge accommodates up to 12 guests in six double/twin bedrooms. There is a shared bathroom with two toilets and three showers.

TUNGNAA

Tungnaá is a fascinating crystal-clear stream in Iceland’s highland region. Flowing through beautiful miniature canyons and traditional pools it is filled with both Ice Age brown trout and big Arctic char. This formerly milky glacier became gin clear with the opening of a hydro-electric plant in 2013 and is now a wonderful sight fishery. It offers a technical challenge where stealth is rewarded with plenty of native brown trout and Arctic char averaging two to four pounds and monsters recorded up to 12lb. Nymphs and streamers on a floating line are the most productive methods in the cold waters of the Tungnaá. Dry fly fishing can also be great when caddis and the famous Iceland midge (non-biting) hatches are in full force.

Tungnaá is most commonly fished in conjunction with Kaldakvisl, using Thoristungur Highland Lodge as a base. Both rods fish 1-4 anglers per session.

TUNGNAA LODGE - The recently renovated, Thoristungur Highland Lodge accommodates up to 12 guests in six double/twin bedrooms. There is a shared bathroom with two toilets and three showers.

PERFECT FOR - Sightfishing for big trout and Arctic char.

WHEN - Season: 15 May to 30 September. Prime time: July and August

COST– From £2,750.

MINNIVALLALÆKUR LODGE - The wonderfully placed self-catering lodge overlooks one of the best pools - Húsabreiða. Full service can be arranged upon request. The lodge has four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a hot tub.

PERFECT FOR - Trout aficionados hunting large wild brown trout, upstream dry fly and nymph fishing, small groups.

WHEN - Season: 1st April to 30th September. Prime time: end of June to the beginning of August for dry fly fishing.

COST FROM - £1,850 per person.

MINNIVALLALÆKUR

This smallish, gin clear Icelandic stream has been hailed as one of the best kept secrets in global angling. It is a technical river requiring stealth and patience. Wild native brown trout swim its waters, remnants of the ice age stocks that stayed when the glaciers retreated. These real dinosaurs, relics from times past, average three to four pounds with the monsters up to 20lb. Every season several trout of ten pounds plus are caught, with many in the five to nine pound class. The season starts at the beginning of April, often in sub-zero temperatures, and it fishes to the end of September. Spring is most popular with the local anglers, when fishing with streamers and nymphs is most effective. Later, in June, July and August, delicate dry fly fishing is most productive. Late in the season there are usually few rods fishing the river. It is an underrated time of the season as the browns tend to get very aggressive.

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 - Those looking to explore new water with the chance of some monster trout. Dries, nymphs and streamers.

WHEN - Season: 24th June to 20th October. Prime time: early July to late August.

COST FROM - £1,800 per person.

WEST RANGÁ

The West Rangá holds a reputation as one of the most prolific Atlantic salmon rivers in Iceland. Far less known, and relatively unexplored, is the 50km of main river and tributaries above the famous salmon fishing beats. What has been discovered in this section of river, as it tumbles through grassy meadows, are some monster brown trout, a good number of which have been landed well into double figures. This ancient strain of brown trout were originally sea trout which became landlocked after one of the many geological shifts around Mount Hekla. The sea trout reverted to brown trout and have continued to thrive in these waters.

Anglers fishing these trout beats can stay at the main West Rangá Lodge and explore on a daily basis with their guide.

Image from Kaldakvisl which Pete said OK to use

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

Aardvark McLeod

Videos in Iceland

Whale watching

The cold coastal waters host a plethora of marine life, and during the summer months 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.

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

Hiking

Walking routes criss-cross the countryside offering a great way to experience Iceland’s unique fauna andflora.

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.

The Blue Lagoon

This extraordinary geothermal spa in the heart of the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark is an Icelandic highlight. Easily accessible between Reykjavik and the international airport, a dip in its warm, mineral rich waters is an fun way to spend an hour or two.

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

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.