ICELAND
Salmon and Trout Fishing in Iceland
Salmon fishing is different in Iceland. The rivers run clearer and cleaner and are perhaps more interesting than any other salmon fishing destination in the world. The Atlantic salmon that return to its rivers may not be as large as those of Norway or Russia, but they make it up with their feisty temperament. One of the biggest advantages of fresh water fishing in Iceland is that the rivers are never overcrowded. Just about all of the salmon fishing in Iceland is privately managed. The number of rods allowed on each river is limited by law to numbers that can be as low as 2 rods to an entire river and not more than 20 rods in the case of the largest and most productive rivers. Fishing on most rivers is limited by law to two 6 hour sessions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The result is that Iceland’s salmon and trout rivers never get too much pressure and fishermen have a lot of water to fish. Depending on the river, lodging is also provided in the form of fully furnished and equipped self-service cabins or full service lodges.
Traditionally visiting anglers have focused on the fantastic offering of Atlantic salmon fishing in Iceland. However, in recent years many have discovered the incredible fly fishing for resident and sea-run brown trout in Iceland. Although the trout season is relatively short, during the summer months some of Iceland’s best trout rivers can offer dry fly fishing for native browns that will rival any of the finest trout destinations in the world. On the other hand, if you don’t mind throwing a streamer we offer a selection of venues which consistently produce very large resident or sea-run brown trout with fish in the 20 pound range caught every year. If you are interested in combining salmon fishing with trout fishing in Iceland PescaTravel can put together a personalized itinerary for you providing transportation, expert local guides, fishing permits, lodging and meals. Below is a selection of some of PescaTravel’s favorite salmon and trout fishing venues in Iceland.
Our Destinations in Iceland
Breiddalsá River
Careful management has helped to make this beautiful river the destination of choice on the east coast of Iceland for many fly fishermen. The Breiddalsá River als has one of the best fishing lodges in the country.
Jokla River
Lake Thingvallavatn
The average size of Lake Thingvallavatn brown trout runs about seven or eight pounds, however, fish in the 30 pound plus range are not entirely uncommon. Every year during the Spring these beasts emerge from the depths of the lake to hunt the shores for recently hatched char fry.
Langá River
Laxá in Dölum
Laxá in Kjos
Laxá í Laxardalur
For a fly fisherman looking for big trout there are few destianations that compare. Also known as Laxá í Laxardal, this wide shallow beat consistently produces fish in the two to five pound range, often on dry flies.
Laxá in Mývatnssveit
Minnivallalaekur River
This small slow flowing meandering river is a genuine spring creek originating in a couple of springs. The brown trout here which grow to enormous sizes are said to come from a strain which has been isolated since the Ice Age. It is a very technical dry fly stream where large trout can be taken on very small dry flies and nymphs throughout much of the season and monsters of 20+ pounds are always lurking in its deeper pools.
Nordura River
Sog River
