West Rangá River, Iceland

In recent years the West Rangá has reclaimed its status as the most productive salmon river in Iceland taking first place from its sister river the East Rangá. Between 2014 and 2023 the average anual rod catch for the West Rangá was 4,901 salmon, making it far and away the most productive salmon river in Iceland. During the first part of the season only fly fishing is allowed, but from September on worming and spinning are also permitted. Visiting fishermen have access to up to 25 kilometers of fishable water divided among 6 to 9 beats fished in rotation by 12 to 18 rods, depending on the dates.

Like its sister river, West Ranga is a large salmon river by Icelandic standards ideally fished with 14 to 15 foot two hand rods. Both rivers are quite similar in structure as well, with large meanders, smooth currents and a mostly sandy bottom which making for easy wading. Unlike most of the west coast rivers, both Rangas offer stabile flows throughout the summer even during dry spells. However, the West Rangá does does have one important advantage over East in that it is spring fed river which very rarely turns muddy and is therefore almost always fishable even after significant rain events. For this reason it is a surer bet during the later part of the season when rains are frequent.

The best dates to fish the West Rangá usually fall between mid-July and mid-September. During the last two months of the season, a good run of sea-run brown trout add some spice to the fishing. Going into October, the fishing can still be spectacular but fishermen should take into account shorter daylight hours and colder weather which generally signify fewer hours of activity for the salmon as the water gets colder.

Like its sister river, the West Ranga’s great catch numbers are sustained by one of the most extensive smolt release programs in all of Iceland. Like many other rivers in Iceland, the river management operates a hatchery program in which alevins are released into small protected river branches where the are fed and raised until they smolt and are released to go out directly to the sea. Fishermen are instructed to place any large females caught into live boxes in the river where the river management can later collect them for use in their artificial spawning program.

Visiting fishermen stay at an excellent lodge overlooking the river. They are accommodated in 22 bedrooms with on suite bathrooms. All gear may be stored in a large dry room. Meals are served in a large dining room. After fishing guests can enjoy a drink at a well stocked bar or relax with a sauna or jacuzzi.