Flokadalsa

Flókadalsá, known locally as Flóka, is one of West Iceland’s most attractive and rewarding small salmon rivers. Rising on the western side of the Ok glacier, the river flows for approximately 35km through a wonderfully fertile and secluded valley before joining the Hvítá in Borgarfjörður. With just three rods fishing the river, there is an exceptional amount of water for each angler, with around 16–17km of fishable river and almost 60 named pools and fishing spots. The water is remarkably clear and the river’s combination of spring-fed and rain-fed characteristics gives it unusually stable flows, helping to maintain consistent fishing throughout the season.

A small river with big-river qualities

The Flókadalsá is a wonderfully varied salmon river, with everything from fast runs and lively riffles to deeper, quieter pools where salmon can settle. Its clear water makes it particularly appealing to anglers who enjoy watching fish and fishing with small flies and hitched tubes, while the intimate nature of the river lends itself perfectly to light tackle and careful presentation. Despite its modest size, Flóka has an impressive history of salmon fishing, regularly producing several hundred fish and recording catches of more than 700 salmon in a number of seasons, with a remarkable 937 salmon recorded in 2013. More recently, the river produced 519 salmon in 2022, demonstrating the excellent potential of this little-known fishery.

An exclusive and peaceful fishing experience

For anglers looking for somewhere away from the crowds, Flókadalsá offers a genuine sense of privacy and solitude. With only three rods on the river, the fishing has an intimate feel that is increasingly difficult to find on Iceland’s better-known salmon rivers. The surrounding landscape is quintessentially West Iceland, with the river winding through a lush valley beneath the highlands, while nearby Reykholt, Deildartunguhver and the spectacular Hraunfossar waterfalls provide plenty to explore for non-fishing companions. A comfortable fishing lodge provides accommodation in four triple rooms, making Flókadalsá an excellent choice for a small group of friends looking for good numbers of wild Atlantic salmon, clear water and exclusive fishing in a beautiful and unspoilt setting.

Exclusive salmon river in West Iceland

Flókadalsá is located in West Iceland, flowing through the beautiful and secluded Flókadalur valley before joining the Hvítá river system. It is approximately 1½ hours’ drive from Reykjavík, making it an easily accessible yet wonderfully peaceful salmon fishery, with just three rods enjoying the river’s clear water and varied pools.