This float and wade fishing adventure on the Blanda in northern Iceland provides an unforgettable fishing adventure on a magnificent river. The six-day, five-night experience offers a unique blend of drift and wade fishing, targeting all of Iceland’s native trout and char species—from brown trout and sea-run browns to Arctic char and migratory sea-run char. Accommodation for the trip is the luxurious Long Valley Lodge, nestled in one of Iceland’s most scenic valleys.
Blanda Float and Wade Fishing – The Angling Experience
The Blanda River is known for its power, beauty, and size, and is ideal for both wading and scenic drift fishing. Split between drift boat floats and wade sessions, this trip allows you to fish some of the most productive and untouched waters in Iceland.
- Species: Brown trout, sea-run browns, Arctic char, and sea-run Arctic char
- Average fish size: 20 inches, with trophy fish up to 30 inches
- Gear: Single-handed 6–7 wt rods; floating or sinking lines depending on conditions
- Techniques: Streamer fishing dominates early in the season, transitioning to a mix of streamers, nymphs, and dry flies as summer approaches.
The Drift Boats
Fishing is from top-tier NRC Slipstream 129 rafts, equipped for safe and comfortable drifting. Each guest is provided with a premium NRS fishing life vest to ensure safety and comfort on the water. There are two anglers per boat and per guide.
Accommodation at Long Valley Lodge
The newly constructed Long Valley Lodge offers the perfect blend of rustic Icelandic charm and refined modern comfort. Thoughtfully designed with anglers in mind, the lodge is nestled in a tranquil valley with sweeping views of the surrounding highlands and just minutes from the Blanda River. The lodge features:
- 12 spacious double-occupancy rooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom.
- A cozy, inviting lounge area complete with plush seating, panoramic windows offering stunning views of the valley, perfect for unwinding after a day on the river
- A large outdoor deck with a hot tub and traditional Icelandic sauna, ideal for relaxing sore muscles while soaking in the peace of the Icelandic wilderness
- Gourmet international cuisine, with meals prepared daily by an in-house chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and global culinary inspiration
- Full-service hospitality, including a bar featuring Icelandic beers, fine wines, and premium spirits.
- A fully stocked fly shop on site, carrying premium flies tailored to the Blanda River, leaders, tippet, fly lines, and other essential gear.
Bring a non-fishing companion
Want to share the adventure with a non-fishing spouse or friend? The Long Valley region offers much more than world-class angling. Your companion can enjoy a wide range of activities, from historical sightseeing to adventurous outdoor excursions including day trips to waterfalls, hot springs, national parks, and cultural landmarks.
Blanda Float and Wade Fishing – Trip Itinerary
Day 1
11:00am: Pick-up from your hotel in Reykjavík or at KEF airport (depending on your arrival)
Scenic 3.5-hour transfer to Long Valley Lodge
Light lunch on arrival, followed by an afternoon of guided fishing
Days 2–5
8:00am: Breakfast
Full-day guided fishing (lunch provided riverside)
6:00pm: Return to the lodge
8:30pm: Three-course dinner
Day 6 Fish this morning until 12pm – transfer back to Reykjavík. Arrival time in Reykjavík between 5 and 6pm.
Arctic Cast and Drift 2026 – Availability and cost per angler.
May 1 – 6 – $6,650
May 6 – 11 – $6,650
May 11 – 16 – $6,650
May 16 – 21 – $6,650
May 21 – 26 – $6,650
May 26 – 31 – $6,650
May 31 – June 5 – $7,200
June 5 – 10 – $7,200
June 10 – 15 – $7,200
June 15 – 20 – $7,200
All rates are based on double occupancy (a shared guide and room). A single room upgrade is available for an additional $150 per night. Non-fishing companions are welcome at a rate of $250 per night.
Atlantic salmon fishing add-on (available June 5 to June 20)
For guests looking to extend their adventure, we offer a two day Atlantic salmon fishing add-on on Beat One, the lowest and most productive salmon stretch of the Blanda River.
This section features a powerful run and a small waterfall where salmon often pause before continuing upriver, making it a prime location for early-season success. The beat is limited to four rods per day, with two anglers per bank.
On this stretch, anglers may choose to share a rod, a common practice in Iceland due to private river access and rod limitations. This allows two guests to alternate fishing while splitting the cost of one license.
Add-On Rates (two days on Beat One salmon fishing)
One rod per angler: $3,760 per person
Shared rod (2 anglers): $2,880 per person
For more details on fishing on this Blanda float and wade fishing adventure please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.