Blanda

Exciting fly-fishing in stunning surroundings

The Blandá is a glacial river in northwest Iceland rising in the foothills of the mighty Hofsjökull glacier. The river flows 125km through the vast highlands into the stunning valleys of Blöndudalur and Langidalur before reaching the sea next to the town of Blönduós.  With a high ratio of multi-winter salmon, the Blandá has a reputation for holding some of the most powerful fish in the country. 


Powerful salmon in well-rested waters 

Prior to 1991 and the installation of a dam 60km above the estuary, Blandá was unfishable due to its overwhelming and coloured flow pattern.  Thanks to the dam, the pools of the Blandá are today milky-clear during summertime, offering an exciting fly-fishing experience.

The average catch for the past ten years is just under 2,300 salmon annually, with the best year in 2015 exceeding 4,800 salmon. Fishing the Blandá is a 37km long adventure where anglers encounter fast flowing rapids, long calm stretches and a canyon on the uppermost section of the river. Heavy wading is necessary in parts of the lower section but becomes easier towards the upper part. All these pools are ideal fishing with double-handed rods, which we highly recommend, as Blandá is notorious for its high ratio of multi-winter salmon. The salmon of the Blandá have a well-known reputation for being among the most powerful in the country.

The Blandá River opens to anglers in early June after the first spring runs arrive at the end of May, fishing with only four rods. Later in the season as the salmon runs increase, reaching their peak in July and early August, the whole river becomes an eight-rod operation. Throughout the season, the river offers anglers plentiful pools to choose from, ensuring well-rested waters for both the fisherman and the salmon.

The guides have been fishing the river for many years and will do their very best to assist anglers in every way during their stay. They have a passion for fly fishing and for the river they hold dear. All the guides are English speaking and provide guests with four wheel drive vehicles for transport along the river. Each guide is normally shared by two anglers, but a private guide can be provided upon request.

Comfortable accommodation in pretty riverbank setting

The spacious lodge offers 12 rooms, all twin-bedded with a private bathroom and shower.  Private rooms can be arranged for rod sharers if space allows. The lodge is on the middle section of the Blandá, with an extensive bird life roaming the nearby riverbank. The midnight summer evenings are magical at the Blandá, listening to the wildlife and breathing in the fresh air of the valley.

A traditional river in northwest Iceland 

The Blandá is located on the north west coast of Iceland just past the twon of Blonduos and is approximately a 3 hour and 20 minute drive from Reykjavik.


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