As we suspected Battle Hill lodge has very quickly gained a reputation as being THE sea trout fishery in southern Iceland. We have seen some stunning fish landed over last season the likes of which we would normally only encounter in Argentina. The fishery is comprised of three rivers, each with its own character and techniques, offering a wide variety of fishing prospects for travelling anglers. Although this has been sold on a 7 night/ 6 days basis for 2023, we are now able to offer some limited three day slots for late August/ early September.
The fishery is based around three rivers: the Vatnamot, Fossálar and the recently added Geirlandsá river, all of which are tributaries of the large glacial river, the Skaftá. The Vatnamot is a large junction where all the rivers meet, almost like an estuary. Wide and ever changing, the area is famous for giant sea trout. 20lb plus fish are landed here every year. As well as sea trout, you’ll find healthy numbers of arctic char and salmon. All the sea trout that run in the tributaries of the mighty Skaftá stop in Vatnamót before going in their home rivers. The bottom mostly consists of sand and is ever-changing, so the fish move around. When fishing Vatnamót you must be prepared to look for likely pools and runs and fish them accordingly.
The Fossálar is known for its amazing beauty and you will be mesmerized by the cacophony of cascading water and it feel like looking over a painted landscape The river is located amidst the lava field and has many smaller waterfalls. This lava field was created during the super-eruption of Laki in 1783. Part of the Fossálar river is on Unesco’s natural heritage list, so you can only imagine the beauty of the landscape. The river is renowned for the size of the sea trout runs and the size of the fish. The roughly 15 km long fishery offers an amazing variety of pools and landscapes. The Fossálar is a really challenging river and hard to read and why the guides love to fish it and guide it.
The Geirlandsá runs through the valley of Síða just east of the hamlet of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Its source is in “Geirlandsbotnar”, about 500 meters above sea level. The river is roughly 22 km and is home to two spectacular waterfalls, Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. The latter being the furthest upriver anadromous species can reach. From Hagafoss the river runs several miles through spectacular canyons that hold endless pools and runs to cast a fly into. To reach Hagafoss anglers must hike almost a mile up the canyon, so is only recommended for those who are fit. Those that do will experience one of the most spectacular scenery to fish in anywhere in the world. Below the canyon section, the river meanders through gravel banks before being joined by the tributary river Stjórn. Here the character of the river changes again with the bottom changing from gravel to sand. Although known for its large sea trout, Geirlandsá is also home to a decent run of Atlantic salmon. The river can both be fished effectively with a single and two-handed rod.
To fish all these rivers you will be based form Battle Hill lodge, a recently renovated farmhouse on a historic farm in the South East of Iceland. Updated with a clean style and modern amenities, the lodge can sleep up to ten fishermen in four twin rooms and two single rooms spread out over two floors, with two and a half bathrooms. The lodge is located approximately 3 ½ hours drive from Reykjavik along the southern coast road. While staying here you will have a chance to unwind and enjoy the peaceful solitude with stunning views.
For this coming Autumn season 2023 we can offer the following:
27 – 30 August: 2 rods, £2,890
30 Aug – 2 Sept: 2 rods, £2,890
11 – 14 Sept: 2 rods, £2,890
For more details on fishing Battle Hill Lodge or anywhere in Iceland please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.