Freshwater

Why fly fishing in Iceland

Iceland is an exciting destination combining exceptional fly fishing for wild Atlantic salmon, large brown trout and powerful Arctic char with spectacular, untouched landscapes. Its rivers and lakes offer an extraordinary variety of fishing, from small highland streams and clear spring-fed rivers to large salmon rivers and remote lakes. Iceland is particularly renowned for its salmon fishing. Carefully managed rivers, controlled fishing pressure and strong catch-and-release practices have helped maintain some of the finest wild Atlantic salmon fisheries in the world. Much of the fishing can also be enjoyed with relatively light tackle, with single-handed rods, floating lines and small flies providing wonderfully visual sport.

What makes fly fishing in Iceland so special

The sheer variety of fishing experiences is one of Iceland’s greatest strengths. Anglers can fish for salmon in dramatic canyons, stalk large brown trout in clear northern rivers, target powerful Arctic char in the southern Highlands or cast a double-handed rod over broad salmon rivers. The country’s clear water often allows anglers to watch fish and their reaction to a fly, adding another dimension to the experience. Iceland’s trout fishing is particularly exciting, with the wild Ice Age strain of brown trout capable of reaching exceptional sizes, while Lake Thingvallavatn is famous for giant brown trout and several forms of Arctic char.

Non-fishing travelling companions will find Iceland has plenty to offer away from the river, from dramatic landscapes and geothermal experiences to wildlife, culture, history and exceptional food. The result is a fishing holiday that combines outstanding angling with the opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most fascinating countries.

Key Iceland fly fishing species

Iceland offers an impressive variety of salmonids, with different regions and rivers providing very different fishing experiences. The key species include:

Aardvark McLeod Expertise in Iceland fly fishing

We have fished Iceland’s rivers and lakes on multiple occasions, host trips here every year and have an in-depth understanding of its salmon, trout and Arctic char fisheries. With such a diverse range of rivers and lakes, choosing the right destination is crucial, and our knowledge allows us to match anglers with fisheries according to their preferred species, fishing style, experience and budget. Whether the objective is a week of classic Atlantic salmon fishing, stalking large brown trout with a single-handed rod, chasing colourful Arctic char or combining several different fishing experiences, we can help create the right itinerary.

Battle Field Lodge, sea trout fishing Iceland, Aardvark McLeod

Battle Hill Lodge

Battle Hill Lodge Superb sea trout fishing Iceland’s incredible sea trout fishing has long been overlooked by those in favour of salmon. Battle Hill Lodge is the country’s first specific

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Blanda, Iceland, Aardvark McLeod

Blanda

Seasonal variation

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

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Breiddalsa Iceland, Fly Fishing Iceland, Arctic Char Iceland, Trout fishing Iceland

Breiddalsa

Seasonal variation

The Breiddalsa offers anglers the adventure of fly fishing for sea-run arctic char, brown trout and sea trout in one of Iceland’s most pristine and recognizable rivers. A thrilling fishing

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River Brunna, Iceland Arctic char, brown trout, Iceland fly fishing, Aardvark McLeod

Brunná

River Brunná in Öxarfjordur is a gin clear Arctic char and sea trout river on the north east coast of Iceland. The spectacular Brunná flows through wonderful surroundings, offering some beautifully

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Deildara, Iceland, Salmon Fishing, Aardvark McLeod

Deildara

Deildara is a delightful three rod fly fishing river in north eastern Iceland. It may be just seven kilometres long but the 19 named pools offer the chance to catch

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Eleven Deplar Farm

Deplar Farm is located in the remote Fljot valley in northern Iceland’s mountainous Troll Peninsula. This distinctive property was once a sheep farm and has been converted into a wonderful lodge still  celebrating its rugged past with authentic Icelandic architecture and glorious views.

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Flokadalsa, Iceland, Aardvark McLeod

Flokadalsa

Seasonal variation

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

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Trout Fishing Fremri Asum Iceland

Fremri Asum

Upper Laxá I Asum is an exceptional trout fishery that up to this point has remained private. Located on the Iceland’s north western coast, the river is a three hour

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Grimsa River, Iceland, Aardvark McLeod, salmon fishing, Atlantic Salmon

Grimsa

Seasonal variation

The Grimsa is one of Iceland’s most beautiful fly fishing rivers and is one of a few Icelandic rivers that has tradition stamped all over it. It was frequented by

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