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:

• Atlantic salmon – Iceland’s flagship species, with prolific wild runs and opportunities ranging from small rivers where single-handed rods can be used to larger rivers suited to two-handed rods.
• Brown trout – Iceland’s wild brown trout can reach remarkable sizes, with fish of 10lb possible in some rivers and considerably larger specimens found in Lake Thingvallavatn.
• Arctic char – a powerful and often beautifully coloured species that can be targeted with dry flies, nymphs and streamers. In some Highland fisheries, average sizes of three to five pounds are possible.
• Sea trout – migratory brown trout provide exciting sport in selected rivers and can offer another dimension to Iceland’s trout fishing.

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.