Trout fishing in Iceland
Iceland is known to many anglers for some of the best salmon fishing in the world today. Less known is the fact that there are also outstanding trout fishing opportunities. Most of the many lakes in Iceland offer good trout fishing, both brown trout and char. The same can be said for the majority of the smaller and colder rivers. Since the demand is not high, fishing lisences can be obtained on short notice, and at low cost. Facilities for anglers vary widely. In some places there are high-quality fishing lodges, with good service and guiding. Self-catering lodges or cabins are common. Elsewhere the fishing areas are off the road and have no facilities. It is important for anglers to know what kind of of fishing they are buying, and what to expect, so they can properly prepare their trip. Good preparation can ensure that the anglers experience a unique fishing trip. In most places, fishing can also be combined with other activities.
In Iceland, both Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and Brown trout occur as sea-runing and also land-locked. (see the pages on "Fresh Water Species" on this web) Brown trout are common in rivers, brooks and lakes, all around Iceland. It often co-exists with char, as in the lakes on the highland heath, "Arnarvatnsheidi" and in Lake Thingvallavatn. The upper part of Laxá í Adaldal, the upper part of Laxá á Ásum, Litlaá in Kelduhverfi and Veidivötn in Landmannaafréttur are examples of fine brown trout fishing waters.
Sea trout occurs in rivers all around Iceland, but is most common in the southeast and west. The biggest fish are found in the southeast, often up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 20 pounds. Among the best sea trout rivers, one can mention the Geirlandsá, Grenlækur, Tungufljót and Vatnamót.
Char is the most common freshwater fish in Iceland. It occurs in rivers and lakes all over the island. It generally weights from 0.5 up to 2 pounds, but fish up to 4 pounds are not rare. The largest recorded char was 22 pounds, taken in Skorradalsvatn. Sea-run char is also widely found, but most common in the north. It is the dominant fish species in some cold rivers like Eyjafjardará and Hörgá and very prolific in the slower flowing sections of rivers like Vatnsdalsá and Vídidalsá. Some good rivers holding sea-run char are also found in the eastern fjords and at the west coast, too.
Land-locked trout may be fished all year round. The season for sea run trout and char opens on the 1st of April and is open until the 10th of October. Any kind of of lure may be used that the fish will follow. Fishing with worms and spinners is often successful, but fly-fishing is becoming increasingly popular. The use of dry flies is also gaining in popularity.
The most common fly rods are 6' to 8'6", and the most successful fly lines are floating weights: 6 -8, with weight forward heads. Slow sinking or sink-tip lines are also good in high water conditions. Most common flies for brown trout are any kind of streamers and Nobblers and sometimes small flies such as Peter Ross, Black Zulu and Adler. Sometimes dry flies are very effective: Zulu, Adams, Black Gnat and Royal Wulff .
Even though Icelandic summers are generally fairly warm, weather conditions can change quite rapidly. Therefore, it is important to bring warm clothing, rainwear and windbreakers to be prepared for inclement weather. And - please remember to sterilize your tackle before, or on your arrival, it is the law, and intended to protect Icelandic freshwater fisheries.
