Gear Guide for Mýrarkvísl – Trout & Salmon Fishing

Introduction

Mýrarkvísl is a diverse and productive river that offers excellent fishing for both brown trout and Atlantic salmon. While the river itself is relatively small, conditions vary a lot between trout and salmon fishing as well as different sections of the river, and having the right gear for each makes a noticeable difference. This guide outlines the recommended gear for Mýrarkvísl, clearly separating trout and salmon setups, so anglers know exactly what to bring and can fish efficiently and comfortably.

For fly selection and seasonal fly choice, see our dedicated articles: Best flies for Mýrarkvísl – Trout and Salmon

Character of the River & Wading Conditions

Mýrarkvísl is a clear river with varied flow, ranging from gentle glides to sections with stronger current and canyons. Wading depth is rarely above knee height, but there are stretches where the bottom becomes slippery.

The riverbed consists mainly of:

• Gravel

• Small stones

• Softer substrate in places

Waders & Footwear

Waders

• Breathable chest waders are recommended for comfort and flexibility

• While deep wading is uncommon, chest waders provide added safety and freedom of movement

Wading Boots

• Rubber soles with studs are strongly recommended

• Felt soles work very well on the river bottom, but they can be slippery on grassy banks—especially in wet or rainy conditions

Studded rubber soles offer the most reliable grip across all sections of Mýrarkvísl.

Wading Stick

A wading stick is a useful addition, especially due to slippery sections and slightly stronger current in parts of the river. Confident waders will manage without one, but a folding wading staff adds safety and confidence, particularly when moving between pools.

Rods – Trout vs Salmon Setups

Trout Fishing Gear

For brown trout fishing on Mýrarkvísl

• Dry fly rod: 9’ #4 or #5

• Nymph rod: #5 or #6

• Streamer rod: #7

If bringing fewer rods:

• 2 rods: #5 and #6

• 1 rod: #6 is the best all-around choice

Salmon Fishing Gear

Salmon fishing on Mýrarkvísl requires more power and stronger leaders.

• Minimum rod: #6

• Strongly recommended: #7 or #8

Having two rods rigged with different setups is highly recommended. This saves time, reduces leader and tippet wear, and allows anglers to switch flies efficiently as conditions change.

Reels & Backing

• Sturdy reel with smooth, reliable drag

• At least 100 meters of quality backing

• For salmon fishing, a strong drag system is essential due to powerful runs in relatively confined water

Fly Lines

Trout Fishing

• Floating lines are used almost exclusively

• WF floating line for dry flies and nymphs

• Long tapers help with mending and presentation

Salmon Fishing

• Floating lines are the standard

• Sink tips can be useful in certain pools but are not always necessary

• Simple, versatile setups are preferred over heavy multi-tip systems

Leaders & Tippet

General Recommendation

We recommend using primarily monofilament tippet for both trout and salmon fishing on Mýrarkvísl.

• Fluorocarbon can be useful to have, but is not essential

• Monofilament provides better turnover and elasticity in this river

Trout Tippet

• Typical size: 3X

• Lighter tippet (4X–5X) can be useful during technical dry fly conditions

Salmon Tippet

• Minimum: 15 lb

• Commonly used: up to 20 lb

Tapered leaders are very useful, especially when fishing smaller flies. Alternatively, bringing spools from 50 lb down to 15 lb allows anglers to build custom leaders suited to changing conditions.

Clothing & Personal Gear

Weather conditions in Iceland can change quickly. When you spend days in and around the river. Proper clothing is essential for comfort, safety, and enjoyment, especially in spring and autumn.

Essential Clothing

• Breathable chest waders (Gore-Tex or similar recommended)

• Waterproof wading jacket with hood

• Fleece or wool mid-layer

• Warm sweater or fleece jacket

• Thermal or microfiber long underwear

• Warm trousers

• Warm, comfortable wading socks

• Light fishing gloves (open mitts are excellent for line control)

• Light windbreaker jacket for variable conditions

Headwear & Visibility

• warm beanie

• cap or brimmed hat to improve visibility into the water

• Polarized sunglasses (amber or light brown lenses recommended for overcast days or when sightfishing in the canyon

Safety & Wading Gear

Folding wading staff (can come in handy)

Small Tools & Accessories

• Nippers

• Forceps

• Floatant (essential during dry fly periods)

• Drying powder (dry shake) or desiccant

• Spare leader and tippet materia

• Bug net for warm calm summer days, allthough the bugs are tpically not terrible, some days it’s nice to have a bug net.

Travel & Lodge Clothing

• Comfortable casual clothing for travel and evenings at the lodge

• Suitable power adapter (Iceland uses 220–240V / 50Hz electricity)

Final Notes

Mýrarkvísl may not be a large river, but it demands thoughtful gear choices—especially when switching between trout and salmon fishing. Proper footwear, strong tippet, and having multiple rod setups prepared will significantly improve both efficiency and enjoyment on the water.