Mýrarkvísl delivered a classic Icelandic spring fishing experience this week as guide Eyþór took clients out for two days on the river under difficult but memorable conditions. Just when we thaught summer was around the corner, it starts snowing again!
The conditions were demanding from the very start. Cold temperatures and heavy snowfall had turned the landscape completely white overnight, while rising water levels, colored water. The group began on Beat 1, where we typically find fewer but larger fish, but with the river carrying extra water and visibility reduced, there was very little activity early on.
Recognizing that the fish would likely be holding deep and conserving energy in the cold water, Eyþór focused heavily on nymphing techniques throughout the trip. Getting the flies down close to the fish proved essential in the spring conditions. Interestingly, several of the fish that were landed later in the session vomited large amounts of worms, confirming that Squirmy Wormies were not only effective attractor patterns, but were in fact closely “matching the hatch” on the day.
The decision to move further upstream soon paid off. Around Pool 51, the group quickly connected with three beautiful fish, all around the 50 cm mark. The fish took classic cold-water spring patterns including Mop flies and Squirmy Wormies, fished deep and slowly through the holding water.
The anglers continued working upstream toward Pool 54, although the action slowed there. Later, they covered a long stretch back downstream toward Pool 48, losing two strong fish above the old Pool 50 area before finding more action again in Pool 49. There they landed a kelt.
At this time of year, most of the salmon encountered in the river are kelts – Atlantic salmon that have already spawned during previous autumn or early winter and are returning toward the sea. After spawning, kelts are often thin and exhausted, but they remain aggressive and fight hard for a short peroid of time. while we don’t target them and try our best to let them be given their condition, we still catch one from time to time when targeting trout.
Despite poor trails caused by the snow and thawing ground, the group remained persistent and covered a large amount of water on foot. Their effort resulted in fantastic numbers of fish.
That day produced more than a salmon. A particularly beautiful brown trout was landed above Pool 45, along with another solid 50 cm trout from pool 42 and three nice trout from pool 41, Langalygna.
While the weather was harsh and the conditions far from easy, those days highlighted how important adaptability and persistence are during Iceland’s early spring season. By focusing on deep nymph presentations and adjusting to the conditions throughout the day, Eyþór and his guests were rewarded with several quality fish and a memorable days on the river!