If you are planning a fly fishing trip to Iceland in 2027, North Iceland offers something increasingly difficult to find in destination fishing: variety, small rivers, limited fishing pressure and the opportunity to combine Atlantic salmon, wild brown trout and Arctic char in a single trip.
At Iceland Fishing Guide, we operate a collection of rivers, lakes and fishing lodges across North and North-East Iceland. Rather than sending anglers to one fishery for an entire week, many of our trips can be built around several very different waters.
One day might involve casting a dry fly to brown trout in clear water. Another may be spent covering a small Atlantic salmon river. Later in the trip you might fish for Arctic char or explore one of the legendary brown-trout beats of the Laxá in Aðaldal.
That variety is one of the things that makes fishing in North Iceland special.
Our Main Fly Fishing Rivers for 2027
Mýrarkvísl
Mýrarkvísl is one of the fisheries most closely connected to Iceland Fishing Guide.
It is a relatively small river with remarkable variety. The upper river flows through open country, while other sections pass through canyons, pools and more powerful water before eventually joining the Laxá system.
Depending on the season, anglers can encounter Atlantic salmon, brown trout and Arctic char.
Because of its size, Mýrarkvísl is also a very intimate salmon river. Long casts are rarely necessary and anglers can often approach fish in a way that feels completely different from fishing larger salmon rivers.
Mýrarkvísl is normally fished with only a small number of rods, helping us keep fishing pressure controlled.
Reykjadalsá
Reykjadalsá is another small and beautiful river in the same part of North Iceland.
The river combines open sections with canyon water and holds both trout and salmon. It is especially well suited to anglers who enjoy fishing smaller rivers and covering varied water rather than standing in one large pool.
Reykjadalsá is also becoming increasingly important to our long-term fisheries work, and we have begun applying some of the lessons learned through our conservation work on Mýrarkvísl to the Reykjadalsá system.
Laxá in Aðaldal — Wild Brown Trout
The Laxá in Aðaldal is internationally famous for its wild brown trout.
Our trout fishing takes place across several different beats, including Múlatorfa, Staðartorfa, Syðra Fjall and Presthvammur.
These beats can be combined with our other rivers, making them particularly useful for anglers who want a varied itinerary rather than spending an entire trip on one fishery.
The Laxá can produce exceptionally large wild brown trout and is one of the fisheries we are most proud to include in our North Iceland programs.
Litlaá, Lónsá and Other Waters
We also operate and work with several smaller rivers and lakes throughout the region.
Depending on the dates, conditions and the type of fishing you prefer, a trip can include waters such as Litlaá, Lónsá, Geitafellsá, Brunná and a selection of lakes.
This allows us to design the fishing around the angler rather than forcing every guest into the same itinerary.
What Species Can You Fish for in Iceland?
The three main species we target are:
Atlantic salmon — primarily during the summer salmon season, with timing varying from river to river.
Wild brown trout — available across a wide range of rivers and lakes, including some fisheries capable of producing genuinely exceptional trout.
Arctic char — one of Iceland’s great native game fish and an important part of many mixed-species trips.
A well-designed trip can give an angler realistic opportunities to fish for all three.
When Is the Best Time to Fly Fish in Iceland?
There is no single “best” month because the answer depends on what you want to catch.
April and May
Spring can offer excellent trout and Arctic char fishing and is an interesting option for anglers who are less concerned about salmon.
June
June brings long days and almost continuous daylight. Trout fishing is well underway and the first salmon begin appearing in our rivers.
July
July is one of the classic months for an Iceland fishing trip. Salmon numbers build, trout fishing remains strong and the long northern evenings create extraordinary fishing conditions.
August
August is prime time on many of our fisheries and one of our most sought-after periods.
It is an excellent month for anglers who want a strong combination of salmon, brown trout and Arctic char.
September
September is one of our favourite months.
The landscape begins to change, fishing pressure is lower in many places and there can still be very good fishing for salmon, trout and char.
It is also an excellent period for anglers who prefer a quieter trip and cooler conditions.
Small Groups and Limited Rods
We deliberately operate many of our fisheries with only a small number of anglers.
Mýrarkvísl and Reykjadalsá are normally protected as small-group fisheries rather than being filled with large numbers of rods.
That approach allows guides to rotate anglers through different water, reduce pressure and create a much more personal fishing experience.
Our standard guided arrangement is generally two anglers per guide.
Fishing Lodges in North Iceland
A fishing trip with us is not only about the hours spent on the river.
Our lodge operation is an important part of the experience.
We operate fishing accommodation connected to several of our main fisheries, including lodge operations serving Mýrarkvísl, Reykjadalsá and the Laxá area.
A typical full-service program can include:
- Fishing permits
- Professional fishing guides
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Transportation during the fishing program
- Fishing equipment when required
- Assistance with fishing-equipment disinfection
- Trip planning and local logistics
We can also build simpler programs for anglers who prefer self-guided fishing or who are travelling around Iceland independently.
Getting to North Iceland
Most international visitors arrive through Keflavík International Airport.
From Reykjavík, anglers can fly domestically to Akureyri, which is the main gateway to our fishing area.
We can assist with the logistics between Akureyri and the fishing lodges and can also help arrange transfers for guests who would prefer not to rent a vehicle.
Many of our hosted and international fishing packages begin and end in Akureyri.
Fishing Equipment and Disinfection
Iceland has strict biosecurity rules designed to protect its freshwater ecosystems.
Used fishing tackle brought into Iceland must be properly disinfected according to current Icelandic regulations before it is used in Icelandic freshwater.
We strongly recommend that every visiting angler reviews the current official requirements before travelling.
If required, we can also help guests arrange equipment and local disinfection services.
Who Are Our Trips Designed For?
Our programs are not limited to highly experienced anglers.
We regularly host:
- Experienced salmon anglers
- Trout fishermen visiting Iceland for the first time
- Couples
- Groups of friends
- Hosted groups
- Travel-agent groups
- Parent-and-child trips
- Anglers combining fishing with a wider Iceland holiday
Because we operate different fisheries, we can adjust a program to match experience level, physical ability and fishing preferences.
Why Fish North Iceland?
Much of Iceland’s international tourism remains concentrated around Reykjavík and the south of the country.
North Iceland feels different.
The rivers are close together, traffic is limited and the landscapes remain quiet even during the summer.
For a fly fisherman, that means less time moving through crowded tourism areas and more time experiencing the rivers, farms, valleys and small communities that surround the fishing.
It also allows us to build trips where fishing, accommodation and transportation fit naturally together.
Planning a 2027 Fishing Trip
Some of our most desirable dates and complete river blocks are reserved well in advance.
For 2027, we recommend contacting us early if you are interested in:
- Prime Atlantic salmon weeks
- Exclusive use of a small river
- Groups of four to eight anglers
- Hosted trips
- Combining several rivers
- Full-service lodge programs
Tell us your preferred dates, group size and the species you most want to fish for, and we can suggest the best available combination.
Contact Iceland Fishing Guide
Email: info@icelandfishingguide.com
Telephone: +354 449 9905
Come fish the rivers of North Iceland with the people who work with them every day.