Fish Iceland By Species

 April and May:

April and May herald the start of the fishing season in Iceland, commencing on April 1st with the opening of all rivers except for the Lónsá. During April, the weather exhibits a wide range, from lingering winter conditions with snow on the ground to the emergence of spring with bright days and sunlight. To cater to our guests’ preferences, we limit the number of rods sold in April and May, ensuring smaller groups and maximizing fishing opportunities across all available rivers. This flexible approach allows us to adapt to variable conditions, guaranteeing a diverse range of fishing options for our guests.

The Laxa in Adaldal proves particularly fruitful in April, especially in the famed “honey hole” pool, where large shoals of brown trout congregate to feed. Fishing techniques here predominantly involve nymphs and skated flies (Hitch), although streamer fishing and dry flies can also prove effective depending on hatch activity.

Similarly, the Mýrarkvísl river often boasts the largest trout catches during April and May, particularly with nymphs, streamers, and skated flies. While access to the entire river may vary yearly, with the upper half potentially still under ice in some seasons, anglers can fish from the lodge downstream to the Laxá confluence.

Renowned for trophy trout, the Brunna river’s lower half teems with brown trout, sea trout, and Arctic char engaged in feeding frenzies after the winter. Here, streamers, mouse patterns, and riffle hitch skated flies are favored, while the upper river offers versatile fishing with dries, nymphs, streamers, and skated flies.

As April progresses into May, the Lonsa river comes alive, attracting sea trout, brown trout, and Arctic char to the estuary for feeding on freshwater shrimp/scuds. Fishing in the estuary during this period provides exhilarating experiences, with aggressive feeding behavior witnessed in shallow waters. Towards the end of May, runs of Arctic char migrate upstream, offering opportunities to encounter large groups of fish in pools. Caution and strategic tactics are paramount to avoid spooking fish and maximize success.

In April, as spring begins to take hold, the Reykjadalsá river offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. As the weather warms up and insect activity increases, trout become more active, making them receptive to various fly patterns. Anglers can find success using nymphs, wet flies, and small streamers to target trout in the river’s pools and riffles. May marks the transition to warmer temperatures and increased insect hatches, making it an ideal time for trout fishing on the Reykjadalsá river. Dry fly fishing becomes more productive as trout rise to feed on emerging insects. Anglers can enjoy casting dry flies such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges to rising trout in the river’s currents. Additionally, nymphing and streamer fishing techniques remain effective, particularly during periods of low light or inclement weather.

In April, as winter transitions to spring, the Geitafellsá river begins to awaken from its winter slumber. Trout fishing during this month can be challenging yet rewarding. As water temperatures gradually rise, trout become more active and begin feeding in preparation for the spawning season. Nymphing with small, weighted patterns such as stoneflies, caddisflies, and mayflies can be effective in targeting trout holding in deeper pools and runs. Additionally, streamer fishing with patterns imitating baitfish and minnows can produce strikes from larger, aggressive trout. May marks the beginning of the prime trout fishing season on the Geitafellsá river. As spring progresses, insect activity increases, triggering feeding frenzies among trout. Dry fly fishing becomes more prevalent as trout rise to feed on emerging insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and midges. Anglers can enjoy presenting dry flies on the surface to rising trout in the river’s riffles and currents. Nymphing and streamer techniques remain effective, particularly during periods of low light or inclement weather.

Overall, April and May promise a diverse array of fishing experiences in Iceland’s rivers, each presenting unique opportunities and challenges for anglers seeking adventure and abundant catches.

June:

In June, the Laxa in Adaldal emerges as a prime fishing destination, often considered the most productive month on the river. This is also when the first significant hatches occur, although this can vary depending on prevailing weather and conditions. Fishing techniques on the Laxa include streamers, nymphs, skated flies, soft hackle, and dry flies.

The Mýrarkvísl river experiences its prime trout season in June and July, particularly with the emergence of brown trout on dry flies. By mid-June, the first small runs of multi-winter salmon, ranging from 10 to 20 lbs, begin to appear. However, targeting these salmon can be challenging due to their tendency to get lost in the river’s canyon beats. Guides typically focus on catching brown trout, while periodically checking canyon pools for salmon opportunities. Fishing techniques on the Mýrarkvísl involve streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle.

For the Brunna river, fishing typically continues until June 10th. However, some years, glacial melt can cause the lower half of the river to become colored, affecting fishing conditions. As a result, tours to the Brunná are not specifically planned, but rather day tours are organized from the Mýrarkvísl lodge if conditions permit. Fishing techniques on the Brunna river include streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle.

June brings the Lonsa river to life, with steady runs of arctic char throughout the month. Estuary fishing for brown trout, sea trout, and arctic char remains fantastic during this time. Fishing methods on the Lonsa involve streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle.

In June, trout fishing on the Reykjadalsá river continues to thrive as the river reaches its peak productivity. With abundant insect hatches and favorable water conditions, anglers can expect exciting dry fly action throughout the month. Terrestrial insects such as ants, beetles, and grasshoppers become prevalent along the riverbanks, attracting hungry trout to the surface. Dry fly enthusiasts can enjoy targeting trout with imitations of these terrestrial insects, while nymphing and streamer techniques remain effective in deeper pools and runs.

In June, trout fishing on the Geitafellsá river reaches its peak as summer approaches. With abundant insect hatches and favorable water conditions, anglers can expect excellent dry fly action throughout the month. Mayfly, caddisfly, and stonefly hatches provide ample opportunities for trout to feed on the surface, presenting anglers with exciting dry fly fishing opportunities. Terrestrial insects such as ants, beetles, and grasshoppers become prevalent along the riverbanks, attracting hungry trout to the surface. Nymphing and streamer fishing techniques remain effective, particularly in deeper pools and runs.

July:

Throughout July, the Laxa in Adaldal maintains its excellent fishing conditions, with this month typically being the peak for dry fly fishing on the river. Anglers utilize a variety of techniques including dry flies, streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle to target fish.

July marks the prime dry fly season on the Mýrarkvísl river. As the month progresses, salmon runs increase, with multi-winter salmon ranging from 10 to 20 lbs arriving from the ocean. By mid-July, salmon become more prevalent across all beats on the river, shifting anglers’ focus from trout to salmon. The latter half of July heralds the start of the prime salmon season, which lasts from July 20th to September 20th. Fishing techniques on the Mýrarkvísl include streamers, nymphs, skated flies, soft hackle, and salmon tubes and flies.

In July, the Lonsa river continues to yield large sea trout and brown trout, with char runs having migrated upstream and spread out for spawning. Towards the end of the month, anglers can expect the first runs of brown trout and sea trout if water levels remain favorable. Fishing methods on the Lonsa involve streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle.

July brings warm temperatures and longer days to the Reykjadalsá river, offering excellent fishing conditions for anglers. Dry fly fishing remains productive as trout continue to feed voraciously on surface insects. Anglers can capitalize on mayfly, caddisfly, and stonefly hatches by presenting accurate imitations to rising trout. Additionally, terrestrial insects continue to provide opportunities for exciting dry fly action. Nymphing and streamer fishing techniques remain effective, particularly during periods of low light or when targeting larger trout in deeper water.

July brings warm temperatures and longer days to the Geitafellsá river, offering optimal fishing conditions for anglers. Dry fly fishing continues to thrive as trout remain active on the surface, eagerly feeding on emerging insects. Anglers can capitalize on mayfly, caddisfly, and terrestrial insect hatches by presenting accurate imitations to rising trout. Additionally, nymphing and streamer techniques remain effective, particularly during periods of low light or when targeting larger trout in deeper water.

August:

In August, the Laxa in Adaldal remains productive for fishing, although weed buildup can present a challenge for anglers. During this time, effective methods include using skated single hook flies or soft hackle flies right on the surface. Anglers utilize a variety of techniques including dry flies, streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle.

In the Mýrarkvísl river, trout may become more selective in early August, but this does not significantly affect fishing as the main focus shifts to salmon during this month. Later in August, trout become more territorial, with large brown trout often taking salmon flies. The salmon fishing is excellent throughout August, with runs of colored multi-winter fish from the Laxa in Adaldal stirring up the salmon population. Weighted flies, skated flies, and small salmon flies are commonly used, along with nymphs and salmon tubes and flies.

Similarly, the Lonsa river continues to produce large sea trout, brown trout, and char in August, with char runs having migrated upstream for spawning. Throughout the month, runs of brown trout, sea trout, and occasional salmon are observed. Fishing techniques on the Lonsa include streamers, nymphs, skated flies, dry flies, and soft hackle.

In August, as summer progresses, the Reykjadalsá river maintains its reputation as a premier trout fishery. While water levels may begin to decrease, trout fishing remains productive, with opportunities for dry fly, nymph, and streamer fishing throughout the month. Late summer hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and terrestrials continue to attract trout to the surface, providing anglers with exciting dry fly action. Additionally, nymphing with small mayfly and stonefly imitations can yield success in faster riffles and pocket water.

In August, as summer progresses, trout fishing on the Geitafellsá river remains excellent. While water levels may begin to decrease, trout remain active and continue to feed aggressively. Dry fly fishing opportunities persist, with mayfly, caddisfly, and terrestrial insect hatches providing ample opportunities for surface action. Nymphing and streamer fishing techniques remain effective, particularly in faster riffles and pocket water.

 September:

In September, the Laxa in Adaldal maintains its productive fishing conditions, with the weed build-up typically clearing due to the first fall rains in late August or early September. Anglers employ various techniques such as dry flies, streamers, nymphs, skated flies, and soft hackle to target fish.

Similarly, the Mýrarkvísl river continues to yield beautiful trout throughout September, while the salmon fishing remains fantastic, offering good catches throughout the month. Weighted flies, skated flies, and small salmon flies are commonly used, along with nymphs and salmon tubes and flies.

The Lonsa river remains productive in September, providing opportunities to catch large sea trout, brown trout, char, and occasional salmon. Fishing techniques include streamers, nymphs, skated flies, dry flies, and soft hackle.

September signals the transition to autumn on the Reykjadalsá river, but trout fishing remains excellent for anglers. As temperatures cool and daylight hours decrease, trout become more aggressive in their feeding behavior, making them receptive to a variety of fly patterns. While dry fly activity may begin to taper off, nymphing and streamer techniques can be highly effective, particularly in deeper pools and runs. Anglers can target trout with larger streamer patterns imitating baitfish and leeches, as well as nymphs mimicking aquatic insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Overall, September offers rewarding fishing opportunities for anglers looking to enjoy the last days of the trout season on the Reykjadalsá river.

September signals the transition to autumn on the Geitafellsá river, but trout fishing remains productive for anglers. As temperatures cool and daylight hours decrease, trout become more aggressive in their feeding behavior, making them receptive to a variety of fly patterns. While dry fly activity may begin to taper off, nymphing and streamer techniques can still be highly effective, particularly in deeper pools and runs. Anglers can target trout with larger streamer patterns imitating baitfish and leeches, as well as nymphs mimicking aquatic insects such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies. Overall, September offers rewarding fishing opportunities for anglers looking to enjoy the last days of the trout season on the Geitafellsá river. September is also a great month to see the Northern lights in Iceland.