SALMON FISHING IN ICELAND

Salmon fishing in Iceland and an invitation from the Reykjavík Angling Club to join our first party fishing at Norđurá was too good an opportunity to miss so hasty arrangements were made to line up the ducks!

After a 4.45 a.m. alarm call the journey to Keflavík, Iceland’s International Airport hub, ran smoothly and it was good to join up with Richard and Tom at Heathrow.  Our disinfected fishing tackle was not even inspected on arrival.

We were met by Mauer, an Icelandic giant, and proceeded in a luxurious American people carrier on the 1¾ hour drive to the north of Reykjavík passing some stunning scenery; snow capped mountains and blue green estuaries.

Excitement mounted by the minute as we approached Norđurá Lodge which sits in a secluded position overlooking the canyon beat of this famous river.

Not bothering to unpack, we hastily assembled rods, struggled into waders and were off to fish the evening session.

The first thing that strikes you about the salmon fishing in Iceland is the gin like clarity of the water, the second thing is that it does not get dark even at 10.00 p.m. when we returned to the lodge to meet the other guests, dine and collapse into extremely comfortable beds; I needed no rocking after 19 hours on the go.

The following morning my alarm went off at 6.00 a.m. for breakfast at 6.30 – although actually it was 5.00 a.m. as I stupidly had not changed my clock!  After a lonely breakfast, Robert my delightful fishing partner from Belfast and I set off into the Canyon below the lodge for my first taste of “Queen of Rivers”.  The fishing can not be adequately described; the water is sapphire blue turning to emerald green and it takes your breath away!  At about 10.00 a.m. Robert caught a nice grilse which was safely netted.  Positioned about 200 yards below him I was fishing a Red Francis Conehead in Myrkhylur (Dark Pool).  At the tail of the pool an aggressive salmon hit the fly like a striking snake; I was into my first Icelandic salmon!   "Click here for photo"

Perhaps it would be a monster, like the 36 pounder that was caught by Captain Aspinall in the same pool in 1932?  A 15 minute fight ensued while I juggled camera, rod and reel whilst balancing on slippery stones.  Halli, our guide and manager of Nordurá joined me with a net and took a couple of photos as well.  Then ‘ping’ the fly pulled out and the fish was gone.  Not a monster after all but a very nice and brightly spirited grilse.  "Click here for photo"

Later that morning Robert caught his second fish, which I managed to photograph being played and landed.   "Click here for photo"      "Click here for photo"

After a delicious lunch and restorative siesta we were back on the river by 4.30 p.m.  It was bitterly cold in the northerly wind and I made a mental note to bring some gloves next year!

We spotted fish from many vantage points but they were particularly dour and uncooperative.

Returning to the lodge slightly earlier than normal we had time for a deliciously long hot shower and very civilized drink before being treated to a gastronomic delight prepared by Gummi the chef.

The following morning conditions had improved, the wind had dropped and the pools were like mirrors – perfect for the riffle hitched fly.  Sadly, despite repeated attempts and adrenalin fuelled anticipation my offerings were repeatedly rejected.  Robert was more fortunate and picked up another nice salmon so that was 3 – 0, skill not luck he assured me!  "Click here for photo"

I returned to the lodge early to get my Icelandair flight home at 16.10 hrs in time for a night out in London, where I must have bored my son with tales of the one that got away …!

The scope of fishing in Iceland is enormous – from monster trout in the north of the country to rivers full of salmon almost everywhere.  Some rivers are famous for their sea trout runs which are hardly promoted at all, so great opportunities exist for the travelling angler.

Iceland really is a fisherman’s paradise – the season is short, June – August and the choice of rivers and names bewildering – selection of river matched to dates is vitally important and let us guide you through the process to ensure that your expectations are exceeded.

Being only 2½ hour flight from London, it is quite feasible to fish 3 days only if it is difficult to negotiate time away; 2 days is definitely not long enough though…!

In The Angling Club of Reykjavík’s guide book the description of salmon fishing in Iceland sums up the country’s attractions for the travelling fisherman perfectly:

 “ Iceland is a Mecca for Salmon and Trout fishermen.  Every summer the salmon run in huge numbers to spawn in the country’s numerous rivers.  The season is short in these northern climes, but the sport can be fast and furious. There is a wide variety of waters, calling for a range of techniques from the visiting angler and promising a healthy and vigorous catch as a reward.  The scenery in Iceland is bleak and often haunting, nearly bereft of trees and littered in parts with volcanic lava.  Iceland provides a unique setting for the sportsman.  Most overseas fishermen return regularly year after year..”