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17 Days, 600 Salmon, and Unforgettable Camaraderie: Why Iceland 2027 Belongs on Your Bucket List

Having hosted salmon fishing trips to Iceland for over a decade, I can say without hesitation that 2026 was our best season by a country mile.

 

Over a 17-day period spanning four of Iceland’s premier river systems, our hosted groups landed just under 600 salmon. That’s an average of nearly 35 salmon per day across the group! But as incredible as the fishing was, the real magic of these trips goes far beyond the catch stats.

 

Over the years, the single most rewarding part of my work has been pulling together groups of like-minded anglers who arrive as strangers and leave as lifelong friends. The camaraderie, shared bankside advice, lodge laughs, and team spirit are why so many of our guests return year after year. With the new rivers and expanded options we explored this season, I am excited to expand this hosted model and invite both old friends and new faces to join us in 2027.

 

Here is a look at the four world-class river systems we fished this season—and why one of them should be your next salmon adventure.

 

1. Vatnsdalsá: Big Multi-Sea-Winter Salmon in a Classic Setting

• The Vibe: Private, secluded, and rich in angling history.

   

• Best For: A group of 6 friends or 3 couples seeking prime MSW (Multi-Sea-Winter) salmon and 5-star comfort.

   

Flowing through a stunning valley in Northwest Iceland before emptying into a sweeping lake, the 45km Vatnsdalsá is a river of two distinct characters. The upper river features small, fast-flowing water with effortless wading over gravel banks. Below the lake, the lower river comes alive from mid-June through September with prolific runs of sea trout, Arctic char, and hard-fighting MSW salmon.

 

With just 6 rods rotating through the system, rod pressure is virtually non-existent. The lodge itself is a genuine Icelandic gem with a rock-and-roll pedigree—its lounge is filled with memorabilia from its famous part-owner, Eric Clapton (including a mount of his 27lb monster caught here in 2016). Exceptional food, peaceful surroundings, and non-angling partners fully welcomed make this a true sanctuary.

 

2. Jökla: A Modern Genesis in Fisheries Management

• The Vibe: An upward-trending wild fishery with huge numbers and vast water.

   

• Best For: Anglers who want to be part of one of the greatest conservation success stories in modern salmon fishing.

   

Under the visionary management of my longtime friend Þröstur Elliðason, the glacier-fed Jökla has been transformed from an unfishable torrent into a booming salmon paradise. Through a strategic stocking program begun in 2007, the river now boasts a self-sustaining wild run of 9,000 to 10,000 returning salmon annually.

 

With 8 guided rods enjoying over 60km of prime rotational water—ranging from gentle gravel flats to breathtaking canyons—the variety is staggering. Plus, Þröstur has established a cold-water tributary contingency (the Kaldá), ensuring top-tier fishing even during late-season glacial melts.

 

Our 2026 Result: Our group landed over 180 salmon. With the population growing naturally year on year, I hope to have some more rods here in the near future.

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3. Stóra Laxá: Wild, Breathtaking, and Pure Quality

• The Vibe: A wild salmon paradise built on low rod pressure, stunning scenery, and 5-star luxury.

   

• Best For: Purists who value wild fish genetics, varied pool character, and elite lodge amenities.

   

Leased and managed by the passionate Finnur Haraldsson, the Stóra Laxá in Southwest Iceland is one of the most picturesque rivers I have ever waded. Stretching over 90km, it offers two distinct experiences: an adventurous 3-rod upper section winding through a deep, crystal-clear canyon, and an 8-rod lower section meandering through lush grasslands with easy-wading pools.

 

Stóra Laxá is strictly fly-only, 100% wild (no hatcheries), and operates under a strict catch-and-release policy for fish over 70cm to protect its renowned big-fish genetics.

 

The lower lodge is a modern, 5-star masterpiece complete with a chef-driven culinary experience, heavy acoustic doors for deep sleep, and an outdoor hot tub and sauna overlooking one of the river’s best pools. It delivers the ultimate balance of wild angling and luxury relaxation.

 

4. East Rangá A Prolific River and amazing Lodge 

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• The Vibe: Unmatched action, effortless access, and an all-inclusive party atmosphere.

   

• Best For: Spey casters who love swinging flies on broad pools and catching serious numbers of fish.

   

If you want bent rods and relentless action, East Rangá is world-renowned for a reason. The river’s broad, floating/sink-tip pools feel intimately familiar to anyone who fishes the Spey, Dee, or Tweed. Access is arguably the easiest in Iceland—you rarely walk more than 20 meters from the truck to the pool edge.

 

Our 2026 Result: After landing 100+ salmon here in 2025, our group returned in 2026 and landed an astonishing 300+ salmon in just 4 days of fishing. Unsurprisingly, every single guest immediately asked to sign up for 2027!

 

Serviced by the outstanding Aurora Lodge, this trip is a full all-inclusive experience (including all food, lodging, and drinks) located just 1.5 hours from Reykjavík.

 

Join Us in Iceland for 2027

Whether you want to hone your Spey casting on broad swinging pools, target fresh MSW salmon in secluded valleys, or experience a booming self-sustaining river system, our hosted trips provide the ideal mix of expert bankside guidance, tackle preparation, and great company.

 

Space on these hosted weeks is strictly limited to ensure low rod pressure and maximum fun.

 

Ready to secure your rod for 2027? Drop me a message or reply directly to get full dates, pricing, and availability. Let's make 2027 your best season yet!

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