Chasing Chrome in the Land of Fire & Ice
Highlights from Our amazing 2026 Icelandic Season and Looking Ahead to 2027
Reflecting on the 2026 Atlantic salmon season across the North Atlantic, one truth stands out: while wild salmon face documented challenges across their native range, our hosted weeks in Iceland delivered some of the most consistent, exhilarating, and memorable sport of my career.
From the dramatic volcanic canyons of the northeast to the productive gravel runs of the south, every river offered its own distinct character. Across four distinct fisheries—Vatnsdalsá, Jökla, Stóra Laxá, and the East Rangá—our teams enjoyed top-tier lodge hospitality, world-class local guiding, and extraordinary fishing.
Having on-site hosting means you never have to think about logistics, line setups, or whether your fly is swimming at the right depth—you simply focus on the water and the take. Here is how our 2026 season unfolded, along with why each of these rivers holds a dedicated place on our 2027 calendar.
1. Vatnsdalsá: Classic Fly Water, Multi-Sea-Winter Salmon & Specimen Sea Trout
Prime Slots - July 16th - 19th 2027
The Vatnsdalur valley holds an almost mythical reputation in Icelandic angling lore, renowned for producing some of the country’s heaviest multi-sea-winter (MSW) Atlantic salmon alongside legendary sea trout. Our July party stepped into prime conditions.
The river is classic fly-fishing pools and split into 3 distinct parts. The Sea Pools are run outs from a shallow lake, making for really interesting fishing, and very different to many rivers I know. The middle and upper beats are found above the lake where the river takes on a totally different character and reminding me of the Nave in Sutherland. All four clients landed prime, fresh MSW salmon fresh off the tide, paired with exceptional sea trout that tested tackle and drag systems. I had one fish which was without doubt, the heaviest I personally played in Iceland this year.
Off the water, the lodge at Vatnsdalsá sets a standard few can match. The culinary program is world-class, the rooms are refined and restful, and the overall atmosphere reflects the river's prestigious heritage. For the angler who values understated luxury, intimate group sizes (just 6 rods per rotation), and the genuine chance at an Icelandic heavyweight on a light double-handed rod or switch outfit, Vatnsdalsá is peerless.
Key Takeaway: Intimate, high-end classic fly fishing where size and quality take precedence over sheer numbers.
Best Suited For: Anglers seeking large MSW salmon, specimen sea trout, refined dining, and technical, sight-oriented fly fishing.
2. Jökla: A Modern Conservation Triumph & Relentless Action
Breathtaking Canyons, long gravel pools & High-Catch Returns
At a time when Atlantic salmon numbers dominate international angling concerns, the Jökla system stands out as a triumphant success story. Through vision, habitat access, and dedicated stewardship, this glacial river system has been transformed into one of the most prolific and dramatic fisheries in the world.
I joined a team of 8 rods fished Jökla in peak form this year, recording just under 200 salmon in four days of fishing. The action was constant, the fish hard-fighting, and the surroundings—towering basalt columns, raw volcanic canyons, and pristine tributaries like the Fögruhlíðará and Kaldá—are visually arresting.
The lodge team and guides operated like clockwork, ensuring every angler was rotated onto fresh water with the right sinking tips and fly profiles. Evenings at the lodge buzzed with celebration over hearty food and great camaraderie. This had to be some of the finest salmon fishing I had enjoyed since fishing on the Ponoi river in Russia.
Key Takeaway: Exceptionally high catch rates set against some of the rawest, most magnificent scenery in northeastern Iceland.
Best Suited For: Anglers who want action-packed fishing, double-handed Spey work across diverse pool types, and a breathtaking, wild landscape.
Playing a salmon on the Kalda, a tributary of Jokla River in Iceland
3. Stóra Laxá: The "Great Salmon River" & Endless Variety
Mid-Summer Runs & Late-Season Autumn Sport
Stóra Laxá is frequently billed as Iceland's most visually stunning salmon river, and it exceeds expectations at every turn. Carved through ancient canyons and broad valleys, the pool variation is extraordinary: deep rock-walled slots, boulder runs, glassy flats, and classic tailouts.
Much of what makes Stóra Laxá so special is the river’s soul—curated by owner Finnur and his passionate team. You sense immediately that you are fishing somewhere revered. Our summer guests were so taken by the river’s variety and beauty that three days simply wasn’t enough. Demand was so strong that we organized a second three-day trip in September.
The autumn return was just as rewarding. Both trips saw every guest landing multiple salmon in stunning autumn plumage and fresh sea-run condition alike. Stóra Laxá rewards observant water-reading and varied casting angles. It is a river that gets under your skin.
Key Takeaway: Unmatched pool diversity, stunning canyon topography, and deeply passionate river stewardship.
Best Suited For: The travelling angler who loves visual, varied water, varied techniques from riffling hitch to small coneheads, and authentic river heritage.
4. East Rangá: The Benchmark for Reliability, Volume & Comfort
Effortless Wading & Phenomenal Catches
While opinions in traditional circles occasionally debate the East Rangá's renowned smolt-release program, the on-the-water reality is undeniable: in terms of sheer reliability, comfortable fishing, and catch consistency second to none.
Returning for our second season, the overall experience surpassed even our high expectations from the year before. The river features forgiving gravel beats, easy wading, and huge concentrations of fresh, aggressive salmon that seem to like a good array of flies
Where our trip truly sets itself apart is the fully managed, hosted format. The East Rangá lodge provides five-star comfort, top-tier guiding, and exceptional food, but having our own hosted oversight on the bank means every client receives tailored instruction, personalised tactical input. Whether fine-tuning your single-Spey on gentle gravel bars or hooking into double figures over a couple of sessions, it offers sheer angling enjoyment without the grueling physical toll of rugged wading.
Key Takeaway: Maximum action, gentle wading, top-tier lodge luxury, and unrivaled catch security.
Best Suited For: Anglers prioritizing action, comfort, effortless wading, and a stress-free, high-reward salmon trip.
Stora Laxa is a truly stunning river
2027 Season Availability Secure Your Rod
Prime weeks on Iceland’s premier rivers routinely sell out a full year in advance. Because our groups are strictly limited in rod numbers to preserve pool rest, guide ratios, and lodge intimacy, availability for 2027 is strictly first-come, first-served.
River | Target Species | Key Characteristics | Rod Allotment |
Vatnsdalsá | Atlantic Salmon (MSW) & Trophy Sea Trout | Classic fishing for MSW Fish, Top lodge, trophy fish | Strict 6-Rod Group |
Jökla | Atlantic Salmon | High-volume catch rates, canyon vistas, tributary variety | 8-Rod Group |
Stóra Laxá | Atlantic Salmon | Diverse pools, canyon landscape, technical hitch & Big MSW Salmon | We have all the rods during our Hosted weeks. |
East Rangá | Atlantic Salmon | Maximum consistency, easy wading, five-star hosted luxury | Limited Team Rods |
Every hosted package includes full on-river hosting, tackle and setup advice, casting tune-ups, full-board lodge accommodation, and private estate guiding.
Interested in joining us in Iceland for 2027? Get in touch directly via email or our contact page to discuss dates, rod allocations, and which river best suits your fishing style.
Brilliant to see Rivers in asendancy. Cracking read and certainly hoping to get there in the next couple of years. Long may it continue.