Salmon Fishing In Iceland
Salmon Fishing in Iceland 2025
The Blanda River
Diverse Species
When Salmon Fishing in Iceland you also have the bonus of targeting Sea/Brown Trout and Arctic Char. Iceland offers some of the best and most diverse fly fishing opportunities in the world.
Rivers come in all shapes and sizes, from small streams fished with single-handed rods, to rivers the size of the River Dee in Scotland. The amazing landscape is home to a very stable population of Salmon, Trout and Arctic Char; we are delighted to be associated with one of the country's premier fishing rivers and lodges.
Want to catch some bigger Icelandic Salmon?
The Blanda River is a river in North-West Iceland It takes around 3 hours drive from Reykjavik
At the beginning of the season [June], only the lower section of the river is fished by four rods, as the fish tend to hold below the rapids at the head of the canyon. By late June fish begin to run further upstream and the river is opened up to a total of 8 rods fishing the best 30km of the river.
Over the years Blanda has produced some of the Biggest Salmon in Iceland with a high ratio of multi-winter salmon/grilse.. In the early part of the month of July, two in every five fish caught is a MSW, or fish of between 10 and 20 lbs in weight.
Later in July, Grilse begin to enter the river in bigger numbers and the ratio of MSW fish to Grilse begins to change to the latter. However, generally speaking, those come in bigger numbers so groups can enjoy catching both bigger and smaller fish in greater numbers colonising the river over its full length.
Its an ideal destination for those who are looking for serious salmon fishing, both in regards to the size of each salmon and the quantity of salmon caught. I'd also add that those are some of the strongest salmon I've ever fought.
By Icelandic standards, Blanda is large and fast-flowing, something which when hooked, the salmon use to their advantage.
Every summer there are stories from anglers of large salmon hooked and lost. This is most definitely one of the things that drew me here with my first clients in 2019. Most people I know want the chance of catching a bigger fish and have the story to tell.
The season runs from 5 June to 20 September and the river offers some of the best early season fishing in Iceland. The catches are good at this time, as is the size of salmon and most fish, generally, are between 10 and 18 lbs. Over the season the average weight is around 8 lbs. Throughout the season anglers are asked to release any large salmon. We will fish the river with 8 anglers, the group should expect to catch between 75 and 150 fish during an average July week here. Obviously, this is salmon fishing and nothing is certain, however, depending on conditions and angling ability those figures above should be realised.
What makes our trip even more special? As well as the four guides, each looking after 2 fishers, you will have me personally hosting the group, ensuring you have the best tuition and advice possible during your stay. Although our guides are some of the best in Iceland, I am always on hand for any problems you may have with casting or tackle.
We will also look after all your requirements in and around the lodge.
Rods Available - As of 27th October
24th - 28th July x Full
28th July - 1st August - 4 rods remaining
The Blanda is a glacial river and is fed by a lake which is used for Hydro power. It is big by Icelandic standards, with extremely varied pools. Situated in the north coast of Iceland and around a 3-hour drive from Reykjavik.
Our hosted trips in 2021 and 22, have seen a heavier average than our last trip to Norway, with several fish of 20lbs + landed as well as some epic encounters.
The river itself is unlike most Icelandic rivers in that, it’s a river the size of the Scottish Dee, a lovely size to fish with the double handed rod but without being overly big.
Brown Trout and Char Fishing
When targeting Salmon, Sea Trout and Arctic Char, Iceland offers some of the best fishing in the world. Rivers come in all shapes and sizes, from small streams fished easily with single-handed rods to rivers the size of the River Dee in Scotland. The amazing landscape is home to a very stable population of salmon and we are delighted to be associated with one of the country's premier fishing rivers and lodges.
The Svarta, Blanda's main tributary, runs gin clear most of the year. This river is more typically Icelandic and easily covered with a switch or single handed rod, whilst salmon fishing on the Blanda River is done with 13 - 15 foot rods. For those who like to vary their fishing, as well as by this time a great run of salmon, the Svarta also has some of the most wonderful Brown Trout and Arctic Char Fishing, with some specimen trout to be caught on dry fly and nymphs.
Whilst late July rods fishing this river at the prime time is expensive. The main reason for this is the whole river is normally fished with 8 rods over the 35km, making it one of the most exclusive salmon fisheries in Iceland.
https://www.speyonline.com/post/want-to-catch-a-20-pounder-in-24
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Click to Upload Blanda Itinerary
Not included in the full Board Package are -
Flights are around £300 from the UK.
Hotel in Reykjavík - Around £120 per night. We recommend you overnight the day before and after your fishing. As the fishing is very expensive it can be frustrating to lose a session due to delays or changes.
https://holt.is/modal/holt-restaurant/
https://room-with-a-view-reykjavik.at-hotels.com/en/
Transfers from the airport to town - Around £20 in the Greyline bus (very easy),
https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/reykjavik-l30/reykjavik-shuttle-bus-transfer-tofrom-keflavik-airport-t400146/? or £120 in a cab.
We take care of you from the hotel to the lodge (3 hour drive). You are picked up between 10 and 11 on the morning of your first days fishing, taken to the lodge for around 2pm with a few to begin fishing at 4/5.
Your final session fishing is on the morning of your departure day. You will finish at 1pm, have lunch and taken back to your hotel. Graph showing current levels Vatnshæð Blöndulóns - Orka úr 100% endurnýjanlegum orkugjöfum
Contact me here for information on dates and pricing