Grimsa

The Grimsa is one of Iceland’s most beautiful fly fishing rivers and is one of a few Icelandic rivers that has tradition stamped all over it. It was frequented by British lords and generals as early as the late nineteenth century and whilst, as with most of Iceland’s rivers today it is primarily a grilse river, during those early days the Grimsa was famous for its monsters. Every now and then, the odd monster is still spotted giving vivid memory of the golden days of yesteryear.

Prolific salmon fishing

The Grimsa  is a medium sized river in the mid-west region of Borgarfjörður, which is Iceland’s most prolific salmon area. The Grimsa  is one of Iceland’s most important and impressive rivers, one of the real jewels and often referred to as “The Queen”.

As on many Icelandic rivers, floating lines, small fly patterns and hitched tubes are excellent. The river is also easily fished with single handed rods, although given that Iceland is often windy, a double handed rod should be available as well. The river is fly only water with a voluntary, and widely practiced catch and release system. The five year salmon average is 1,595 to just eight rods throughout the season. The Grimsa  also has a substantial run of sea trout.

The award winning Grimsá Lodge

The Grimsa  Lodge was built on the drawings of famous fly fishing architect Ernest Schwiebert who fished the Grimsa  for many years.

Some maintain that the lodge is something you need to see at least once in a lifetime. It is a huge building on the cliff overlooking the Laxfoss. It is spacious, wonderfully comfortable and managed by one of Iceland’s leading chefs.  In fact, you may well leave wondering whether the fishing or food was the best bit of your stay.

Iceland’s prolific salmon area

The river and lodge are tucked a short distance away from Borganes, the landscape is varied, made more so by its tributary the Tungua.

Road transfers are usually included from either Keflavik airport (1 hour 20 minutes) or Reykjavik (45 minutes).