Lónsá, Iceland

The Lónsá is a small river in the far north east of Iceland, tumbling over lava boulders at the top before gently weaving through wide grasslands down to the Greenland Sea. The Lónsá offers great fishing for sea trout, sea run Arctic char and resident brown trout. Whilst the river is fairly small, the fish are often bigger than expected. A handful of salmon enter the river each year but are rarely caught.

Excellent Arctic char and brown trout fishing

The river fishes four rods a day from May 1st to September 30th. The fishing in early May is primarily focused on the estuary section where Arctic char and sea trout feed freely on baitfish and shrimp, building up their strength before running the river in early to mid-May. The upper sections of the river fish well for Arctic char on nymphs, dry flies and streamers in the later half of May and throughout the season.
When the Arctic char starts making their runs upriver in a feeding frenzy, you can often see large shoals of silver char sliding into a pool. The run varies a little every year but is usually around the last couple of weeks of May when the temperature of the ocean and weather conditions are just right and the river keeps getting runs into the beginning of June. Chasing the first runs can be a great thrill as they usually consist of larger fish between four and six pounds.
The runs continue to strengthen through the summer, reaching a peak in mid July. In late August the brown trout and sea-run brown trout arrive as well, usually after the first good rainfall signifying that autumn is coming. Throughout this time the upper river can also produce some wonderful dry fly and nymph fishing for resident brown trout. Whilst on the river, anglers also have access to two main tributaries, three lakes and an expansive lagoon system.

Simple, comfortable accommodation

The accommodation is in the Ytra Lón Guesthouse. The rooms are comfortable and provide a great base during your fishing days. There is a bar and restaurant at the lodge which offers full catering services.

Remote Icelandic setting

The River Lónsá is on the Langanes Peninsula, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Akureyi Airport.