Reykjadalsa – salmon and trout fishing, Iceland

The Reykjadalsa is a tributary of the Laxa I Adaldal. A few salmon run Reykjadalsa but trout fishing is the focus here. The river flows for 35km and is serviced by one lodge offering fishing to just six anglers which means there is plenty of water to explore.

Great small river wild trout fishing

The upper section of the river flows relatively fast and the angler will find countless numbers of small pools and deep holes suitable for dry fly fishing or prospecting with a nymph. As it flows down its course the water slows and meanders through meadows where there are long glides and deep pools where fish feed freely with confidence. Although the brown trout are not as large as some other Icelandic trout and average one to two pounds, there are a few larger specimens lurking to eight pounds.

The river is similar to a UK chalkstream, with crystal clear water and large amounts of weed growth common. Slower sections can test an angler’s watercraft at times. It is perfectly suited to those in search of consistent dry fly fishing and the midge, bibio, can be excellent. The fast runs and pocket water can be prospected with various nymphing techniques with great success.  With char and the odd salmon to liven things up, the Reykjadalsa is ideal for small groups of friends looking for a private fishery.

Although primarily a trout fishery, there has, over the last three years, been an ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainable practices and various projects to support the local salmon population. This has led to the river producing over 600 salmon in its best year. The lodge has implemented a programme for digging fertilised salmon eggs to boost the natural population. Alongside this, there has been a successful release of 20,000 summer-raised salmon smolts every year over the last three years. This aims to enhance the salmon stocks and support the local ecosystem. On the trout side of things, in the knowledge that the average size has been rather low in recent years, there has been a programme to reduce numbers by netting the brown trout in spring on the Vestmannsvatn lake before they run the river. This is also reaping rewards with over 50 brown trout caught in the early part of the season this year. 

Simple and comfortable

The recently refurbished lodge accommodates up to eight people in four comfortable double bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and shower. The common areas include a lounge and dining room which provide a welcoming and sociable atmosphere. Other improvements include the installation of high speed WiFi and upgraded kitchen facilities. The lodge can be taken on a self-catering basis or fully serviced with an in-house chef.

Fishing on the north coast of Iceland

One of the main tributaries of the Laxá I Adaldal, Reykjadalsá is on the north coast of Iceland. The lodge is situated 45 minutes’ drive east of Akureyri and 30 minutes’ drive south of Húsavík.

Day trips are possible to the whale watching town of Húsavík, Lake Myvatn and Godafoss waterfalls.