Eleven Deplar Farm

Eleven Deplar Farm is located in the remote Fljot valley in northern Iceland’s mountainous Troll Peninsula. This distinctive property was once a sheep farm and has been converted into a wonderful lodge still  celebrating its rugged past with authentic Icelandic architecture and glorious views. 

Rich and varied fishing for salmon, trout and char

If you are an adventurous angler searching for a fishing experience combining a variety of majestic rivers and lakes, idyllic wading, seclusion and world-renowned service, then Deplar Farm is one to add to the list.

The area around Deplar Farm offers more pristine water than could realistically be fished in a lifetime, with fly fishing opportunities for coveted Atlantic salmon, sea trout, wild brown trout, and aggressive Arctic char. The fishing programme, led by experienced guides, employs the classic European style beat system, limiting each watershed to very few anglers over the course of a season—promoting large healthy fish and a private fishing ambiance.

The fishing at Deplar Farm is available from mid-June through September. With access to some of the most productive rivers in Iceland, the professional fishing guides will design an itinerary to suit your goals and to give you the best chance at landing a salmon, sea trout or brown trout – from Deplar’s home river the Fljótaá, the magnificent Húseyjarkvisl, or the remote cabins on the Hölkná.

The Fljótaá – 20 June – 20 September
With the upper stretch right outside the front door, the main section of the Fljótaá River is just five miles from the lodge, and features three miles of riffles, narrow runs, and 64 named pools. If offers a great choice to combine salmon up to 20lb and Arctic char up to 6lb. It is limited to just four rods per day the guides will lead you to the best pools. The river offers excellent light tackle fishing; whether swinging micro trebles or hitching small tube flies to holding salmon or inducing an Arctic char to sip in a small dry fly.

The Hölkná – 1 July – 30 September
This small two rod river, one of Iceland’s up and coming, offers a unique opportunity for anglers to experience Atlantic salmon fishing ‘as exclusive as it gets’. There are no set morning and afternoon sessions so you can design your own day. The rods have access to an eight mile stretch of gin-clear water, with 27 marked pools and a good number of unmarked pools. The river has its own cabin accommodation (right on the banks) which are as comfortable as they are remote, and offer guests the chance to do multi-day trips away from the main Deplar Farm.

The Húseyjarkvísl – 1 July – 30 September
This is one of several rivers in Iceland to boast fantastic runs of both salmon and sea trout. The sea trout season starts in April and offers anglers the rare opportunity to heli-ski and catch big trout in the same day. The main season however begins in July when the Atlantic salmon are king. This three rod river spans over 14 miles with 50 named pools, and is just an hour from Deplar Farm. Like the Hölkná, there are no fixed morning or afternoon fishing sessions which means you and your guide are free to design your day for the best fishing.

Rugged Icelandic Luxury

The Fljót Valley in northern Iceland is a gateway for adventures ranging from horseback riding to sea kayaking. Located on a converted sheep farm, Deplar Farm blends into the natural landscape with its black timber cladding, grass-sodded roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that embrace the surrounding peaks.

Decked out in sheepskin, Moroccan wools and textured walls, Deplar Farm’s 13 bedrooms are a cozy contrast to the raw landscape outside. Grettir, the master bedroom, has a mezzanine loft with a spacious seating area. The four gallery suites all have mezzanine-style lofts with hammocks and day beds for lounging or additional guests.

The library features Icelandic books and local art adorns the living areas. The spa is a standout, with a gray stone hot tub, sauna, steam room, and two Isopod flotation tanks. Guests can alternate between the Viking sauna and the cold plunge, or soak under the Northern Lights in the open-air geothermal pool.

The basic Icelandic diet hasn’t changed much since the Viking days. Arctic char, north Atlantic salmon, lamb, and skyr are still staples, but the chef prepares them with modern techniques and a dash of international flavour. Neighbouring farmers and fishermen make regular deliveries, so menus are always source-to-table. Expect blueberry-topped pancakes, langoustine soup, and pasture-raised lamb, as well as craft beers from local brewers and wines from Deplar’s extensive cellar.

Remote yet easily accessible

Strategically located between Europe and the USA, Iceland and Deplar Farm offer easy access to otherworldly landscapes without hours of traveling. East coast USA and London-based guests can arrive and begin their adventure on the same day of travel.

Due to the ease of travel to and around Iceland this can either be a standalone trip or part of a larger combination itinerary around Iceland.