Straumfjardara

Straumfjardara is a short river fed by two mountain lakes and several smaller springs which combine to create 12km of prime salmon holding water, as well as char and sea trout in the lower reaches. There are 27 named pools producing an annual average catch of 400+ salmon to just four rods. All of the pools are easily accessible, with four wheeled drive vehicles able to get within five minutes’ walk of each fishing spot. The salmon average five to six pounds but each season good numbers of fish over 12lb are landed. Most of the fishing throughout the season is done with light weight set ups and floating lines.

Straumfjardara is the western most of a string of top flight rivers on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

The river flows out of two lakes not far from the north coast of the peninsula. The upper part of the river is very steep until the Rjukandi waterfall, an impassable barrier, is reached. Below that it is rocky, but with good pools for spawning by the heroic salmon which have surmounted an 18-foot foss (waterfall) or the lazy (or intelligent) ones using the salmon ladder.

Above this foss, a medium-sized tributary joins the river. From the foss to the main road there is a stretch of very attractive water with many challenging pools. After this, the river becomes wide, slow flowing and shallow, passing through wet, spongy land.

A second tributary joins in this section, which ends at a low foss about five feet high. Below that are several pools and two kilometres to the sea, with a few possible places where running salmon might pause.  This lower part gives good fishing for sea-run Arctic char early on in the season with sea trout later on.

Riverside comfort

The comfortable modern lodge overlooks the middle reaches of the river and is probably one of the best in Iceland for intact parties. It offers single rooms as standard for the four rods and all the comforts one needs. The picture windows command a lovely view of the river and the veranda is a good spot to unwind in the evenings. The lodge accommodates a maximum of ten anglers in five nicely appointed bedrooms, each with twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with shower. 

The central living space has wonderful character with a woodburning stove and leather chesterfield sofas making an ideal spot to enjoy a drink and discuss the day’s fishing before adjourning to the dining table for a sumptuous dinner. The lodge has fast WiFi, heated wader room, hot tub and sauna to ease away those aches after a long day on the river. The catering at Straumfjardara is some of the finest of any fishing lodge in Iceland and is enjoyed as you gaze through the windows with fabulous views across the river and mountains.

Salmon fishing within three hours of the airport

A small and exclusive salmon river located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula in the West Iceland.