Tungnaa, Iceland

Tungnaá is a fascinating crystal-clear stream, flowing through beautiful miniature canyons as well as more traditional pools, filled with both Ice Age brown trout and big Arctic char. This highland stream is probably one of the best kept Iceland trout fishing secrets. The river offers a more technical challenge than some, where stealth, among other attributes, is essential. The native brown trout and Arctic char average two to four pounds, with some monsters reaching up to 12lb.

Sightfishing for big trout and char

Tungnaá was formerly a milky glacial river, but became gin clear in 2013 as a consequence of a newly opened hydro-electric power plant. The new plant transformed this previously rough, dark river into a fascinating crystal-clear stream. It is now a wonderful sight fishery for wild brown trout and Arctic char, with anglers in recent seasons regularly catching fish in the two to four pound range. For those looking to target larger fish, it has not been uncommon to encounter both trout and char in the seven pound range.

Nymphs and streamers on a floating line have been the most productive methods in the cold waters of the Tungnaá. Dry fly fishing can also be great when caddis and the famous Iceland midge (non-biting) hatches are in full force. Each season we enjoy learning new secrets and intricacies of this wonderful highlands river.

Highlands Comfort

When fishing the highland rivers, guests will stay in comfortable Thoristungur Highland Lodge. Completely renovated for the 2019 season the lodge offers a quiet and secluded stay in the highlands. It has six double/twin bedrooms and can accommodate up to 12 people. The bedrooms are not big but each has a sink and a large wardrobe.

There is a shared bathroom with two toilets and three showers in the lodge. The cozy living room and a dining room are perfect to relax after a long day of fishing and enjoying a good meal and a drink.

Awe-inspiring Wilderness

The highlands are truly the heart of Iceland. Starkly beautiful and awe-inspiring, the region offers an experience unlike any other. Untouched and uninhabited you can become one with nature amid mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes and rivers, all of which demonstrate the powerful forces of fire and ice which have shaped the Icelandic landscape.

The geological extremes are remarkable. Next to dark sands you might find bright glowing green moss, red rocks or boiling water. Among all of this beauty there are wild brown trout and Arctic char, peacefully cruising the gin clear streams, as they have done since the Ice Age. Words don’t do the highlands justice, it’s one of those places you just have to see to fully appreciate.

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