It’s that time of year where leases on rivers in Iceland come up for renewal and in some cases they change hands. The well renowned rivers of Blanda & Svarta have just some come under new management and they are changing things around for the coming season in some interesting ways.

The Blanda is one of Iceland’s top Atlantic Salmon fisheries.  The river features long, calm stretches and a canyon in its uppermost section. While heavy wading is required in parts of the lower section, it becomes easier as you move upstream, with pools ideally suited for both double-handed and single-handed rods. The Blanda is particularly famous for its high ratio of multi-winter salmon, which are known for being some of the most powerful in Iceland.

Four-Day Packages on Beats One and Two

Beats one and two will be offered usual four-day slots with an afternoon session on arrival, three full days and a morning session on departure. Each angler will have the opportunity to fish two sessions on beat one and two sessions on beat two over the course of the four days, providing a balanced and exciting fishing experience across both beats. This will be for eight rods on rotation and based from the fully catered Blanda lodge.

Beat one is undoubtedly the most renowned salmon beat on the river, known for attracting large numbers of fish before they move upstream past the waterfall or through the fish ladder. With the highest catch rate per rod on the Blanda, beat one consistently delivers exceptional results. Despite its short length, the beat is fished with four rods, two on each bank, making it a prime spot.

Beat two up in the valley runs through meadows in a wide valley floor easily accessed by vehicles requiring little walking. There are easy freestone pools with nice wading, classic salmon pools that require a combination of double and single handed rods to make the most of the endless fly water. July and early August is the considered prime time for Beat two on Blanda.

Prices are based on full board and accommodation, shared guide and room.

23 – 27 June        8 rods   $5,170

27 June – 1 July  8 rods   $5,170

1 – 5 July               8 rods   $5,920

5 – 9 July               8 rods   $5,920

9 – 13 July            8 rods   $6,280

13 – 17 July          8 rods   $6,280

20 – 24 July          SOLD     $6,280

24 – 28 July          SOLD     $6,280

28 July – 1 August  SOLD     $6,280

1 – 5 August        8 rods   $6,280

5 – 9 August        8 rods   $6,280

For a private room, an additional cost of $150 per day applies. Shared rods are available, but single rooms are not available for shared rods.

Beat Three

Beat three is divided into two sections: Upper and Lower, each fished with two rods, making four rods on the beat. This section of the river carries slightly less water volume, as the Svartá tributary joins the Blanda between beats two and three. The Lower section resembles beat two in many ways and is accessible by 4×4 to most pools. The Upper section, however, is more challenging, with the river cutting through a canyon where the pools are more varied. Breaking the mould there will be a float trip on this upper section, where anglers can spend the day drifting through the canyon, fishing each pool along the way. This float trip is not only huge fun but offers stunning scenery and exceptional fishing as this is the ideal way to access these pools. Additionally beat three is home to a healthy population of brown trout and char.

Available from July 10th prices for beat three are based on boat, guide and fishing licences:

● 2 anglers per boat with a shared guide: US$1,160 per person, per day

● 2 anglers per boat with a shared rod: US$880 per person, per day

If you would like to stay at the Blanda Lodge the rates are:

● Shared room: $366 per night (includes meals)

● Single room upgrade: $150 per night (not available for shared rods)

For anglers embarking on the floating trip down Beat 3 while staying at Blanda Lodge, a packed lunch will be provided, allowing them to spend the entire day on the water.

Beat Four

Blanda four, the uppermost beat on the Blanda River, is a haven for sight fishing enthusiasts. Fished with only three rods, this beat stands apart from the lower sections of the river, where glacial waters have a milky blue tint. Here, the water is gin-clear until the Blanda reservoir in the highlands overflows. Unlike the powerful currents of the lower beats, Beat four is more delicate, making it ideal for fishing with a single-hand rod. Many anglers consider Blanda four to offer some of the most breathtaking scenery they’ve ever encountered while fishing in Iceland. The lower part of the beat is easily accessible by car, but the canyon terrain is challenging and mostly reached on foot. Walking down the Rugludalur canyon to fish for salmon is an unforgettable adventure for any angler seeking both beauty and challenge. It has long been a favourite among anglers due to its consistently excellent fishing, particularly for its high proportion of multi-winter (MWS) salmon.

Beat Four will be offered as a three – rod package with a minimum two-day booking, starting with an afternoon session and concluding with a morning session. Anglers have the option of staying in a self-catering house (Eldjárnsstaðir), but are also welcome to stay at Blanda Lodge, subject to room availability. Eldjárnsstaðir Lodge is right by the river.

Prices are based on self-catering lodge for six guests:

13 – 16 July 4 rods $4,920
16 – 19 July 4 rods $4,920
19 – 22 July 4 rods $6,105
24 – 27 July 4 rods $7,050
30 July – 2 August 4 rods $7,050
4 – 7 August 4 rods $6,570
7 – 10 August 4 rods $5,925

The Svartá

Nestled in the northwestern countryside of Iceland, the Svartá is a hidden gem and a tributary of the Blandar. This exclusive river, limited to four rods, invites anglers to explore its 20-kilometer pristine(13 miles), crystal-clear water. With a remarkable ten-year average of around 300 Atlantic salmon annually—many tipping the scales at 20 pounds or more. The river also has a thriving trout population, making it a perfect spot for anglers wanting to experience both trout and salmon fishing in Iceland. Its fast-flowing currents are tailor-made for floating lines and riffling hitches, while the river’s diverse pools offer endless challenges. One of the most thrilling spots is where the clear waters of the Svartá merge with the turquoise flow of the Blanda, a junction known for its exceptional productivity. During the 2024 fishing season, the largest salmon in Iceland was caught on the small Svartá river, a 111cm(43inch) goliath female salmon.

The salmon season on the Svartá River runs from July 1st  to September 30th . The river is fished with four rods and is available in packages with a minimum stay of two days, making it ideal for families and friends. Accommodation is provided in a comfortable self-catering lodge that sleeps up to ten people. The lodge features a jacuzzi and a BBQ on the veranda for guests to enjoy. Availability & pricing on request. Alternatively you can stay at the main Blanda Lodge and be fully catered.

Prices are based on self-catering lodge for four guests:

13 – 16 July 4 rods US$5,700
16 – 19 July 4 rods US$5,700
19 – 22 July 4 rods US$7,120
25 – 27 July 4 rods US$7,120
5 – 8 August 4 rods US$7,120
8 – 11 August 4 rods US$7,120
11 – 14 August 4 rods US$7,120
14 – 17 August 4 rods US$7,120
17 – 20 August 4 rods US$7,120
20 – 22 August 4 rods US$7,120

Aside from all the salmon fishing that is available in this river system the Upper Blanda and upper Svarta also offer some tremendous trout fishing opportunities which are ideal as a less expensive add on.

For more details on fishing on Blanda or Svarta please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.