The crystal clear waters of Iceland combined with good runs of aggressive salmon are a perfect mix for fishing hitch tubes, one of the most exciting ways to target salmon. This method of fishing can be quite technical but with a few tips and some guidance from the excellent guides that we work with in Iceland everyone can enjoy the excitement of surface fishing for salmon.
Hitch tubes are often small in Iceland, most patterns are tied on a ½ inch plastic tube with the dressing tied all to the front quarter of the tube. This allows room for a hole to be created just forward of halfway along the tube for the line to enter. The double or treble hook is then attached and inserted into the back of the tube as normal.
When fishing hitch tubes the cast is made between 45-90 degrees across the river depending on the speed of flow. Once the fly has landed you need to make the fly skate almost immediately. This is done by raising rod tip just above horizontal. This small movement speeds the fly up and you can then watch as a ‘V’ wake is formed across the river by the fly.
The salmon can attack a hitch fly in different ways from gentle trout-like rises through to explosive hits. Be sure to hold your nerve and wait for the fish to turn on the fly before setting the hook.
Due to the exciting visual nature of this style of fishing is not uncommon to strike too early. As the fish often move in pods it is always worth repeating the cast after an unsuccessful strike.
Take a look at our Iceland Brochure HERE.
If you would like more information on fishing in Iceland please contact Alex Jardine or Peter McLeod or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.