Reykjadalsá Lodge

THE FISHING

Situated in the north east part of Iceland, the Reykjadalsá River has a richly deserved reputation as an excellent big Brown Trout fishery. Augmenting the high-level trout fishing is an ever-increasing Atlantic Salmon run, which is quite consistent during the summer and fall season. Stretching approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles), the river begins its journey through verdant plains for the initial 15 kilometers (10 miles), offering truly optimal conditions for dry fly fishing. Upstream, the landscape evolves into a faster-flowing waterway, which offers a superbly fishable canyon section at the top end.

A tributary of the Laxá in Aðaldal, the Reykjadalsá flows through Lake Vestmannsvatn, where it changes its name to Eyvindalækur before merging with Laxá. The river offers anglers a highly varied angling experience, both in terms of geography and species to fish for. Depending on when in the season you decide to come, a variety of nymph, dry fly, and streamer fishing will be employed, with opportunities at site casting to both Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon in the upper canyon section pools.    

One of the great attributes of the Reykjadalsá River, is the relatively easy in/out access and wading demands. This is a river that virtually all levels of fitness can enjoy, rarely surpassing knee-deep, with grassy banks and limited rocks. Due to its relatively small size, the is not really a river designed for a double hander. While there are a couple of spots where you could use one, this is definitely a river for a single hand rod.    

Fishing Season Species and Conditions Overview

• April: Brown trout season kicks off with much for the month being predominantly nymph oriented.

• May: As the water temperatures start to warm, streamer fishing becomes highly effective, with Browns up to eight pounds possible.

• June: Brown trout season is in full swing and now the salmon begin their run upriver. As the seasonal air warms, insect hatches become more prevalent, signifying the start of dry fly season.

• July: Species diversity kicks into high gear. The salmon runs intensify, leading to more opportunity to target them. Additionally, the Arctic Char start their migration into the river, from Lake Vestmannsvatn.

• August: Possibility of an Icelandic Slam: Brown Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Arctic Char, caught on the fly, all in one day. Witness the stunning transformation of salmon and Arctic char as their colors evolve, providing unforgettable angling experiences.

• September: Prime time for specifically targeting large salmon preparing for spawning. Fewer fish than during the summer but opportunities at 20-25 pounders.

Prime time one the Reykjadalsá for Brown Trout fishing will generally run from mid-May to August, with the hatches dictating what and how you will fish for the trout. With the warming air and water, big noisy bugs like Hoppers and beetles will elicit aggressive surface eats. The Char fishing peaks from July 1st to September, and anglers looking to target them have the most success when nymphing, but occasionally with dry flies as well. For Atlantic salmon enthusiasts, the prime fishing season extends from mid-July to September. Smaller salmon flies and tube flies seem to be the most productive.

Due to its proximity with the Mýrarkvísl Lodge, both lodges can be combined to create a fantastic multi destination trip, where anglers will fish the Reykjadalsá and Mýrarkvísl rivers, as well as the best Laxá in Aðaldal Brown Trout beats.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

This is largely a walk and wade destination. There are one or two instances where oar powered wooden row boats are utilized to access Lake Vestmannsvatn.   

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly internationally to the capital of Iceland, which is Reykjavik. From Reykjavik, guests will then fly domestically up to the northern town of Akureyri, which is a 45 minute flight. Once you pick up your luggage at the Akureyri Airport and exit the terminal, you will be picked up and driven to the lodge by a member of the lodge staff.

Slipstream is a full-service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2025

Due to the sliding scale timeframe pricing that can vary week to week, catering options and other complexities for each of our Iceland trips, guests will be quoted on a per trip price basis.

Because of the fluctuation of the Icelandic Kroner, guests will be invoiced for the deposit at time of the trip purchase, in USD at the daily Kroner rate and again when the balance on the trip is due 90 ays before the trip starts.