FLY FISHING IN VATNSDALSÁ

THE RIVER THAT SETS THE SWING

Set in one of Iceland’s most beautiful valleys, Vatnsdalsá is a river of contrasts, offering both tranquility and thrilling action for anglers. Its crystal-clear waters provide ideal conditions for fly-fishing, and its catch-and-release policy ensures a sustainable experience. Salmon are the main attraction, with an impressive average size, but the river also holds Arctic char, sea-trout known for their explosive fights, and brown trout, adding to the river’s diverse ecosystem.

Collie Dog

A Hall of Fame salmon fly, the Collie Dog dates back to late 18th-century Scotland. Likely one of the first hair-wing salmon flies, it was originally tied with fur from a Border Collie. Its popularity has remained strong, especially as tube flies gave it new life, proving its enduring effectiveness.

Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller is a classic salmon fly with origins in the 19th century. Known for its elegant silver, black, and yellow design, it mimics natural prey and attracts salmon in various conditions, securing its place among timeless and effective fly patterns.

The Fishing Experience

With well-managed fishing beats and experienced guides, Vatnsdalsá provides both challenge and reward. Anglers can explore its two fishing sections: one dedicated to salmon, including the tributary Álka, and another for trout and char. The Flóðvangur Lodge at Vatnsdalsá blends classic fishing lodge charm with modern comfort, a welcoming retreat where anglers unwind after a rewarding day on the river.

Green Butt

Originally developed in Eastern Canada, the Black Bear Green Butt is a classic Atlantic salmon fly, simply known as the Green Butt. Long established across Northern Europe and North America, its dark wing and fluorescent green butt create strong contrast, making it highly effective in various water conditions.

Green Highlander

First mentioned in Francis Francis’s 1885 book as The Highlander, this classic was later attributed to Mr. Grant of Wester Elchies. Renamed Green Highlander, it became a go-to fly for both sunny days and changing river conditions.

Shaped by Nature

Vatnsdalsá originates from the highlands of Auðkúluheiði and Grímstunguheiði, flowing 75 km down to the valley. Along its course, it carves through gorges before transforming into a meandering river with turf-cut banks and gravel bars. Two naturally embedded lakes, Flóðið and Húnavatn, add to its distinctive character. Flóðið, formed by a landslide in 1720, lies near the fishing lodge Flóðvangur, while Húnavatn marks the river’s final stretch before it reaches the sea.

Snælda

Snælda, created by Icelandic fly tier Grímur Jónsson in 1984, is a renowned tube fly for salmon fishing. Its long, flowing tail, often made from bucktail or soft hair, enhances movement, making it one of Europe’s most popular patterns.

Frances

Created by Peter Deane in the 1960s, the Frances fly was designed as a prawn imitation and quickly proved its effectiveness. Named after Deane’s assistant, Frances Hydon, it became a dominant pattern in Iceland and remains essential for Atlantic salmon across Northern Europe and Russia.

Follow the Guide

The guides at Vatnsdalsá share a deep passion for salmon fishing and the river itself. Over time, they’ve learned the pools, the shifting moods, where the fish hold and how to choose the right fly as the water responds to changing conditions. They work with anglers of all skill levels—guiding beginners through their first casts and sharing insights with experienced anglers, including some techniques that work especially well on this river. Some anglers prefer a guide by their side at all times while others like to find their own rhythm. The guides are used to both and adjust accordingly. Each one drives a 4×4, moving between pools as needed, always keeping an eye on where the next opportunity might be.

Recommended equipment

This gives a good overview, though anglers often bring their own variations.

  • Rods: 9–14′ — single and double handed
  • Lines: 6–9 weight — integrated and shooting heads, floating
  • Leaders: 12–18 lbs
  • Flies: Sizes 8–14 — singles, doubles, trebles
  • Tubes: ¼–1½” — regular, hitch, coneheads

Catch, release, sustain

Vatnsdalsá was the first salmon river in Iceland to fully implement catch and release, adopting the practice in 1997. This approach supports sustainable fisheries, maintaining healthy salmon populations and protecting genetic diversity. By handling fish with care, anglers help maintain the river’s balance and keep the tradition of fly-fishing alive.

Black Brahan

Originating in Scotland, the Black Brahan is a classic Atlantic salmon fly, known for its black wing, red body, and yellow tail. Effective in various conditions, it inspired the Green Brahan, a variation with a green body for low, clear water.

Sunray Shadow

One of the most famous tube flies, the Sunray Shadow was created in the 1960s by Raymond Brooks, a UK angler who traveled Norway in search of the perfect salmon river. Originally tied with monkey hair, it remains a must-have for salmon anglers worldwide.

Although natural fluctuations in salmon numbers will always occur, anglers can contribute to the river’s balance by giving salmon the benefit of the doubt through catch and release. This practice offers an advantage, helping to support the ongoing cycles of wild salmon.