Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is home to some of the best Atlantic salmon and game fishing in the world. There are also great value lakes and deep sea fishing from the Icelandic coast of Iceland.
The island landscape varies from barren lava fields and glacial plateaus to verdant farmland and provides a wealth of non-fishing activates for the family to enjoy whilst you fish or for your self before and after you fish.
Iceland is only a three hour flight from the UK and five hours from the East Coast of America with several airlines providing plenty of options.
Salmon rivers:
There are almost 100 salmon rivers in Iceland, most of them permitting 6-14 rods daily during the summer month angling season The rod fishing season for salmon in Iceland extends from June first until the last day of September. On average around 30.000 salmons are caught by anglers in Iceland each year. In addition, trout, Arctic char and brown trout can be caught at numerous rivers and lakes all around the country.
With crystal-clear, well-managed rivers and breathtaking scenery, it is no surprise that for generations, anglers have come to (and subsequently fallen in love with) Iceland. Every year many celebrities come to Iceland for fishing with names like Eric Clapton and Prince Charles. Fishing for salmon, sea trout, trout and Arctic char under the midnight sun is an experience no angler will ever forget.
Iceland has many good salmon rivers to offer. Some have a small self-catering cottage privately for a party of 2-6 anglers while the “larger” rivers offer full service at the lodge. With restaurants, bars, sitting rooms and ensuited rooms.
In Iceland it is legal to use every kind of bait that the fish do case and take willingly. It is forbidden to use any kind of tackle that hooks into the fish unawares or without the fish casing it. Just the same, many Icelandic river associations put further constrictions to bait used, and an increasing number of rivers allow only fly fishing all through the season.
Lake fishing:
Vast majority of the numerous lakes and rivers of Iceland are listed under private ownership. Fishing permits for each river or lake are normally provided by the owners or outfitters.
Lake fishing is most often practiced from banks. Boat fishing is uncommon. There are hundreds of lakes in Iceland with wild brown trout, char and even sea trout, sea char and occasionally salmon. If the lake in close to the sea without boundaries so that the fish from the sea can go freely to the lakes. The cheapest and most accessible way to go lake fishing would be to buy the Fishing Card that gives you access to more than 30 lakes around the country for period of the whole summer. For less than 50 USD you can fish as many lakes as many times as you wish within the current summer. The card includes information about the locations of the lake and accommodation around the lake.
If you do not have fishing equipment with you to Iceland you might been able to rent a fishing gear, or rent a guide
Sea Angling:
Tourist sea Angling is relative new industry in Iceland but has taken of in the past few years. Sea fishing is so integral to Icelandic life that someone can take you out in virtually every coastal village; if no tours are advertised, you could just ask around. Success is near guaranteed, at least for cod, and most tours make arrangements for you to eat your catch for dinner. Unlike freshwater fishing, permits aren’t required, as long as you don’t return to port knee-deep in fish.
If you do not want to ask around there are many operators as well. You can both have private tour and also group tour on scheduled time. The price for such a tour that lasts for 2- to 3-hour is around $72-$112. Specific sea-angling tour operators based in Reykjavík; Stykkishólmur, Látrabjarg Peninsula, Suðureyri, and Djúpavík in the west; Hvammstangi, Sauðárkrókur, Akureyri, Hauganes, Dalvík, Grímsey Island, and Húsavík in the north; the Westman Islands in the south; and Djúpivogur, Fáskrúðsfjörður, Stöðvarfjörður, and Seyðisfjörður in the east.
Ice Fishing
Strange as it may seem, Ice fishing is not much practiced here in Iceland. Part of the reason may be that the weather is very unpredictable and as the average winter temperature is not far from the freezing point, the ice on lowland lakes may be perilous at the best, at least in the south and west areas.
Conclusion
Iceland is great spot if you like to go fishing, there are plenty of options both cheap and also highly luxurious with private cooks and guidance.
