Battle Hill Lodge, or “Orustuóll” as it’s called in Icelandic, is given its name as it stands on the exact spot where Hróars Tungugoði, a famed Icelandic Viking Chieftain from the 10th century, was killed. Situated in southern Iceland, around a 3-hour drive from Reykjavik, nestled on the banks of the Fossárlar River, it’s famed for the incredible Sea Trout fishing it offers, renowned as being some of the best found anywhere in the world. A historic, picturesque location of striking beauty, where much of the landscape was carved out by one of the deadliest super-eruptions in history, it gives travelling rods an incomparable fly fishing experience of a lifetime, attracting anglers from around the globe.
Newly renovated in 2022, after our partners gained exclusive fishing rights from the landowners, Battle Hill Lodge is a fully-serviced lodge and offers some incredible freshwater fly fishing on two main rivers – the Fossalar and Vatnamot. The Vatnamot, which means ‘junction’ in Icelandic, is an astonishing piece of water where the Fossalar, Geirlandsa, and Horgsa rivers meet the Mighty Skafta. A beat of around 5 kilometres long, it has been responsible for vast numbers of Sea Trout, with over 2,000 fish landed to just five rods each year. The Fossalar River, like Vatnamot, is also prolific for big beautiful specimens, offering over 15 kilometres of water and a range of diverse pools. It’s a stunning spot to wet a line and is part of Unesco’s natural heritage list.
The fishing at Battle Hill Lodge is based on five beats, each with its unique topography, but all home to good numbers of big, beautiful, hard-fighting Sea Trout. The main two beats that anglers fish are:
Famous for its size, both for runs and individual fish, this river, along with Þverá, Þverávatn, and Vatnamót, offers anglers a great variety of pools and landscapes to fish from. As a result, these rivers are widely regarded as some of the best in Iceland. While fished primarily for Sea Trout, these rivers house healthy Arctic Char and Atlantic Salmon populations. Year after year, the largest Sea-Trout caught comes from Vatnamót, with fish over 20lbs common. The peak season for this region is late spring in April-May and again in August-October.
The Jonskvísl and Sýrlækur rivers are located about 285km from Reykjavík, just west of the small village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Jónskvísl is a tributary of the famous Grenilækur river and Sýrlækur is, in turn, a tributary of Jónskvísl. The two rivers are most well known for their large (both in size of runs and size of fish) Sea-run Brown Trout, but also for their sizable stocks of Arctic Char that gets landed up to 6lb in weight, and resident browns.
Although the Fossalar and the Vatnamót are the two main beats at Battle Hill, the lodge also offers a selection of others that make for some excellent fishing for not just Sea Trout but Artic Char, resident Browns and even Salmon at the right time of year. These include:
Surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes and nestled amongst some of the most spectacular sites in Iceland, Tungufljótt is one of the best-known rivers for Sea-Trout in Iceland, both because of its beauty and the large size of fish caught. Multiple fish in the 20lbs range are caught yearly, with the average size being between 5-10lbs. Primetime for Tungufljótt is April-May as the fish make their way to the ocean and again on their return mid-August-October. During June, Tungufljótt boasts a healthy resident population of browns and Arctic Char, but by the middle of July, Atlantic Salmon arrive in the river and will remain into the fall.
River Grenlækur is a fertile spring-fed river, rich in freshwater life. Home to one of Iceland’s most significant Sea Trout populations. The river is fed by springs originating from the glacial river Skaftá, which flows onto and through the Eldhraun lava fields that filter the glacial water before it emerges in Grenlæk. Like many other rivers on the south coast of Iceland, the central fishing here is for Sea-Run Brown trout, although resident browns, Arctic Char and Atlantic Salmon can also be found.
The Ásgarð beat on the River Skaftá is a short beat that can vary significantly from year to year with the shifting of the glacial river Skaftá and shifting of the sand on the bottom. At the top of the beat, the famed Sea Trout river Tungulækur runs into the Skaftá, and the fishing tends to be best where the freshwater from Tungulækur mixes with the glacial water of Skaftá.
At Battle Hill Lodge, the rivers run through a volcanic landscape, meaning anglers can enjoy the experience of fishing in both lava fields and black sands, allowing a multitude of methods, including the use of double-handed rods, swinging flies and nymphing through some stunning pools.
When fishing for the Sea Trout on the big waterways, a 13ft 7# to 8# is recommended, while an 11ft 6# or 7# is an excellent tool for covering the vast majority of water in the region. When nymphing or using dries on smaller stretches, a single-handed 9-10ft 6# to 8# is the perfect tool.
Whatever rod is used, it’s essential to have an excellent reel to match, one with a smooth, reliable drag system and one that can hold a minimum of 100 yards of 20lb backing. Most fishing gets done with weight-forward floating lines, but having a spare reel or spool loaded with a sink tip or sinking line is also an idea.
A whole range of flies will catch fish, and two recommended include the Black Ghost Classic Streamer and the Dýrbítur in sizes 4 to 10. However, we encourage guests, especially fly tiers, to bring their own secret weapons, as we know nothing beats the feeling of catching a nice fish on a fly you’ve tied yourself.
All the tackle information is based on decades of experience from the Battle Hill Lodge guides. They’ve seen the Icelandic Rivers in acute low water conditions, full spate, and every condition in-between. They pride themselves on being able to help visiting anglers catch in even the harshest conditions. The fishing at the lodge is fully guided (one guide per two anglers) and available in six-day packages, starting and ending on a half day.
If you’d like to learn more about the incredible freshwater fly fishing on offer at Battle Hill Lodge in Iceland, visit our YouTube channel.
Note: It’s recommended that all flies brought to Iceland are new and unused.
Battle Hill Lodge, newly renovated in 2022, is a fully serviced lodge nestled on the banks of the Fossárlar River. An old, cosy farmhouse on private land, it overlooks the beautiful Vatnjökull Glacier, Lava fields, and the flowing rivers surrounding it.
Updated with a clean style and a host of modern amenities, it features two single and four double rooms, allowing a maximum occupancy of ten anglers. While the rooms do not have private bathrooms, there are two and a half shared bathrooms.
Situated roughly one kilometre from Ring Road No.1, it’s easy to reach but also very isolated. Anglers who stay here are alone and can enjoy the sound of silence, while soaking up the breathtaking views.
The view directly from the lodge’s front door overlooks the Brunahraun lava field, protected and part of a greater national park, one of three UNESCO heritage sites in Iceland. Continue further, and you can see the largest glacier in Europe, “Vatnajökull”, with a prominent cliff called “Lomagnúpur” between the two.
To the east, it’s possible to witness the beauty of the land, shaped by mighty forces of Icelandic nature; the area offers opportunities to experience the untouched majesty of the Icelandic highlands, picturesque mountains, thundering waterfalls, iconic canyons, as well as some of Iceland’s newest lava fields.
All meals at the lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included.
To find out more about freshwater fly fishing in Iceland, visit our YouTube channel.
If you’re travelling to fish with us in Iceland and would like to learn more about what else you can do while you’re there, why not read our blog: Top Things To Do In Iceland.
The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional fishing days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Keflavik
Travel from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik
Once you’ve touched down in Keflavik and collected your bags, our private transfer will be waiting to drive you to your overnight hotel in Reykjavik. The transfer time is around one hour, depending on traffic.
When you arrive in Reykjavik and have checked into your hotel the rest of the day is free to relax or explore this beautiful Icelandic city.
Overnight Accommodation: Reykjavik Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Travel from Reykjavik to Battle Hill
In the morning once you’ve checked out of your overnight hotel, you will be picked up (around 10.00am) by a representative from Battle Hill and transferred to the lodge. The journey time is around three hours, depending on traffic.
Once you arrive at the Battle Hill, the lodge manager will show you to your room provide you with details of the fishing rotation and beat maps and introduce you to your guide for your first evenings fishing. You will leave the lodge with your guide around 4.00pm and head to your beat for the evening.
Note: Lunch is not served on arrival, so we recommend having something to eat in Reykjavik before you catch the transfer.
Your first half-day of fishing at Battle Hill Lodge will start around 4.00pm, and you will fish through until around 9.00pm. The fishing is based on two rods per guide.
Once the fishing day is done, you will head back to the lodge to take a shower and get ready for your evening meal.
Overnight Accommodation: Battle Hill Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Over your next three full fishing days, you’ll get to experience more of the fantastic Sea Trout fishing available at Battle Hill Lodge. The lodge has exclusive access to five beats, each with its unique topography, but all home to good numbers of big, beautiful, hard-fighting Sea Trout.
Overnight Accommodation: Battle Hill Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
On your last two full fishing days, you’ll enjoy more fishing on the range of delightful rivers and pools surrounding the lodge. While Battle Hill is predominantly famed for it’s first-class Sea Trout fishing, it’s also possible to catch Char and Salmon (at the right time of year.)
Overnight Accommodation: Battle Hill Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Your last half day of fishing at Battle Hill will start around 7.00am, and you will fish through until around 1.00pm.
Once the morning fishing session is done, you will head back to the lodge and enjoy some lunch before getting packed up and ready to check out.
Travel from Battle Hill to Reykjavik
Once you have checked out and paid any gratuities and bar bills, a representative from Battle Hill will transfer you back to Reykjavik. The transfer typically departs around 2.00pm and takes about three hours, depending on traffic.
When you arrive in Reykjavik and have checked into your hotel the rest of the day is free to relax or explore this beautiful Icelandic city.
Overnight Accommodation: Reykjavik Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Travel from Reykjavik to Keflavik airport
In the morning, after breakfast and once you’ve checked out of your overnight hotel, you will be transferred back to Keflavik airport ready for your flight home. The transfer time is around one hour, depending on traffic.
Depart Keflavik
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from April to October.
Season: April to October
Peak: May & September
Weight: 5lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 7lb
Season: April to October
Peak: May & September
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2lb
Season: June to September
Peak: August
Weight: 1lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 5lb
Season: April to October
Peak: May & September
Weight: 2lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/04/2025 | 22/04/2025 | 9 | £3,596 | Enquire Now | ||
| 4 rods available - SAVE over £2,700. | 4 rods available - SAVE over £2,700. | |||||
| 20/04/2025 | 28/04/2025 | 9 | £6,383 | Sold Out | ||
| 26/04/2025 | 04/05/2025 | 9 | £6,383 | Sold Out | ||
| 02/05/2025 | 10/05/2025 | 9 | £6,383 | Enquire Now | ||
| 3 rods available | 3 rods available | |||||
| 08/05/2025 | 16/05/2025 | 9 | £6,383 | Enquire Now | ||
| 3 rods available | 3 rods available | |||||
| 26/08/2025 | 03/09/2025 | 9 | £7,281 | Enquire Now | ||
| 5 rods available | 5 rods available | |||||
| 01/09/2025 | 09/09/2025 | 9 | £7,771 | Sold Out | ||
| 07/09/2025 | 15/09/2025 | 9 | £8,505 | Sold Out | ||
| 13/09/2025 | 21/09/2025 | 9 | £8,505 | Sold Out | ||
| 19/09/2025 | 27/09/2025 | 9 | £8,505 | Sold Out | ||
| 25/09/2025 | 03/10/2025 | 9 | £8,505 | Sold Out | ||
| 01/10/2025 | 09/10/2025 | 9 | £7,526 | Sold Out | ||
| 07/10/2025 | 15/10/2025 | 9 | £7,526 | Enquire Now | ||
| 4 rods available | 4 rods available | |||||
| 13/10/2025 | 22/10/2025 | 9 | £7,526 | Enquire Now | ||
| 4 rods available | 4 rods available | |||||
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing, guide and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges.
I had some great fishing on my holiday in Iceland. We caught some really nice Sea Trout and good quantities of Char. There was a fantastic array of water to fish and all the scenery was simply incredible. Without a doubt I'd love to return and will probably be looking to book again next year.
My friend and I had a fantastic holiday. We had excellent fishing and landed some beautiful Trout and Char. The accommodation was perfect and the food excellent. Our guide was a lovely chap too, he knew his stuff. I would heartily recommend this tour to anyone who loves there fly fishing.
A simply fantastic getaway. Iceland is such a magnificent country, and I maintain it must feature some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in the world. I was told the fishing was a little slower than usual, but that's fishing. All that means is I'll have to return again.
Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, Howenh Lodge, based on the incredible Rio Grande, offers travelling rods the opportunity to wet a fly across over 30 kilometres of water. With just four to six rods per week, it provides some of the best Sea Trout fishing in the world, both in terms of the number of fish and excellent average size.
Worlds’ End Lodge and the Irigoyen River offer the most unique and otherworldly fishery in Patagonia. No other Tierra del Fuego fishing lodge or river offers 10-20 lb Sea Run Brown Trout in small water that is laden with logs, surrounded by dense forests and protected from the heavy Austral winds.
Bella Sofia Lodge is new for 2023, offering anglers single rooms and world-class Sea Trout fishing on the Rio Gallegos and the Rio Gallegos Chico Rivers. Based on only six rods per week, it offers guests more than 10 kilometres of water each to wet a fly, making it the most exclusive fishery in all of South America.
Las Buitreras Lodge on the Rio Gallegos in Argentina offers an unparalleled Sea Trout fishing program. Catch statistics for size and numbers on the Rio Gallegos and the Rio Grande are similar, however, many anglers remain loyal to the Rio Gallegos River for it’s a dream to fish with its low gradient, technical characteristics, exclusivity, outstanding guides and the vast number of pools you get to fish each day always providing well-rested water.
Hosted by our CEO Peter Collingsworth, this exclusive trip to Worlds End Lodge in Argentina offers travelling rods the chance to enjoy some of the finest Sea Trout sport on the planet. The fishing, based on the famous Irigoyen and Malenguena rivers, regularly produces specimens of over 20lb.
