The Blanda River in Iceland is widely considered one of the country’s top Salmon fisheries, averaging over 2,000 fish annually for the past ten years, with a peak of nearly 5,000 in 2015. It’s famed for its incredible number of multi-wintered fish, which have a reputation for being some of the most powerful travelling rods will encounter. The fishing on the river covers over 37 kilometres and is broken into four main beats, offering a vast array of water to suit all anglers’ needs – from fast-flowing rapids and long, calm stretches to deep canyons.
Located on the northwest coast, the Blanda is one of the longest rivers in the country, flowing for around 125 kilometres with a catchment area estimated at 2370 km2; it flows northwards from the northwest side of the Hofsjökull glacier into Húnaflói Bay just past the town of Blönduó.
The waterway remains one of the great Salmon fishing mysteries within the Icelandic angling community. Throughout time the river has always experienced a significant run of Salmon, but was considered virtually impossible to fish , due to the murky, silt-laden water during the summer melt. However, this all changed in the early nineties, with the construction of a dam some 60 kilometres upstream from the ocean, clearing the water, creating a beautiful turquoise-blue hue, and transforming it into an anglers paradise, perfect for fly fishing.
Like many of the waterways in Iceland, the Salmon fishing season on the Blanda River begins in early June on the lower part of the river, while the Trout fishing season opens in May on the tidal beat just above the junction and on the upper beats. As the Salmon run increases later in the season, the upper beats open for fishing, peaking in July and early August. During these months, the river transforms into a fifteen-rod operation.
Rotating packages built around four-day experiences are recommended during the early part of the season. The packages begin with an afternoon session and conclude with a morning session. Over the four days, each angler can fish two sessions on Beat One and two on Beat Two, providing a balanced and exciting fishing experience. The Salmon season on these rotation package start on June 20th.
A popular, fun, mixed fishing package involves a float trip. These packages, available in June, allow for two fishing days on Beat Two for early ‘Springers’ and then a two-day float trip on the upper sections of the river wetting a fly for trophy Trout and Char.
Note: 2026 is classed as an MWS year (multi-winter Salmon year), which happens every two years, giving travelling rods the best opportunity to catch a 20lb+ Salmon.
The fishing on the Blanda covers over 37 kilometres of water and is divided into four main beats. The lodge caters to up to fifteen rods per week during peak season.
Beat One is undoubtedly the most renowned Salmon beat on the Blanda, known for attracting large numbers of fish before they move upstream past the waterfall or through the fish ladder. With the highest catch rate per rod on the river, it consistently delivers exceptional results. Despite its short length, the beat is fished with four rods – two on each bank – making it a prime spot for anglers.
Beat Two, located up in the valley, runs through the meadows and is easily accessed by vehicles, requiring little walking. There are easy freestone pools with nice wading and classic Salmon pools that require double or single-handed rods. July and early August are considered the best months to fish this stretch.
Beat Three gets fished with three rods. This section of the river carries slightly less water volume, as the Svartá tributary joins the Blanda between Beats Two and Three. The Lower section resembles Beat Two in many ways, and most pools are accessible by 4×4. However, the Upper section is more challenging, with the river cutting through a canyon with more varied pools. As well as Salmon, this stretch is home to healthy Brown Trout and Char populations.
On the upper portion of the river, it’s possible to spend the day drifting through the canyon, fishing each pool along the way, on an exciting float trip. This is incredibly fun and allows anglers to enjoy stunning scenery and exceptional fishing.
Beat Four, which fishes the uppermost beat on the Blanda River, is a haven for sight fishing enthusiasts. Fished with three rods, it stands apart from the lower sections of the river, where glacial waters have a milky blue tint. Here, the water is gin-clear until the Blanda reservoir in the highlands overflows. Unlike the powerful currents of the lower beats, Beat Four is more delicate and ideal for fishing with a single-hand rod.
Many anglers consider Blanda Four to offer some of the most breathtaking scenery they’ve ever encountered while fishing in Iceland. The lower parts of the stretch are easily accessible by car, but the canyon terrain is challenging and mostly reached on foot. Walking down the Rugludalur Canyon to fish for Atlantic salmon is an unforgettable adventure for any angler seeking both beauty and challenge.
Beat Four has long been a favourite amongst anglers due to its consistently excellent fishing and a high proportion of multi-wintered Salmon (MWS).
The Blanda River has it all for fly fishing anglers, with the type of water as varied as the fish species that reside within it. It boasts long, tranquil stretches and a stunning canyon in its upper reaches. The water is typically clear, showcasing quintessential Icelandic beauty at the top, transitioning to a milky river that winds through a picturesque valley.
While heavy wading is necessary in certain parts of the lower section and can be quite physically demanding, the experience becomes more accessible as you venture upstream, where you’ll find pools ideally suited for double, single-handed and switch rods. It’s popular for fishing skated flies and provides ample opportunities to entice fish to rise.
The river is famed for offering some of the largest Salmon in Iceland, but it also has good numbers of Char, Brown Trout and Sea Trout. It’s not unusual for travelling rods to target the ‘Blanda Slam’, catching all of the above in a single day!
A typical day on the Blanda River at Long Valley Lodge starts with breakfast between 7.00am and 8.30am before a morning of fishing. Lunch is traditionally served around 1.00pm, when anglers can decide whether to head straight back to the river or relax around the accommodation. After the afternoon fishing session, which concludes around 8.00pm, dinner is served between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
Long Valley Lodge, based on the banks of the Blanda River, is a new, fully-serviced accommodation and acts as the perfect base for travelling anglers visiting to sample the first-class fishing on offer.
This spacious lodge offers twelve twin-bedded rooms with a private bathroom and shower, with private rooms available for rod sharers if space allows. It features a large outside decking area with a hot tub and sauna, which are the perfect space for the magical midnight summer evenings, listening to the wildlife and breathing in the air of the valley.
All the food is included, and the kitchen cooks an array of fabulous international cuisine.
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 single room on a bed & breakfast basis
Travel from Reykjavik to the Blanda River
In the morning, once you’ve checked out of your overnight hotel, you will be picked up by a representative from the Blanda River and driven to the lodge. The journey time is around 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Check-in time is from 2.30pm.
Once you arrive at the lodge, you will be welcomed with coffee, tea and snacks. A full 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 on the Blanda will start around 4.00pm, and you will fish through until around 8.00pm. The fishing is based on two rods per guide; however, rod sharing is available.
The afternoon/evening of fishing usually runs until around 8.00pm, depending on your location on the river, as you’ll return to the lodge for your three-course evening meal and drinks at 8.30pm.
Overnight Accommodation: Long Valley Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Over your next three full fishing days, you’ll experience the fantastic fishing on the Blanda River. The river offers an incredible wealth of opportunities for Atlantic Salmon, Trout and Char.
A typical day on the Blanda River:
– 7:00am: 8:30am: Breakfast
– 9.00am: Morning Fishing
– 1:00pm: Lunch (You can choose if you relax or go fishing straight after lunch.)
– 14.30pm: Afternoon fishing
– 8:00pm: Head back to the Lodge
– 8:30pm: Dinner
Overnight Accommodation: Long Valley Lodge in a twin room on a full board basis
Your last half-day of fishing on the Blanda River will start around 8.00am, and you will fish through until around 12.00pm. Once the morning fishing session is done, you will head back to the lodge and enjoy a light lunch.
Note: The lodge asks if you can kindly pack most of your belongings before heading out in the morning, so their staff can begin preparing for cleaning.
Travel from the Blanda River to Reykjavik
Once you have checked out, a representative from Blanda Lodge will drive you back to Reykjavik. The transfer typically departs around 2.30pm and takes about 3.5 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 single 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 June to August.
Season: June to August
Peak: July
Weight: 3lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Season: May to August
Peak: May to August
Weight: 2lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 3lb
Season: May to August
Peak: May & August
Weight: 5lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 7lb
Season: May to August
Peak: May to August
Weight: 1lb to 6lb
Average Weight: 2lb
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.
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If you know what to do, you can catch a fish of your lifetime on their waters. If you are a beginner you can also catch fish of your lifetime as well. The guides were excellent and I recommend this company to every Fly Fishermen.
