This Sportquest Holidays exclusive offers travelling rods the chance to fish some of the most picturesque and productive freshwater fly fishing rivers in all of Iceland. Our beats, located in the northern part of the country, offer two days of quality fishing on each of the Laxá In Aðaldal, Reykjadalsa & Mýrarkvísl Rivers. This fully guided combo trip starts with two days on the Mýrarkvísl, followed by two days on the Reykjadalsa, before finishing with two days on the Laxá In Aðaldal.
The Mýrarkvísl and Reykjadalsa rivers are tributaries of the mighty Laxá and offer a wide range of diverse waterways for anglers to wet a fly. The former features numerous quality Trout and Salmon beats and a selection of beautiful pools, and even a lake, Lake Langavatn. In this area, it’s not unusual to catch 15-20 Brown Trout per day with an average size of around 2-3lb. The latter, the Reykjadalsa, is a typical freestone river, renowned as a surface fishing and dry fly anglers paradise. Like the Mýrarkvísl, it’s also known for its wild Trout and Char fishing and produces good numbers of fish.
Finally, the Laxá In Aðaldal is one of the most famous rivers in Iceland, an enchanting waterway that fishes consistently throughout the season. It’s renowned for being one of the best Trout rivers in Europe and even the world. It produces significant numbers of Brownies, averaging 2lb to 3lb, with a good sprinkling of specimens to over 8lb mixed in.
The delightful Mýrarkvísl river, the lowest tributary of the Laxá I Aðaldal on the northern coast of Iceland, is situated around 400 kilometres from Reykjavik. The river is approximately 25 kilometres long, and for the first 15 kilometres, it flows calmly through the plains of the Reykjaheiði plateau. It builds up speed and power during the middle part of its journey before easing and slowing in pace for the last 4 kilometres as it travels through the plains of Laxamýri and into the Laxá in Aðaldal, about 5 kilometres from the ocean. The river has an amazing character, is exceptionally diverse, and is famed among the freshwater fly fishing community for the range of fly fishing opportunities it offers.
Despite being a relatively small river, the Mýrarkvísl holds abundant numbers of Brown Trout and Arctic Char and, throughout the summer months, features a good run of Salmon.
While the Trout get spread along the entire river’s length, many fish inhabit the upper beats above the canyon stretches. Here the fish are free risers and very aggressive, actively hunting out any struggling insect on the water’s surface. The fish tend to be slightly larger throughout this area than those found on the Reykjaheiði plateau, and fish between 4lb and 5lb are not uncommon. The river is perfect for casting a nymph or for dry fly fishing.
Located in the northern part of Iceland, the Reykjadalsa river is a tributary of the lower section of the Big Laxá I Adaldal. The river flows for around 35 kilometres, running through the Reykjadalur valley and into Lake Vestmannsvatn, continuing north and finally joining the famous Laxa in Adaldalur.
The rivers upper reaches are modest in width, a mere ten to fifteen metres, and flow through the canyonlands. Here the streambeds are shallow and littered with rocks. The water runs swiftly but is easy to wade and packed full of wild Brown Trout, all of which wait in anticipation for any passing insects or anything that resembles food. Historically these stretches of water are a little less productive than the middle and lower sections, but the fish are of a better average size.
Just north of Laugar, the rivers flow calms and takes a meandering course through the open valley as it flows downstream towards the mouth of the Eyvindalaekur. There are numerous cut banks and various forms of structure along its journey, all of which hold fish. The average size of the Trout is small, with many landed weighing 2lb or less, but wild Brownies to over 8lb have been landed, along with every size in between. What the river perhaps lacks in fish size, it makes up for in numbers.
Situated about an hour drive from Akureyri and a ten-minute drive from the town of Húsavík, the Laxá In Aðaldal originates from the discharge of Lake Mývatn, and it draws its name from the valley it runs through on the way to the ocean, in Skjálfandi Bay.
For Iceland standards, the Laxá In Aðaldal or the Big Laxá, as the name suggests, is a big river, and it carves its way through the rich, green valley and barren areas of old lava, revealing the drama of the past. Throughout its journey, the river takes many different forms, and although in some cases it narrows and the water flow increases, it’s generally characterized by broad, open stretches of calming flowing water. Many of the pools on the waterway are grass banked, with a relatively even bottom; however, there are also areas with intermittent shelves that drop away, creating some fantastic underwater lies. Despite its black lava bottom giving the impression of depth and obscurity, the river is deceptively clear.
Renowned for some of the best Brown Trout fishing globally, fish of all sizes populate the river, but the main attraction for travelling rods, besides the stunning nature, is the fantastic average size. Brownies between 2lb and 5lb are most common, but fish between 6lb and 8lb are not uncommon, and even bigger specimens get landed every season.
Regarding the rivers in Iceland, the Laxá In Aðaldal is a relatively large and reasonably powerful river, and increasing numbers of travelling rods fall victim to Aðaldal addiction each year. Similar comments also apply to the Mýrarkvísl and the Reykjadalsa, and while they are smaller, they can still sometimes be tricky to fish. With this in mind, a guide is essential to ensure you get the very best out of your holiday. A good fishing guide can often be the difference between catching and not, so this exclusive trip is based on two rods and is fully guided, including a car and fuel.
Typical Fishing Day
7.00 Breakfast
7.30 Guide pick up and start fishing
13.00 Stop for lunch and back to the lodge.
16.00 Afternoon fishing
22.00 Finish fishing and back to the lodge
22:30 Evening meal and drinks
Across all three rivers, the majority of the fishing can be performed with single-handed rods and floating lines. The water is gin-clear, and sight fishing is possible, and the prefered method. Anglers using wets, nymphs or dry flies, and riffle-hitch tactics will catch their fair share of fish. It’s worth noting, though, that when approaching any fishy areas, do so with great caution, as to not spook any of the residents below the surface.
As with all Atlantic Salmon Lodges in Iceland, all operate a strict disinfection policy. Before starting fishing on any of the three rivers and before stepping foot in any of them, fishing tackle, clothing and waders must be adequately disinfected to avoid transmitting the deadly parasite Gyrodactylus salaris along with anything else that could be potentially damaging to the ecosystem. With the growing number of diseases in the aquaculture industry, disinfection is more crucial than ever. You are responsible for the equipment and infection you bring with you, so you need to keep this in mind:
The sterilising of your fishing tackle can be performed easily by a veterinary surgeon, who can then provide you with a certificate and a signed inventory of what has been sterilised. This certificate will need presenting to the customs officers at the airport.
Another and more convenient alternative before entering the country is handing your fishing equipment over to customs officers at arrival. They will then be able to disinfect your tackle for you. This takes around 15-20 minutes and costs approximately €40 per person.
To find out more about freshwater fly fishing in Iceland, visit our YouTube channel.
For our exclusive fly fishing combo trip in Iceland, we use three different lodges, all within thirty minutes drive of each other, all based on single rooms.
When fishing the Myrarkvisl and the Reykjadalsá, you’ll be staying at the Myrarkvisl and the Reykjadalsá Lodges. Each offer double bedrooms with an ensuite, a large living area, dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, wader/drying room, hot tub and outside BBQ.
Bedding is supplied, and cleaning is included. For your convenience, the Lodges also offer free high-speed wireless access. So you can check e-mails or send bragging photos to your friends, family and fellow anglers back home.
Self-catering and fully catered food packages are available. If you opt for the fully catered package, you will have the services of your own private chef. Breakfast usually consists of bacon, eggs, toast and oatmeal, and lunch is often carb-loaded, with pasta, soups, bread and lasagne. Dinner is two courses with either a starter and a main or main and dessert, and anglers and guides eat together.
The lodges don’t have a bar, so whatever catering package you pick, if you fancy a drink in the evenings, you’ll have to bring it with you. We recommend buying a bottle of your favourite tipple from duty-free at the airport.
When fishing the Laxá In Aðaldal, you’ll stay at the Brekka Guesthouse, which offers an array of accommodation, with 41 rooms in total, most of which are ensuite. There’s also a selection of cabins that feature kitchens and shared facilities.
The guesthouse features a restaurant on-site and serves a range of delicious food to keep you well fuelled throughout your trip. Every morning before you start your fishing day, a continental style buffet breakfast is served. For lunch, the kitchen will prepare a pack-up that can be taken and enjoyed by the river and finally, in the evening, a quality three-course menu is on offer, consisting of two choices of starters, three main courses, and a house-baked dessert. Much of the food is quality, locally sourced table fare.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Keflavik
Once you arrive in Keflavik and have collected your bags you’ll need to take a taxi and transfer to your overnight accommodation.
Overnight Accommodation: Airport Hotel (Twin Rooms) B/B
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll need to taxi to Reykjavik airport.
Depart Reykjavik
The flight is around 45 minutes.
Arrive Akureyri
Once in Akureyri, you’ll be met by a representative from Mýrarkvísl who will transfer you to the lodge. The journey from Akureyri Airport to Mýrarkvísl Lodge is around 50 minutes.
Once at the lodge you’ll need to unpack and get ready for the first half a day of fishing. Fishing starts at 16:00 (15:00 after August 10th) on arrival day.
Overnight Accommodation: Mýrarkvísl Lodge (Single Rooms) B/B
You’ll be spending a full day fishing on the delightful Mýrarkvísl river, the lowest tributary of the Laxá I Aðaldal. The river offers a wide range of diverse waterways for you to wet a fly and features numerous quality Trout and Salmon beats and a selection of beautiful pools, and even a lake.
Overnight Accommodation: Mýrarkvísl Lodge (Single Rooms) B/B
After breakfast, you’ll head out for half a days fishing, fishing until 12.00 pm.
After fishing, a representative from Mýrarkvísl will transfer you to the Reykjadalsá Lodge.
Once at the lodge you’ll need to unpack and get ready for the first half a day of fishing on the Reykjadalsá River. Fishing starts at 16:00 (15:00 after August 10th) on arrival day.
Overnight Accommodation: Reykjadalsá Lodge (Single Rooms) B/B
You’ll be spending a full day fishing on the delightful Reykjadalsá river, a lower tributary of the Laxá I Aðaldal. The river offers a wide range of diverse waterways for you to wet a fly and features numerous quality Trout and Salmon beats and a selection of beautiful pools.
Overnight Accommodation: Reykjadalsá Lodge (Single Rooms) B/B
After breakfast, you’ll head out for half a days fishing, fishing until 12.00 pm.
After fishing, a representative from Reykjadalsá will transfer you to the Laxá In Aðaldal.
Once at the guesthouse you’ll need to unpack and get ready for the first half a day of fishing on the Laxá. Fishing starts at 16:00 (15:00 after August 10th) on arrival day.
Overnight Accommodation: Brekka Guesthouse (Single Rooms) B/B
For a full day, you’ll be fishing the enchanting Laxá In Aðaldal. The river offers a wide range of diverse waterways for you to wet a fly and features numerous quality Trout and Salmon beats and a selection of beautiful pools.
Overnight Accommodation: Brekka Guesthouse (Single Rooms) B/B
After breakfast, you’ll head out for half a days fishing, fishing until 12.00 pm.
After fishing, a representative from Laxá In Aðaldal will transfer you to Akureyri airport ready for your flight home.
The journey from Laxá In Aðaldal to Akureyri Airport is around 50 minutes.
Depart Akureyri
The flight is around 45 minutes.
Arrive Reykjavik
Once you arrive in Reykjavik and have collected your bags you’ll need to take a taxi and transfer to your overnight accommodation.
Overnight Accommodation: Airport Hotel (Twin Rooms) B/B
After breakfast, you’ll need to transfer to Keflavik airport ready for your flight home.
Depart Keflavik
Arrive Home
The season runs from April to September.
Season: April to September
Peak: April to July
Weight: 1lb to 10lb
Average Weight: 3lb
Season: April to September
Peak: April to July
Weight: 1lb to 5lb
Average Weight: 2lb
Season: April to September
Peak: July to August
Weight: 5lb to 30lb
Average Weight: 12lb
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2025 | 30/04/2025 | 9 | £5,705 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2025 | 31/05/2025 | 9 | £5,705 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 9 | £5,833 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 9 | £6,231 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2025 | 31/08/2025 | 9 | £7,921 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 9 | £7,266 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on one adult in single room accommodation fishing 1 rod (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.
Some of the best Trout fishing I've ever experienced! Every day was different, but every day the fishing remained the same - absolutely fantastic. Matti the fishing guide on the Mýrarkvísl really knew his stuff and it was a pleasure to spend our time with him. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in making our trip such a memorable one.
The fishing, staff, accommodation and guides were all first class. I'd like to give a special shout out to Matti, who really couldn't do enough for us and was particularly helpful. We were told the fishing was a little tougher than normal, but still way above our expectations. We'll definitely be back next year!
The trip was that good I've already booked to go back! The rivers are set in some stunning surroundings and there's an abundance of water to which you can wet a fly on. Despite fishing in some slightly unfavourable conditions our guide was extremely knowledgeable and managed to put us on fish every day of our trip.
Another great trip from Sportquest Holidays
Per thanks again for your custom. So glad you had a great trip and its not long now before we all go to Brazil.
Thank soon.
Peter
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.
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.
Our hosted Sea Trout trips to Bella Sofia offer travelling rods the chance to experience some of the finest fishing in all of Patagonia, Argentina. The fishing is split across two rivers, the mighty Rio Gallegos, one of the most famous Sea Trout rivers in the world and the Rio Gallegos Chico, a smaller tributary. Catering to just six rods per week, the lodge is booked exclusively for Sportquest customers.
If you are a single angler or just looking to travel in a group with like-minded people who all enjoy the art of fly fishing for big wild Sea Trout well this trip is designed just for you. Teaming up with our partners at Solid Adventures we have some exclusive weeks on offer for our very own Sea Trout fishing weeks.
