The Midfjardara is one of the most magical Atlantic Salmon rivers in Iceland, known as the ‘Queen Of The Rivers’; this stunning gin clear waterway has over two hundred named pools and five first-class freshwater fly fishing beats, offering almost unlimited angling opportunities. The emphasis of the management is on providing the best experience possible for visiting anglers, and with such a vast amount of water on offer, and it can often feel like you have the whole system to yourself. Historically and over the last five years, it has also been one of the country’s most prolific Salmon rivers, responsible for an average of over 3,100 fish per season.
Located on the northwest coast of Iceland, the Midfjardara system offers the quintessential Icelandic Salmon fishing experience and anglers travel from around the globe to sample the fishing on offer. The programme comprises four rivers, including the Midfjardara, the Austura, the Vestura and the smaller, more intimate Nupsa. Together they offer some of the best fishing in not just Iceland but the world, as Salmon anglers from all four corners of the globe travel to fish their banks, all with the same goal – to target and catch a hard-fighting chrome specimen. Of all of the rivers in the country which are entirely wild and have no smolt release program, it’s the most productive. It also happens to be one of the best rivers for giant multi-sea wintered salmon.
Anglers who travel to Iceland and fish for the Atlantic Salmon on the Midfjardara have abundant water to fish; it flows for over 115 kilometres, features four rivers, with 220 named pools and five first-class Salmon fishing beats.
Midfjardara River Beat One
The first beat on the river is located at the lowest part and starts at the junction pool of the Austurá and the Vesturá Rivers and offers anglers almost 15 kilometres of water and gets shared by just two rods. It features many fantastic pools, including the famous Grjóthylur or Airport Pool, as it’s also known. This section of water is excellent, especially when the fish are running.
Midfjardara River Beat Two
The second beat is situated in the lower part of the Austurá and runs from the junction of the Núpsá and down to that on the Vesturá. Despite being the shortest beat, it can still produce some fantastic results. When the water levels are correct, the whole of the Núpsá can get fished, which adds over 15 kilometres to it.
Midfjardara River Beat Three
Beat number three is the upper part of the Austurá and includes the whole canyon section and river above the Kollafoss waterfall and the Salmon Ladder. The largest of all five beats, offering some of the most beautiful and productive pools on the entire Midfjardara, many anglers who have fished this breathtaking waterway believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to fish for Salmon.
Midfjardara River Beat Four
The lowest part of the Vesturá is where you will find beat number four, running from the Kollafoss Waterfall to the junction of the Austurá and Vesturá. Around every corner on this stretch, you will find small waterfalls, which provide Salmon with a perfect resting point as they make their way upriver. The beat is a mix of deep, slow-flowing pools below the waterfalls and shallow fast-running pools perfect for skating hitch tubes.
Midfjardara River Beat Five
The last beat, beat five, is located on the upper part of the Vesturá, starting at the waterfall of Rjúkandi and running to the famous bridge pool Túnhylur, which is often home to hundreds of Salmon. Most of the pools on this beat are shallow and are a heaven for those who like to fish with floating lines and small flies or skated flies.
The popularity of the Midfjardara River, amongst the freshwater fly fishing community, is driven by its productive nature and the fact it gets classed as a traditional Icelandic Atlantic Salmon river, with only wild fish and no hatchery or smolt release programme assisting the stocks. Studies on all the waterways have concluded that all four have a healthy natural stock of Salmon and a growing number of Parr. To anglers, on average, the river is responsible for over 3,100 per year, with a crazy high of 6,000+ in the 99-day 2015 season.
The season starts on June 15th and ends on September 19th. During the early weeks, or spring weeks, as they’re known, the river receives a run of multi-sea wintered Salmon making for some exciting fishing. From mid-July onwards, classed as the peak or prime time of the season, the most significant volume of fish enters the river, running upstream. The bulk gets mainly made up of Grilse with a mix of MSW (multi-sea wintered Salmon). These fish are fighting fit and highly aggressive, offering anglers a chance to catch and target them on surface flies.
During the later part of the season and the autumnal month of September, the river receives less pressure from anglers due to the unpredictable weather. However, travelling rods not worried about this can be rewarded with some fantastic fishing.
Our first-class Icelandic Salmon fly fishing package on the Midfjardara will allow you to fish some of the finest water in the country for some of the best fish. It comes with all the permits you need for your trip, accommodation, full catering and a fantastic 2:1 guiding service. A guide is essential to ensure you get the best out of your holiday, and can often be the difference between catching and not.
The guides at the lodge have seen the river in acute low water conditions, full spate, and every condition in between. They pride themselves on being able to help visiting anglers catch in all states. The fishing at the lodge is fully guided, based on one guide per two anglers; however, rod sharing is possible.
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
For tackling the Midfjardara, we recommend using single 7 to 8-weight rods or switch rods with floating lines and small flies or hitch tubes. A light spey rod can be handy when fishing the central part of the river, while a single-handed 7-weight is ideal for smaller systems like the Nupsá. The main run of fish anglers encounter is the Grilse, but there are also good numbers of ‘springers’ in the 10 to 18lb range.
Overall and in summary, the river is perfect for light tackle and floating lines. A long cast is seldom needed, and it’s this intimacy of fishing that makes the waterway such a popular choice.
To find out more about the Midfjardara River, visit our YouTube channel.
When fishing on the Midfjardara, anglers stay at the Laxahvammur Lodge, a spacious accommodation with ten rooms equipped with private bathrooms for each rod.
There is a large lounge and dining area and a comfortable sitting room with a good variety of fishing books and magazines.
Outside the lodge, two verandas offer stunning views over the surrounding landscapes. There is also a couple of golf holes for those that wish to practice their swing during the resting periods.
Other facilities include a jacuzzi and a shower, an excellent dry room for anglers’ tackle and waders, plus a large selection of proven Icelandic salmon flies and tubes for those wishing to purchase some.
The food at Laxahvammur is all prepared by the in-house chef, who brings a style of freshly prepared Icelandic cuisine that includes Atlantic fish and seafood, naturally grown lamb, beef and game, vegetables from the fields and greenhouses and local dairy produce.
The food menu at the lodge usually consists of:
Mornings: International breakfast buffet
Lunch: Lunch buffet with daily changing food variations
Afternoon: Cake or local pastry
Dinner: 3-course mouth-watering chef menu
Beverages such as sodas, beer and wine are available at the lodge.
If you’re travelling to Salmon fish in Iceland and would like to extend your stay, add some rest days, or simply visit some of the top attractions the country has to offer, be sure to 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.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Reykjavik-Keflavik International
We can either arrange for a private transfer or a car hire (not included) to transfer you to the lodge.
Check-in time at the lodge is around 14:30
On arrival, the lodge manager will show you to your room, provide details of the fishing rotation and beat maps, and introduce you to your guide for your first evening’s fishing. You will leave the lodge with your guide around 3.30pm by 4×4 vehicle to your beat for the evening. The fishing is based on two guides per angler; however, rod sharing is available.
The afternoon/evening of fishing usually runs until around 9.00pm, depending on your location on the river, as you’ll return to the lodge for your evening meal and drinks between 10.00-10.30pm.
Overnight Accommodation: Laxahvammur Lodge (Single Room) F/B
For the next 2 days, you’ll fish the magical Midfjardara River, known as the ‘Queen Of The Rivers’. This stunning gin-clear waterway has over two hundred named pools and five first-class freshwater fly fishing beats, offering almost unlimited angling opportunities. It’s also one of the most productive stretches of water in the entire country in regards to the number of Salmon.
Each fishing day, after breakfast, around 7.00am you will depart with your guide in one of the lodge’s 4×4 vehicles, fishing until around 1.00pm, when you’ll be transferred back to the lodge for lunch.
The afternoon/evening of fishing usually runs until around 9.00pm, depending on your location on the river, as you’ll return to the lodge for your evening meal and drinks between 10.00-10.30pm.
Overnight Accommodation: Laxahvammur Lodge (Single Room) F/B
After a hearty breakfast, you will depart with your guide around 7.00am to fish your last morning session. After your morning session, it will be time to return to the lodge and have lunch, before packing up and starting your journey home.
Once you have checked out and paid any gratuities and bar bills, if you have chosen for us to arrange your transfer, you will then be taken back to the airport by a private transfer. If however, you have decided to hire a car you will need to make your own way back. (Transfer or Car not included)
Depart Reykjavik-Keflavik International
Arrive Home
The season runs from June to September.
Season: June To September
Peak: July to August
Weight: 20lb
Average Weight: 9lb
If you wish, it is possible to share a rod, which then means accommodation will be based on a twin room. If you are interested in rod sharing, please call our offices on 01603 407596.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/06/2024 | 21/06/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 21/06/2024 | 24/06/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 24/06/2024 | 27/06/2024 | 4 | £5,691 | Sold Out |
| 27/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 4 | £6,333 | Sold Out |
| 30/06/2024 | 03/07/2024 | 4 | £6,333 | Sold Out |
| 03/07/2024 | 06/07/2024 | 4 | £6,333 | Sold Out |
| 06/07/2024 | 09/07/2024 | 4 | £6,344 | Sold Out |
| 09/07/2024 | 12/07/2024 | 4 | £6,333 | Enquire Now |
| 12/07/2024 | 15/07/2024 | 4 | £6,855 | Sold Out |
| 15/07/2024 | 18/07/2024 | 4 | £8,176 | Sold Out |
| 18/07/2024 | 21/07/2024 | 4 | £8,893 | Sold Out |
| 21/07/2024 | 24/07/2024 | 4 | £8,893 | Sold Out |
| 24/07/2024 | 27/07/2024 | 4 | £8,893 | Enquire Now |
| 27/07/2024 | 30/07/2024 | 4 | £8,893 | Sold Out |
| 30/07/2024 | 02/08/2024 | 4 | £8,893 | Sold Out |
| 02/08/2024 | 05/08/2024 | 4 | £6,930 | Enquire Now |
| 05/08/2024 | 08/08/2024 | 4 | £6,935 | Enquire Now |
| 08/08/2024 | 11/08/2024 | 4 | £6,930 | Sold Out |
| 11/08/2024 | 14/08/2024 | 4 | £6,408 | Enquire Now |
| 14/08/2024 | 17/08/2024 | 4 | £6,408 | Sold Out |
| 17/08/2024 | 20/08/2024 | 4 | £6,408 | Sold Out |
| 20/08/2024 | 23/08/2024 | 4 | £5,766 | Enquire Now |
| 23/08/2024 | 26/08/2024 | 4 | £5,766 | Enquire Now |
| 26/08/2024 | 29/08/2024 | 4 | £5,766 | Sold Out |
| 29/08/2024 | 01/09/2024 | 4 | £5,224 | Sold Out |
| 01/09/2024 | 04/09/2024 | 4 | £5,224 | Sold Out |
| 04/09/2024 | 07/09/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 07/09/2024 | 10/09/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 10/09/2024 | 13/09/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 13/09/2024 | 16/09/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 16/09/2024 | 19/09/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
| 19/09/2024 | 22/09/2024 | 4 | £5,149 | Sold Out |
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.
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