Fishing Iceland
Fly Fishing for Sea-Run Browns
Tungufljót River
The beautiful Tungufljót River is located a little over two hours southeast of the airport in Reykjavik. The Tungufljót, an 18-mile long river with several tributaries, gin-clear waters, endless pools, and large sea-run browns. The river is situated in a lava field surrounded by glaciers and volcanoes. The fishing area is close to some of Iceland's most spectacular natural sites, such as Skaftafell National Park and Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier.
Tugufljot and Highland Combo
All fishing rights in Iceland are privately owned and leased to outfitters. Our outfitter is the only Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter in Iceland.
Here, sea-runs average between 5 and 10-pounds, 20-pounders are landed each year.
The Tungufljót flows through a canyon area that is narrow enough to jump across at one point. You'll also fish Tungufoss Falls. The falls have a salmon ladder to aid the fish run. Below the falls is a gravel area with boulders that makes for nice holding water. The lower river is more expansive, and you're able to fish from both sides.
Tungufljot Guided Fishing Facts
Peak Season: Primetime for sea-run brown trout fishing is in April and May when they make their way downriver toward the ocean to feed and then again mid-August through October when they run upriver
from the ocean in preparation for the fall spawning season.
Species: In addition to large native sea-run browns, the river also hosts throughout the season Atlantic salmon, Arctic char, and resident browns. Catch and release fishing only.
Travel Time: Fishing grounds are 10 to 30-minutes from the Guesthouse. Guides will drive you in 4x4 vehicles.
Guides: Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides. Two anglers per guide.
Rods Per Day: The river allows four rods per day.
Equipment: No equipment is provided. Typical tackle is single-handed rods in the 6-8 weight range, and sinking lines and sink tip can be very useful. Smaller double-handed or switch rods can also be used.
Most fish are caught on traditional sea-run brown trout streamers like Black Ghost, Nobblers, Dýrbítur, etc. Nymphs can also be effective in certain situations. Double-handed/spey rods can also be used.
A comprehensive tackle and gear list is provided in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: Your fishing license is included in the package.
Hrifunes Guesthouse in Skaftafell
Skaftafell is a wilderness area in Vatnajökull National Park known for its ice-capped peaks, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
The Hrífunes Guesthouse, only a few minutes from the river, provides dining and lodging. The Guesthouse is the perfect place to rest after a long day on the river.
Communications: In Iceland, the power sockets are type F. The standard voltage is 230 V. A travel adapter is required.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Early morning pick up in Reykjavik at either your hotel or the airport. After a 144-mile drive, you'll arrive in Skaftafell around lunchtime and check-in at the Hrifunes Guesthouse. After a quick lunch at Guesthouse, you'll head out and fish the Tungufljót. You'll return to the hotel at 8 p.m. for dinner.
Day 2-4: Breakfast at the Guesthouse. You'll fish from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lunches by the river include sandwiches, fruit, soup, candy bar, coffee, and tea. A buffet-style dinner at the Guesthouse.
Day 5: After breakfast, you'll check out of the Guesthouse, then head out to fish. About 2 p.m., your guide will drive you back to the airport in Reykjavík.
Lounge Area at Guesthouse
Bedroom at the Guesthouse
