Fly Fishing Iceland
Vatnamot River and More
World-Class Sea-Run Browns
Battle Hill Lodge
From Battle Hill Lodge, you'll fly fish in three rivers—the Vatnamot, the Fossalar, and the Geirlandsa River. All three rivers are tributaries of the mighty Skafta. There's diverse fishing for sea-run browns weighing over 20 pounds. These rivers have been managed by local fishing clubs for decades and are entirely closed to other anglers. However, this has finally changed with the new lease between our Orvis-Endorsed outfitter and the landowners. The best sea-run brown fisheries are now open to international anglers in an unbelievable landscape.
2025 USD Rates start at $6,900.00 per person for 6-nights and 6-days guided fishing.
The Battle Hill Fishery
Vatnamot means junction in Icelandic. Vatnamot is where the Fossalar, Geirlandsa, and Horgsa rivers meet the mighty Skafta. Each year, catch rates average 1,500 sea trout, one of the highest catch rates of sea-run browns anywhere in the world.
The Vatnamot fishery is mainly made up of sea trout, and the fish are famous for their size. Fish of 20 pounds and more are not uncommon. You’ll also target healthy numbers of Arctic char and salmon. The area is easily accessible for the most part, and it’s possible to drive right down to the river in the lowest section and fish from the bank. In the Upper part, you'll need to wade; it is not easy wading but very exciting. It's comparable to saltwater flats fishing as it is shallow with new daily pockets.
Fishing Facts:
Two Seasons: The Lodge has a Spring and Fall Season.
Spring Season: The Spring Season is four weeks long, running from April 15 through May 15. The Sea-Runs have fed in the rivers all winter and are still in good shape. Only two rivers are fished in the spring—the Vatnamót and the Geirlandsa.
Fall Season: The Fall Season runs from August 27 through October 21. The sea-runs begin running late July through the last day of the season.
Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides. You'll fish two anglers per guide.
Fly Fishing Only: The best flies are streamers and nymphs. The area will allow you to fish with double-handed rods, swing flies, and nymphs through beautiful pools with a single-handed rod. All fishing is catch-and-release only.
Equipment: No equipment is provided. For a rental fee of $80 per day, you get the use of a rod, reel, line, waders, and boots. A comprehensive gear and tackle list is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License: Your fishing license is included in the package.
Wet Sand: The rivers run in a volcanic area surrounded by glaciers, so that you will be fishing in lava fields and black sands. Anglers should be careful in the wet sand and always wear a life vest.
Andy Chaffey with Geirlandsa Sea-Run Brown
Andy Chaffey with 34-inch sea-run brown from the Geirlandsa in 2023.
The Geirlandsa River
Geirlandsa River: Believed to be the main spawning tributary of the Skaftá River, the Geirlandsa is often called the most beautiful sea trout river in Iceland. The river is roughly 14 miles (22 km) long and is home to two spectacular waterfalls—Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. There are good numbers of large sea-run browns, and Geirlandsa is also home to a decent number of Atlantic salmon.
The Fossalar River
Fossalar River is extremely beautiful and has diverse pools. It is about 15 km of water and is fished with 5 rods max. Fish the Fossolar with double-handed rods, swing flies, and nymphs.
Part of the Fossalar River is on UNESCO's natural heritage list and is a beautiful landscape. The roughly 9.5-mile (15 km)) long fishery offers an amazing variety of pools and landscapes. The Fossalar is a challenging river and hard to read, which is why the guides love to fish it and guide it.
Battle Hill Lodge
About the Lodge
Battle Hill Lodge is a cozy, historic, and remodeled farmhouse on the banks of the Fossalar River, with territorial views of a lava field and the Vatnajokull glacier. The Lodge can sleep up to 10 guests in four double-occupancy bedrooms and two single-occupancy rooms spread over two floors, with
2.5 bathrooms. It is called Battle Hill because a famed Viking Chief was killed in the area in the 10th century.
Meals: You'll dine at the Lodge for breakfast and dinner. A breakfast buffet with eggs, ham, bread, cheese... Packed lunches for the river. Three-course dinners, nothing fancy, but good quality food.
Alcohol: Alcohol is not provided in the package, but during the drive from the airport to the Lodge, the guide will stop so you can purchase the beverages you desire for the trip.
Getting to Battle Hill Farmhouse:
You'll fly to Reykjavik (pronounced Ray-ka-vick), the country's capital and largest city. A guide will pick you up in Reykjavik at 10:00 a.m. The drive to Battle Hill Farmhouse is 260 km., about 160 miles. The rivers are about 10 minutes east of the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur (referred to locally as Klaustur), with a population of 500.
Sample Itinerary
Anglers will rotate equally between the waters during the week.
Day 1: At 10:00 a.m., you’ll take a four-hour shuttle from the hotel in Reykjavik to Battle Hill Lodge, a memorable drive filled with breathtaking scenery. You’ll arrive around 2:00 p.m. After a light lunch, you’ll head out for a half-day of guided fishing. Depending on the light and what time you leave the river, you’ll have dinner at the Lodge at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.
Day 2-6: Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Head out fishing and have lunch midday on the river. You'll return to the Lodge between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. to freshen up before dinner at 8:00.
Day 6: Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Fish in the morning. Lunch at noon. Pack and head back to Reykjavík around 2:00 p.m.
2025 USD Rates:
Trips start on a half-day of guided fishing and end on a half-day.
2025 Spring Season:
April 15 - May 15:
6-nights and 6-days guided fishing
$6,900.00 per person
2025 Fall Season:
6-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing:
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2:
$8,000.00 per person
Sept. 2 - 8:
$8,600.00 per person
Sept. 8-14, Sept. 14-20, Sept. 20-26, and Sept. 26 - Oct 2:
$9,500.00 per person
Oct. 2-8, Oct. 8-14, and Oct. 14 - 21:
$8,300.00 per person
Information Packet.
The Packages Include:
• Roundtrip ground transfers between Reykjavik and the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Fishing license
• Lodging
• All meals at the Lodge
• VAT (Value Added Tax)
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare• Tackle disinfection upon arrival ($50 to $100)
• Optional lodging, meals, and ground transfers in Reykjavik
• Fishing equipment
• Optional equipment rental of $80 per day
(Includes rod, reel, line, waders, and boots)
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Alcoholic beverages
• Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not covered under inclusions.
