Fly Fishing Iceland
Vatnamot River Fishery
World-Class Sea-Run Browns
Battle Hill Lodge
From Battle Hill Lodge, you'll fly fish three rivers—the Vatnamot, the Fossalar, and the Geirlandsa River. All three rivers are a tributaries of the mighty Skafta. Diverse fishing for sea-run browns weighing over 20 pounds. For decades these rivers have been in the hands of local fishing clubs and entirely closed for others to fish. With the new lease between our Orvis-Endorsed outfitter and the landowners, this has finally changed. The best sea-run brown fisheries are now open to international anglers in an unbelievable landscape.
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 pockets every day.
Fishing Facts:
Two Seasons: The Lodge has a Spring and Fall Season.
Spring Season: The Spring Season runs from mid April through mid-May. The Sea-Runs have stayed all winter feeding in the rivers, and are still in good shape. In the spring, only two rivers are fished—the Vatnamót and the Geirlandsá.
Fall Season: The Fall Season runs from mid-August through October 20. The sea-runs begin running late July through the last day of the season.
Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Two anglers per guide.
Fly Fishing Only: The best flies are streamers and nymphs. The area will allow you to fish with both double-handed rods and swing flies as well as nymphing through some extremely pretty pools with a single-handed rod. All fishing is catch-and-release only.
Equipment: No equipment is provided. Bring a single or double-handed #6-8 weight rod. 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 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 offten called the most beautiful seatrout river in Iceland. The river is roughly 14 miles (22 km) long and is home to two spectacular waterfalls—Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. Good numbers of large sea-run browns, plus 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. The Fossalar will allow you to fish with double-handed rods and swing flies as well as nymphing through some extremely pretty pools.
Part of the Fossalar River is on UNESCO's natural heritage list and is a beautiful landscape. The roughly 9.5-miles (15 km)) long fishery offers an amazing variety of pools and landscapes. The Fossálar 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. 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 out 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 around 260 km., about 160 miles. The rivers are about 10 minutes east of the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur (referred to locally as Klaustur), population 500.
Sample Itinerary
Anglers will rotate equally between the waters during the week.
Day 1: Pick up in Reykjavik at 10:00 a.m. You'll arrive at the Farmhouse around 2:00 p.m. After a light lunch, you'll head out for a half-day of guided fishing. Dinner back at the house at 8:00 to 9:00 p.m., depending on daylight.
Day 2-6: Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Head out fishing, Lunch midday on the river. Return to the Lodge in time to freshen up before dinner at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.
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.
2024 USD Rates:
Trips start on a half-day of guided fishing and end on a half-day.
Spring Season - April 15 - May 15:
6-nights and 6-days guided fishing
$6,900.00 per person
Fall Season - Aug. 27 - October 21:
6-nights and 6-days guided fishing
• Aug. 27 - Sept. 2 $8,300.00 per person
• September 2-8 $8,300.00 per person
• September 8-14 $9,500.00 per person
• September 14-20 $9,500.00 per person
• September 20-26 $9,500.00 per person
• Sept. 26 - Oct. 2 $9,500.00 per person
• October 2-8 $8,300.00 per person
• October 8-14 $8,300.00 per person
6-nights and 6.5-days of guided fishing:
• October 14-21 $8,300.00 per person
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 $80.00 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.
