Fly Fishing Iceland
Vatnamot Fishery - World-Class Sea-Run Browns
Battle Hill Lodge
The Battle Hill Lodge package includes three rivers—the Vatnamot, the Fossalar, and the Geirlandsa. Our outfitter now has the exclusive lease of the Vatnamot, one of Iceland’s most productive sea-run brown trout fisheries. The Vatnamot fishery is mainly made up of two rivers called the Fossalar and Vatnamot and has long been regarded as one of the best in Iceland. With the Battle Hill package, you'll experience diverse fishing for sea trout weighing over 20 pounds. Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter.
The Vatnamot Fishery
Vatnamot means junction in Icelandic. Vatnamot is where the Fossalar, Geirlandsa, and Horgsa rivers meet the Mighty Skafta. Our outfitter's lease is on a private 5km (3.1 miles) stretch. 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. Usually, the season's largest landed sea trout are from the Vatnamot fishery. You’ll also target healthy numbers of Arctic char and salmon.
The Vatnamot Fishery Facts
Vatnamot Season: April through October 20th. The fishery allows 8 to 12 rods per day.
Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Two anglers per guide.
Fly Fishing Only: The best flies are streamers and nymphs. Catch-and-release fishing 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: Both rivers run in a volcanic area, 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.
Vatnamot Fishery Location
Vatnamot is located in Vestur-Skaftafellssyslu, on the south coast of Iceland. The distance from Reykjavik is around 285 km (177 miles), with the nearest township being Kirkjubæjarklaustur, about 12 km (7.4 miles) away. The fishery itself is about 8 km (5 miles) south of the highway, with a spectacular setting of mountains and glaciers. There's a large number of pools and fishing spots at Vatnamot. The bottom mainly consists of sand and is ever-changing, so the fish move around.
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. We don't have the exact numbers of caught fish, but the river is full of big and beautiful sea trout during the season. 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.
Battle Hill Lodge
The 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 two-story home has two single-occupancy bedrooms, four double-occupancy bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms. It is called Battle Hill because a famed Viking Chief was killed in the area in the 10th century. If the max of 12 anglers are booked, there is a nearby home to use for added lodging.
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
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 p.m.
Day 2-5: Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Head out fishing, Lunch mid-day on the river. Return to the Lodge in time to freshen up before dinner at 8:00 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.
2023 USD Rates:
Each trip starts on a half-day of guided fishing and ends on a half-day.
6-nights and 6-days guided fishing
Spring Season
April 15 - May 15: $6,500.00 per person
Fall Season
Aug. 15 - Sept. 2: $7,600.00 per person
Sept. 2 - Oct. 2:
$9,500.00 per person
October 2-20: $8,000.00 per person
The Packages Include:
• Roundtrip ground transfers between Reykjavik and the Lodge
• 6-days guided fishing
• Fishing license
• 6-nights 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.
