Iceland Trout Fishing
World-Class Arctic Char and Brown Trout
Fly Fishing the Highland Rivers
Fish Partner—our Orvis-Endorsed Outfitter and winner of the 2025 Orvis-Endorsed International Destination of the Year—offers exclusive access to Iceland’s remote Highland Rivers, where anglers pursue wild brown trout and Arctic char in a setting shaped by glaciers, lava fields, and volcanic springs. The Highlands, often called the true heart of Iceland, reveal the dramatic interplay of fire and ice that has sculpted this landscape for centuries. Here, in crystalline streams that have flowed since the Ice Age, trout and char cruise over black volcanic sand and gravel-bottomed pools, creating a uniquely pristine and challenging fishery.
Guided by Fish Partner’s seasoned professionals, anglers can expect technical fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers for trout that regularly exceed five pounds, while Arctic char—often brightly colored in spawning hues—add variety and excitement. The experience blends solitude, untouched wilderness, and some of the finest sight-fishing in Europe.
2026 packages start at $4,195 USD per person for 3-nights and 3-days of guided fishing
River Kaldakvisl - Arctic Char and Browns
Our outfitter has exclusive leases on these rivers for excellent Arctic char and brown trout fishing.
River Kaldakvisl is a hidden gem. On the 16-mile stretch, you’ll find beautiful waterfalls, canyons, slow and fast-moving water, rocks, sand, and more. The Kaldakvisl is full of Arctic char, averaging 3 to 4 pounds, some up to seven. The river has a five-rod limit, and fishing here is exclusive to our outfitter's guests.
River Tungnaa - Native Browns and Char
River Tungnaa, a small Highland stream, is probably one of the best-kept trout secrets in the angling world. Formerly a milky glacial river, the Tungnaa became gin-clear in 2013 due to a newly opened hydroelectric power plant. Micro canyons and fast and slow running pools filled with big Arctic char. The Tungaa is a technical river, with upstream nymphing being the most productive method. Stealth is required. Native browns and char average 2-5 pounds, with up to 10-pound monsters.
Typical Fishing Day:
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at 9:00 a.m.
You’ll fish between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. You’ll have lunch streamside and a delicious dinner at the Lodge. After dinner, you can relax, fish the creeks near the Lodge, or take a sightseeing trip to the Highland's numerous waterfalls, canyons, and glaciers. For a small gratuity, your guide will drive you, a one-hour drive, from the Lodge to an unforgettable thermal hot spring stream in Landmannalaugar—also known as the Gateway to the Highlands.
The Fishing Program:
Season: The Highland Rivers season runs May through September 15, with peak fishing from June 20 through July 20.
Travel Time: Guides will drive you in 4x4 vehicles from the Lodge to the beat of the day. Travel time varies from 5 to 30 minutes.
Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides. You'll fish two anglers per guide. Walk-and-wade fishing each day, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit. No boats are used.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. Bring #4-7 single-handed rods, nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. A daily rental fee of $80 per person includes a rod, reel, line, waders, and boots. Anglers must disinfect any used equipment before fishing, but there is no fee for disinfecting at the Lodge. If anglers choose to disinfect their equipment at the airport, a fee may apply. All flies must either be new or unused.
Fishing License: A fishing license is included in the package.
Kaldakvisl Native Brown
Tungnaa River Canyons
Kaldakvisl River Canyon
Tungnaa Trophy Brown
Kaldakvísl Waterfall
Tungnaa Trophy Brown
Highland Fishing Lodge
You’ll stay at the Highland Fishing Lodge. The Lodge, formerly a shepherd’s house, was renovated by our outfitter in 2019. The Lodge is in the remote Highlands, only five minutes from the Tungnaa and the Kaldakvisl Rivers. The Lodge has a small living and dining room overlooking the Spordoldulon Reservoir.
Meals and Beverages
Meals: Continental breakfast at the Lodge, a packed sandwich lunch from the chef, and delicious homestyle dinners at the Lodge. The Lodge chef is an Argentinian, so there's an Argentine influence with fresh Icelandic ingredients. Grilled lamb, fresh Arctic char, and so forth.
Alcohol: You will need to bring your own alcohol if desired. Iceland has specialty liquor stores such as Vinbud or the duty-free store at the Keflavik Airport. Wine, beer, flies, and other items are available for purchase at the Lodge's shop.
Six Bedrooms with Twin Beds and Two Shared Bathrooms
Six bedrooms have two twin beds and a sink. There are two shared bathrooms (two toilets/three showers). The Lodge hosts ten anglers per week.
Nefji Waterfall - The Highlands
River Kaldakvísl - The outfitter leases their fishing rights, and almost all rivers and some lakes have limited rods per day, ensuring each angler plenty of space.
