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Highland Rivers


Iceland is more commonly associated with its spectacular clear water rivers and prolific runs of Atlantic Salmon.  Move further inland, into the Highlands and a different world awaits.   Rivers that run with equal clarity, surrounded by mountainous backdrops and home to penetrating gorges that scar the barren surface of the land.   These rivers, unreachable by salmon are home to native trout and Arctic Char with fishing and surroundings

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The Highlands


The Highlands are truly the heart of Iceland.  With an uncanny beauty and epic scenery, the Highlands offer you an experience unlike any other.   Here you are truly one with nature as the Highlands are both uninhabited and virtually untouched by human endeavours.  The vast wilderness - mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes and rivers - demonstrates the powerful forces of fire and ice which have shaped the landscape of this volcanic island over the centuries.   The geological extremes are unlike any other; next to dark volcanic sands you can bright, glowing green moss, red rocks or boiling water.  Amidst all of this beauty is the Trout and the Arctic Char - peacefully cruising the gin clear streams of the Highlands as they have done since the Ice Age.  It is an experience to live as much as one to fish!

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The Fishing


The Highland fishing covers the Kaldakvisl and Tungnaá Rivers.   The fishing is done with 4-6 weight single-hand rods using a mixture of nymphs, dry flies and streamers depending on the season and the conditions.  The team who have established the fishing in this region have seen the rivers at their very lowest as well as in full spate and every condition in between.   This huge wealth of knowledge, combined with an absolute passion for this style of fishing will ensure that whatever nature has to throw into the mix you can still expect an incredible experience amidst exceptional surroundings.

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Kaldakvísl River


The Kaldakvísl is a hidden gem, the landscape of unparalleled beauty.  The river is characterised by its diversity with beautiful waterfalls, great canyons, fast and slow water, boulder-strewn runs as well as sandy stretches.   The river teems with Arctic Char whose size averages 3-4lbs although Char of up to 7lbs can be caught alongside big Brown Trout.   The upper part of the river flows through inaccessibly deep canyons, and it is in these canyons where the char and trout can grow to their full size, safe from anglers.  It’s hard not to fall in love with Kaldakvísl once you’ve had the chance to get to know her. The river has a four-rod limit spread over approx 16 kms including tributaries.   An additional 2 rods can fish the upper section of approx 6kms.   This has a lower fish density but some of the largest fish. It is fished infrequently to ensure the quality of the fishing is maintained.

 

 

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Tungnaá River


 

The Tungnaá River was formerly a milky glacial river.  In 2013 with the introduction of a hydroelectric power plant the sediment that characterises glacial rivers settled in the upper catchment area.   The result was a swanlike transformation, out of the rough dark river emerged a crystal-clear stream, considered one of the best-kept Trout fishing secrets in Iceland.  More technical than the Kaldakvísl it is a river where stealth and skill will be rewarded.   The native Brown Trout and Char average 3-5lbs with some monsters reaching 12lbs.  The river has fishing for 4 rods.

 

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The Highland Lodge


When fishing the Highland rivers, guests will stay at the dedicated Highland Lodge. Completely renovated for the 2019 season the lodge offers a quiet and secluded stay in the Highlands. It has six double/twin bedrooms. The bedrooms are not big but each bedroom has a sink and a large wardrobe. Guests make use of a shared bathroom with two toilets and three showers. A dining and adjoining sitting room provide space for anglers to relax after a day's fishing. In the evenings, after having enjoyed the top quality meals you can either relax in the lodge or take a sightseeing trip to the numerous waterfalls, canyons and glaciers in the Highlands or indulge in an unforgettable thermal swim in the hot spring stream in Landmannalaugar.

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Transfers & Guiding


You will be met at your arranged collection point, whether in Reykjavik, at the airport or another fishing lodge is appropriate and from there travel by 4X4 to the Highland lodger and from there to the fishing.  A 4x4 is required to access the fishing during your stay and anglers should be prepared to cover a reasonable amount of terrain on foot during the day.

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Bespoke Trips including Lake Thingvallavatn


It is possible to arrange shorter stay trips or excursions which cover other locations including the famous Lake Thingvallavatn, known for its colossal trophy Brown Trout which can grow to 30lbs and are frequently caught up to 20lbs over peak periods.  The average size is still a colossal 8lbs.   It really is the home of Trophy Trout although and makes an excellent contrast to the smaller fish but outstanding natural beauty of the Highlands.  Full details on Lake Thingvallavatn here.

  • Dear Justin, Thanks. The trip was awesome. Brynjard was a fantastic guide and a great guy. Thanks for everything. Cheers Jörg

    Jorg Wipper

  • Thank you for arranging such a well organised holiday for me and my 5 sons! The flights, taxis, and accommodation were all first rate and ran like clockwork! The Lodge and the guides were brilliant as was the exceptionally friendly service at the Lodge. They all thoroughly enjoyed the fishing and as a parent, I was very proud of them finding it so easy to talk to other guests of different nationalities. A great educational trip as well. The boys want to know where we are going next year. A big thank you! R Bray-UK July 2023

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Typical 5 Day Highland Itinerary

Day 1

-Collected from your hotel in Reykjavik or airport
-Vehicle Transfer to the Highlands
-Lunch and fishing on the allocated river
-Evening Meal at Highland Lodge

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Day 2-5

-Fishing from 9 am -6 pm
-Lunch by the river
-Evening meal at lodge and optional sightseeing

Day 6

-Breakfast and depart Highland lodge
-Return transfer to Reykjavik or airport

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2024 Season Rates

Season

May-September

5 Day Rate

Shared Angler Rate -5 day/5 night - $6,000 USD**
Single Angler Rate -5 day/5 night -$8,500 USD**

**Price may vary due to currency fluctuations

3 Day Rate

Shared Angler Rate -5 day/5 night - $3,995 USD**
Single Angler Rate -5 day/5 night -$6,375 USD**

Included

-Transport to and from Reykjavik/airport
-5 Full days of guided fishing
-Full nights full board at Highland Lodge
-Fishing License
-Guide shared between 2 rods

Excluded

-Fishing equipment
-Wine and alcoholic drinks
-Gratuities

The best fishing is generally considered to be over the peak summer period from mid June until the end of July

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