Nordura River

The Nordura runs through the Borgaefjordur region of Iceland, the main salmon fishing area in the west of Iceland and is one of a number of tributaries from the Hvita glacier. Situated just 1 1/2 hours West of Reykjavik it is easily accessible by overseas anglers. The river has a medium – large volume however the variety means that you will enjoy a mix of small streams (the upper river splits in two), fast flowing sections amidst the volcanic rock as well as larger sweeping pools. There are two salmon ladders that assist the passage of the salmon in low–water conditions.

At WhereWiseMenFish we believe variety is one of the most desirable aspects in a fishing location and the Nordura River offers this and more. The Laxfoss warefall just upstream from the lodge divides the middle and upper section where the river is characterized by remote moorland leading to a lush valley surrounded by craggy basalt mountains. A lava field in the middle section adds the style that defines many Icelandic salmon rivers where the river is hemmed into a deeply wooded gorge. In total there are 150 recognized pools fished by 8-12 rods on the main part of the river.

The Nordura is a superb fly-fishing river with a real mix ranging from wide curving pools where you can ‘stretch your line’ to smaller more technical pools where the knowledge and experience of a guide can become invaluable. For the greater part of the season single-handed rods, floating lines and small flies are required but during the opening weeks of the season light double-handed rods can come in handy and they are a useful backup in the event of windy conditions. The Nordura is a grilse river but has a run of Multi Sea Winter (MSW) fish that primarily run during the early part of the season. The ten-year average catch is just under 1,900 fish /season although there have been notable years with over 3,000 salmon being caught and a record of 3,308 salmon in 2008.

Anglers fishing the Nordura stay in a dedicated fishing lodge located above the main gorge on the river with spectacular views to the Laxfoss waterfall. The lodge has 12 twin-bedded rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms allowing individual anglers the luxury of a private room each. The food is of the highest quality with a dedicated chef preparing three full meals each day. Amongst other attributes the lodge offers a fully stocked bar, dining room, sauna, dedicated drying room and hi-speed wi-fi.

Nordura Guides & River Transport

A team of dedicated guides ensure that each pair of anglers receives expert advice, guidance and assistance throughout their stay. Guests are transported to the river in 4WD vehicles with good access being available to almost all the pools on the river.

Icelandic Salmon flies are typically smaller than those used elsewhere on account of the clarity of the water requiring much smaller sizes than would normally be used with sizes from 10-14 being standard although size 16 and smaller may be used in very low-water conditions. Hitched salmon flies are very popular during the summer months and tungsten coneheads tubes can be very useful to get a fly fishing at the right depth quickly in deep fast flowing channels. The following flies in varying sizes and styles, double, treble, hitched or conehead tubes are amongst the top-producing salmon flies. A full range of Icelandic Salmon Flies can be found at http://www.salarflies.com

• Red Francis
• Black Francis
• Blue Charm
• Snaelda
• Hairy Mary
• Haugar
• Collie Dog
• Stoats Tail
• Sunray Shadow
• Black & Silver Sheep

Anyone booking a trip with WhereWiseMenFish will receive a £40 voucher for Salmon Flies from Salar Flies or an appropriate selection box for their trip. 

Guests typically fly into Keflavik International airport where they are collected and driven to a hotel in Reykjavik (45 mins). The following day at a pre-arranged time (around 1pm) you will be collected and driven to the lodge (1hr 20 mins). On departure guests can stay overnight in Reykjavik but it is usually possible to fly home following the morning fishing session.