Fishing in iceland (fishing blog #2)

​I am clearly not the most active blogger for Exploring Iceland, apologies. My excuse: I have been out and about – fishing!     Some very nice sea trout early in the season and more recently brown trout and salmon. I have been at lakes, at the beach and a few rivers, probably 2-3 times a week on average this summer… my family is very patient.

​Some more practical information: 

​Starting with an important point: to protect Icelandic fish stocks all imported fishing gear needs to be disinfected, this rule is strictly enforced. Alternatively you can buy or rent your equipment in Iceland.

Most places require a fishing license – even if you think you are in the middle of nowhere and have not seen anyone for hours. Surf angling is free sometimes – please check with the locals. Some lake and river angling for brown trout and arctic char is modestly priced. The upper end of the scale are the world renowned salmon rivers – make sure you have credit on your card!

Some lakes can be fished all year round. Depending on species rivers open between April and June and close in September or early October.

Most freshwater fishing is either spin fishing or fly fishing, no pasta on a hook for salmon and co! You won’t often find rows of motionless anglers sitting on chairs in Iceland.

A tip: always wear head gear! A baseball cap against the sun or: when there is no sun a warm hat or buff against the cold wind or: when there is no wind a mosquito net against, well mosquitoes….  

Written by:  Ralf Duerholt