With sea trout fishing in Iceland slowly reaching heights never seen before, this almost mystical creature is becoming more and more sought after by anglers all over the world. And no wonder, they’re big, they’re angry and they’re beautiful. Now, anglers from all over the world can join us at our new Battle Hill Lodge and enjoy some of the absolute best sea trout fishing in Iceland, and perhaps, the world.
Through the years sea trout fishing has almost been synonymous with streamer fishing. To catch a sea trout on the fly you would do the old 45° cast, swing a streamer, and repeat. While still true to some extent, there’s also a generation of fly fishermen so well-versed in, and accustomed to, nymph fishing that they won’t even open the streamer box. Instead, relying on carefully weighted nymph set-ups and tactics such as tightlining, euro nymphing, and so forth.
Here are 5 essential flies for sea trout fishing in Iceland:
The Black Ghost
We’ve come a long way from the original Herb Welch design. Although the original will definitely do a job, we like our Black Ghost with a zonker style wing and preferably with some weight as well. Be it a fish skull or a cone. Recently we’ve even been putting some rubber legs on the sides to add even more movement. The Black Ghost is a fly that should always have a place in your box. Here, our very own Eidur Kristjansson ties his version of the Black Ghost: Black Ghost Zonker – Fly tying tutorial – YouTube
Flæðarmús
This is one for the sea trout veterans in Iceland. A very popular fly originated by the late great Sigurður Pálsson. It doesn’t really imitate anything but seems to drive the sea trout crazy when the conditions are right. Also, a pain to tie! Here, Eidur ties the Flæðarmús
Copper John Rubber Legs
Rubber legged nymphs took Iceland by storm a few years ago. So much so that fly shops were routinely sold out and anglers almost queued up when they got word of a new shipment coming in. For some reason, the Copper John Rubber Legs seems to work really well for sea trout. It might be the color combination or the added weight of the wire. Whatever it is, don’t leave home without it! You can tie this pattern in pretty much any variation under the sun, it’s all about getting some movement with the rubber legs. Copper John Rubber Legs – Fly tying tutorial – YouTube
Squirmy Wormy
When all else fails, there’s no shame in tying on a Squirmy. When the Squirmy becomes the first fly you tie on in any situation, then my friend, you’re in need of an intervention. Joking aside, this pattern will never stop dividing opinions. Love it or hate it, it produces fish. Here, our good friend Time Cammisa ties the Squirmy Wormy – squirmy wormy fly pattern – YouTube
Black Streamers
The two streamers mentioned above are bright and shiny. And while sometimes that’s the way to go, there’s a group of very experienced sea trout anglers in Iceland that almost exclusively use black/dark-colored streamers. And with great results! It’s not necessarily about a specific pattern, but the one above has done a great job. Streamer EK – Fly Tying Tutorial – YouTube
These patterns, and many more of course, should be a mainstay in your box if you’re traveling to Iceland for sea trout!