Lake Thingvallavatn
Lake Þingvallavatn is Iceland’s largest natural lake and one of the most unique fishing destinations in the world. Just 40 minutes from Reykjavík, its crystal-clear spring water holds legendary “ice-age” brown trout that have evolved here since the last Ice Age. These powerful fish can grow to remarkable size and are known for their strength and beauty.
Fishing here is demanding but incredibly rewarding, with long casts, changing weather, and big, smart trout in breathtaking volcanic scenery. Both fully guided and DIY options are available through Fish Partner.
Few places in Iceland offer such a concentration of monster trout as Þorsteinsvík. Fed by warm geothermal springs, this iconic bay on Lake Þingvallavatn is now exclusively available to Fish Partner anglers
The Most Scenic Beat in Lake Thingvallavatn – The Kárastaðir beat (Beat 1) is in the north end of Lake Thingvallavatn where river Öxará, the brown trout’s main spawning stream, runs into the lake. The giant trout travels in groups and is often found circling around the beat where fishermen can run into great adventures.
One of the best brown trout beats in the world – Villingavatnsárós (means the mouth of river Villingavatnsá) is one of the greatest brown trout beats in the world. The beat offers the opportunity to catch the giant ice age brown trout on small nymphs and dry flies. Streamers can also be strong. The beat is only fished with two rods and all brown trout shall be released. It is fly-fishing only.
A hidden gem – Despite being small, Lake Villingavatn is the home to some very large brown trout. From the lake a small stream runs into lake Thingvallavatn, connecting the two lakes and allowing the Thingvallavatn trout to enter the lake when the creek floads.
The Kaldárhöfði beat (beat 4) is in the southmost part of Lake Thingvallavatn where River Sog runs from the lake. The beat also stretches south into Lake Úlfljótsvatn. This beat is also known as excellent Arctic char fishing, especially in June through August. Six rods are permitted on the beat and this is the only Fish Partner beat that also allows spinning.