Flowing mountain stream in a lush green landscape under cloudy skies.

Arnarvatnsheiði & Norðlingafljót – 2025 in Photos

Remote. Raw. Wildly beautiful.
The Arnarvatnsheiði and Norðlingafljót region is a dream for anglers who crave solitude, adventure, and true DIY exploration. Summer 2025 brought everything this area is famous for: rugged terrain, endless lakes, long hikes, and incredible trout and char in pristine water.

This region is one of Iceland’s most flexible fisheries:
• Perfect for DIY/unguided anglers who enjoy discovering water on their own
• Ideal for 4×4 exploration, hiking between lakes and rivers, and fishing late into the bright summer nights
• Accommodation ranges from simple highland huts and basic mountain cabins to tent camping beside the water
• Home to beautifully coloured brown trout and Arctic char that thrive in the cold, clear headwaters of the plateau
• Guided day trips available

In 2025, our anglers explored remote lakes, hiked to untouched pools, and enjoyed the quiet rhythm of the heiðar, where the only sounds are wind, water, and the splash of a trout.

Vibrant fish caught during outdoor fishing, showcasing freshwater fishing success.
Trout fishing in Iceland with scenic mountain river backdrop, two anglers, and parked 4x4 vehicles.
Large freshwater fish caught in a mesh net for fishing or aquaculture.
Fishing by a river in Iceland with snow-capped mountains in the background, showcasing outdoor angling adventures.
Serene freshwater creek winding through lush green plains on cloudy day.
Large fish caught on a fishing trip, held by smiling angler in a wetland setting.
A scenic fishing and camping setup by the river with gear, tent, and vehicle in a grassy landscape under cloudy skies.
Flowing river in Iceland with mountains and cloudy sky, ideal for fish farming and aquatic ecosystems.
Flowing mountain stream in a lush green landscape under cloudy skies.
Bright smiling woman fishing by river on overcast day at Iceland's scenic landscape.
Vast rainbow trout caught while fishing in a river, showcasing outdoor angling success.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught during fly fishing in a serene river setting, showcasing outdoor angling adventure.
Small wooden fish farming hut with solar panel in Icelandic landscape.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught during a fishing trip in a scenic river setting.
1. Man holding a fish with fishing rod in a freshwater lake, angling, outdoor fishing.
Freshly caught rainbow trout being displayed by angler in scenic lake setting.
Fresh caught fish being held over water, showcasing fish species for fishing and aquaculture.
Fresh caught rainbow trout fishing outdoors on a cloudy day | Fish Partner.
Man fishing at river with scenic landscape and waterfall in background, outdoor sport fishing, angling recreation, nature and adventure.
Trout fishing in Iceland’s scenic river with mountains in the background. Perfect for freshwater fishing enthusiasts.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught in scenic river fishing spot with happy anglers enjoying outdoor adventure.
Rainbow trout caught by a fisherman in a river, showcasing sustainable fishing practices and quality freshwater fish.
A person fishing in a clear river on a cloudy day with a spinning reel and rod.
1. Man fishing for trout in a scenic freshwater lake with mountains background.
Trout fishing in a scenic mountain stream with a waterfall, emphasizing fresh fish harvesting and outdoor salmonid fishing.
1. Man holding large freshwater fish in a lake under cloudy sky.
Big rainbow trout caught while fly fishing in Iceland, showcasing expert angling and stunning natural scenery.
1. Man holding a freshly caught fish in a river during overcast weather.
Tranquil Icelandic lake with mountain reflection under cloudy sky, ideal for sustainable aquaculture.
Fresh fish caught in Iceland, outdoors in a scenic mountain landscape.
Freshwater fishing adventure with friends in Iceland, enjoying scenic river and overcast sky.
Vibrant rainbow trout caught on fishing rod with reel, showcasing freshwater angling success.
Brightly colored freshwater fish caught during outdoor fishing activity, highlighting fish species from Fish Partner.
Bowl of rainbow trout caught in a mountain stream during fishing trip in nature.

Planning a DIY Highlands adventure for 2026/2027?

• fish sunrise to sunset (or all night…)
• drive 4×4 trails across the plateau
• hike between lakes, river and small creeks.
• camp or stay in simple mountain huts

👉 Contact us to reserve your spots or design a custom DIY route through the Highlands.

🔗 Explore the rest of the 2025 Photo Series

Written by Sindri Hlíðar Jónsson, Co-Owner of Fish Partner. With over a decade of experience guiding and managing fisheries across Iceland, Sindri has helped hundreds of anglers discover Iceland’s unique fly-fishing destinations.

Sindri Hlíðar Jónsson

Popular Fishing

Big Laxá-Árbót

A private beat on the legendary Big Laxá, offering excellent fishing for large wild brown trout alongside Atlantic salmon in beautiful Aðaldalur.
Species: Brown trout · Atlantic salmon
Season: May–September
Type: Guided · DIY
Region: North Iceland
Accommodation: Vörðuholt Lodge

Read more

Blanda

Vast North Iceland river system offering exceptional Atlantic salmon fishing alongside wild brown trout and Arctic char across its varied beats.
Species: Atlantic salmon · Trout & char
Season: May–September
Type: Guided · DIY
Region: North Iceland
Accommodation: Long Valley Lodge · Self-catering options

Read more

Big Laxá-Árbót

A private beat on the legendary Big Laxá, offering excellent fishing for large wild brown trout alongside Atlantic salmon in beautiful Aðaldalur.
Species: Brown trout · Atlantic salmon
Season: May–September
Type: Guided · DIY
Region: North Iceland
Accommodation: Vörðuholt Lodge

Read more

Blanda

Vast North Iceland river system offering exceptional Atlantic salmon fishing alongside wild brown trout and Arctic char across its varied beats.
Species: Atlantic salmon · Trout & char
Season: May–September
Type: Guided · DIY
Region: North Iceland
Accommodation: Long Valley Lodge · Self-catering options

Read more

Svartá

Beautiful crystal-clear North Iceland river combining intimate Atlantic salmon fishing with an excellent population of wild brown trout.
Species: Atlantic salmon · Trout & char
Season: July–September
Type: Guided · DIY
Region: North Iceland
Accommodation: Long Valley Lodge · Self-catering lodge

Read more
Trout & Char
Salmon

Accessability

  • Easy – Very little hiking required, easy for every one.
  • Modrate – Some hiking required.
  • Hard – Strenuous hiking require, good physical conditions required.
  • Mixed – Some easy access areas and others that require hiking.