Iceland has endless brown trout, char, and salmon rivers and lakes spread all over the island making it a popular destination for anglers from around the globe. In Iceland, all fishing rights are private which means anglers need to arrange for access and licenses where ever they fish. This can make DIY fishing trips a little trickier than your typical fully guided lodge stays but with a little research and preparation DIY trips can be a fantastic way to experience fishing and exploring Iceland.
River Fishing
Most rivers in Iceland will have a limit on how many people can fish it per day meaning that licenses often do sell out well in advance so it’s important to plan well in advance. The advantage of this system is you know that you’re not going to be fighting other anglers for a spot on the river on your day. Most river licenses are sold as either half-day,1day or, 2 day passes with limited rods allowed per day on the river. Many rivers that are sold as multi-day licenses will have a self-catering lodge sold with the licenses.
Examples of popular self-guided river fisheries:
Norðlingafljót, Northern Highlands
Lake Fishing
Lakes often don’t have limits on rods allowed per day which offers more freedom in regards to not having to book well in advance. Exceptions are for example the many beats on Lake Thingvallavatn. Lake licenses are also usually cheaper and you have the option of buying year passes in many lakes, as well as the year passes to multiple lakes like the Fish Partner Members Club offers.
Example of popular self-guided lake fishing:
Lake Thingvallavatn Self Drive, Members Lakes
If you need help planning your trip or some more information on fishing in Iceland please use the form below to contact us
Further reading
Useful Links
- Safe Travel – Travel information for Iceland
- Icelandic meteorological office – Weather and natural disaster
- The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration – Road info, closures, and alerts