This is part three of our series on flies for Iceland. Check out part two Nymphs and part one Salmon flies
Wondering what streamers to tie and bring on your trip to Iceland. Well look no further. Below you’ll find a list of some f our favorite streamers, some of them you’ve probably fished before in your home waters, and some are Icelandic designs that you might not recognize. In any case, there are tried and tested and recommended by us here at Fish Partners as well as our expert guides.
If you want these flies for your next trip, Fish Partner can furnish all your fly needs.
For all the streamers on the list, I’ve added a short description, a photo, and a link to either a tying tutorial or a recipe. Some of the flies are variants of famous streamers. That’s because we’ve found that these variations work best in Icelandic lakes and rivers.
As I mentioned above, some of these patterns are Icelandic creations and the tutorial/material list is only available in Icelandic. Google translate can be used in those instances.
Black Ghost – Zonker
The Black Ghost by Herb Welch needs no introduction. Originating like so many other great streamer patterns from Maine, MA.
The most popular variation here in Iceland is tied with a zonker wing, rabbit, or squirrel, and with a cone to give it a bit of weight. The Black Ghost is a must-have in any lake or river situation here in Iceland and will catch your native brown trout as well as sea trout and arctic char.
Black Ghost Sunburst – Zonker
Another variation on the great Herb Welch original. The same goes for this one as the more traditional version above. It’s a mainstay in our fly boxes and a great choice for brown trout, arctic char, and sea trout.
Black Ghost – Olive
Last but definitely not least. If you’re heading to Lake Thingvallavatn and looking to get acquainted with some of those huge ice-age brown trout, the olive version is a must-have. Tied much like its more famous brothers mentioned above, with just the collar changed to olive green.
Dýrbítur
The first one on the list is from the late great Icelandic fly tier Sigurður Pálsson. A painter by trade, “Siggi” is responsible for designing some of the more famous Icelandic streamer flies. Dýrbítur is one of his best-known designs. Typically tied in sizes 6 – 10 it borrows some of the design from the Wooly Bugger and the Dog Nobbler. But it is quite unique in its own right. Dýrbítur can be tied in multiple colors. The black one is a classic, but you should also try tying it in Orange, Pink, and White.
Egg Sucking Leech
There are few patterns more simple than the Egg sucking leech, but then again, few are more effective. Tied in sizes 8 – 12, it definitely pays to have a few versions in your box whether you’re fishing lakes or streams here in Iceland.
The Dog Nobbler (Icelandic variation)
The Nobbler is such a popular fly in Iceland that it’s almost the general consensus that it’s an Icelandic pattern. It isn’t. Although the Icelandic variation is a bit different from the original Dog Nobbler. It’s tied in a multitude of colors, White, Orange, Black, and Pink. You name it.
Flæðarmús
Another one by Sigurður Pálsson. Siggi said he wasn’t thinking of anything special when he designed this fly. He just wanted to do something different from what he had seen. As soon as it hit the water, Flæðarmús proved itself as an absolute weapon for sea trout. Has been known to catch brown trout and salmon as well.
Rektor
Designed by legendary Icelandic fly tier Kolbeinn Grímsson. Kolbeinn, along with Sigurður Pálsson, is responsible for some of the most popular Icelandic patterns ever designed. Rektor is an awesome fly for brown trout.
John Barr’s Slumpbuster
When you need to get down a strong current, the Slumpbuster is a great choice. Tie it in pretty much any color you like, our favorites are olive and black. You really can’t go wrong with this one.
Kelly Galloup’s Zoo Cougar
A few of Kelly’s flies have been really popular here in Iceland recently. The Zoo Cougar is a great choice when targeting the browns at Lake Thingvallavatn or Lake Villingvatn. Olive and Khaki brown is the way to go.
By Eidur Kristjansson
More fly articles:
Flies for Iceland – Nymphs
Flies for Iceland – Salmon Flies
Fly Selection for the Highlands
Black Ghost
Copper John