Which fishing day trip from Reykjavík is right for you?
The right fishing day starts with choosing suitable water. When you contact Fish Partner, we ask about your travel dates, fishing experience, and what you enjoy before recommending a trip.
You might be picking up a fly rod for the first time, looking for dry-fly opportunities, or hoping to spend a day pursuing a large Icelandic brown trout. Those preferences help us choose the right waters and plan your day.
Here’s what helps us match you with the right trip:
- Your dates: Seasons and typical conditions influence which waters and species we recommend.
- Your experience: Whether you’re a beginner, an occasional angler, or an experienced fly fisher helps us choose suitable fishing.
- What you enjoy: Tell us if you prefer dry flies, nymphs, or streamers, or if you’d like to try something new.
- Your priorities: Learning the basics, catching a particular species, and pursuing a large fish can lead to different recommendations.
- Your schedule and access needs: Where you’re staying, how far you want to travel, and your comfort with walking and wading all matter.
If you’ve never tried fly fishing
Tell us when you enquire. We’ll take that into account when recommending the water, looking for a suitable introduction with manageable access and room to learn.
Your day will be planned with instruction in mind. Once you’re by the water, your guide will help you with casting, presenting the fly and developing confidence at your own pace.
If you’re an experienced angler
Tell us what makes a fishing day enjoyable for you. Do you prefer casting dry flies to rising trout, working through a river with nymphs, or fishing streamers for larger fish?
These details shape our recommendations before you book. If you have a particular species or technique in mind, we can discuss which waters and dates offer the most suitable opportunities. Hatches and conditions vary, so we’ll also explain what is realistic for your visit.
If you’re fishing as a couple or with friends
Let us know about everyone’s experience and interests during planning. If one person fishes regularly and another is a beginner, that affects which water we recommend and how we arrange the day.
Tell us, too, if someone would like to come along without fishing, or if anyone has concerns about walking or wading. We can discuss suitability before you commit to a trip.
If fishing is part of a wider Iceland holiday
Share your itinerary when you contact us: where you’re staying, how much time you have and whether you need to return at a particular hour.
We’ll use that information to recommend a realistic trip. A shorter drive leaves more time by the water, while a longer excursion may suit visitors who also want to explore another part of Iceland. Any plans to combine fishing with sightseeing should be discussed in advance.
If your priority is a large brown trout
Tell us that at the outset. Pursuing a large brown trout calls for different expectations from a day focused on learning or finding more frequent opportunities to catch fish.
Lake Thingvallavatn is one option we can discuss. We’ll consider your dates, experience, and preferred fishing style when recommending where to go, and explain the challenges involved. A trophy-focused day can mean fewer takes and demanding fishing, with no guarantee of a large fish.
Planned around you, adapted to the conditions
We recommend and arrange your fishing water before the trip, using what you’ve told us about your experience and interests. On the day, your guide adapts the approach—such as flies, techniques, and the spots you fish—to the conditions on that water.
Comparing fishing day trips from Reykjavík
Several different fishing experiences are possible on a day trip from Reykjavík. The best fit depends on your dates, preferred fishing style and how much of the day you want to spend traveling.
Lake Thingvallavatn and Villingavatn: brown trout and Arctic char
Lake Thingvallavatn and Villingavatn, a smaller lake connected to Þingvallavatn, offer closely related fishing experiences, with opportunities to target wild brown trout and Arctic char.
Thingvallavatn has several distinct beats, while Villingavatn offers a smaller, more intimate setting. The particular water matters: access, conditions, and the fishing experience can vary between locations.
These fisheries can suit beginners as well as experienced anglers, provided we match the water and the planned fishing to the guest. When you enquire, tell us your experience level and whether you’re interested in dry flies, nymphs, streamers or simply learning the basics. We use that information, along with your dates, to recommend a suitable option.
For anglers pursuing a large brown trout, we’ll discuss the opportunities and the patience that can be involved. For beginners, our recommendation will take account of suitable access and opportunities to learn. If dry-fly fishing is your priority, we’ll explain what is realistic for the time of your visit.
Consider Thingvallavatn and Villingavatn if: you’re drawn to the chance of a trophy-sized brown trout and enjoy the challenge of pursuing one. Trophy fishing means less certainty of catching fish, there may be fewer takes, and some days can end without a catch.
Explore fishing on Lake Thingvallavatn and its surrounding fisheries
River Sog: salmon and Arctic char fishing
For visitors who prefer river fishing, the Sog offers opportunities to target Atlantic salmon and Arctic char on a guided day trip from Reykjavík. The recommendation depends on your dates, target species and experience.
Salmon fishing on the Sog is best done with a two-handed Spey rod. Let us know whether you’ve used one before, along with the species and fishing techniques you enjoy, so we can discuss whether the trip is a good fit.
All fishing on the Sog requires substantial wading. Guests should be comfortable wading in a river, and any concerns about mobility, balance or fitness should be discussed with us before booking.
Consider the Sog if: you’re interested in salmon or Arctic char, enjoy river fishing and are comfortable with demanding wading. For salmon anglers, it is particularly suited to those who enjoy fishing with a Spey rod.
The Highlands: trout, Arctic char and spectacular scenery
A Highland fishing day combines river fishing with some of Iceland’s most spectacular scenery. Fish Partner offers excursions to the Kaldakvísl or Tungnaá, targeting wild brown trout and Arctic char amid wide-open landscapes and volcanic terrain.
These day trips are available only in May and September. We’ll consider your experience and preferred fishing techniques when recommending the water and planning your trip.
The Highlands are a longer excursion from Reykjavík, so allow a full day for travel and fishing. The journey is part of the appeal, with remarkable scenery along the way and at the water.
Consider the Highlands if: you want to fish for trout and Arctic char in spectacular surroundings, are visiting in May or September, and are happy to dedicate a full day to the excursion.
Explore Highland river fishing
Norðlingafljót: a remote adventure for anglers willing to hike
Norðlingafljót offers fishing for wild brown trout and Arctic char in beautiful, remote surroundings. The river flows through open heath and volcanic landscapes, with mountains and glaciers in the distance. The sense of isolation is a large part of its appeal.
This trip suits adventurous anglers who enjoy exploring on foot. Some stretches are accessible by 4×4, but reaching more secluded water requires hiking. Being willing and able to walk farther opens up sections of river that see fewer anglers.
A day trip from Reykjavík means a long drive and a full day of travel, hiking and fishing. Tell us about your fitness, comfort walking over uneven ground and preferred fishing techniques when you enquire, so we can plan a suitable day.
Consider Norðlingafljót if: you enjoy hiking, wild scenery and solitude as much as the fishing, and are happy to put in the effort to explore more remote water.
Explore fishing on Norðlingafljót
Hólaá: a welcoming introduction to fly fishing
Hólaá is a good option for beginners and visitors looking for an enjoyable day fishing for brown trout and Arctic char. With generally straightforward access and plentiful fish, it offers opportunities to practise casting, learn to present a fly and build confidence on the water.
Most fish are modest in size, and large fish are uncommon. The appeal is the opportunity for more frequent action, although catches still depend on conditions and are never guaranteed.
Small nymphs and dry flies are effective here, so Hólaá can also appeal to experienced anglers who enjoy fishing lighter tackle. Tell us your experience and preferences when you enquire, and we’ll take those into account when recommending a beat and planning the day.
Consider Hólaá if: you’re new to fly fishing, want to develop your skills, or enjoy the prospect of catching several smaller trout and char. It’s a good choice for anglers who value regular opportunities over the pursuit of a trophy fish.
Trout and char fishing chosen around your experience
You don’t need to arrive with a particular river or lake in mind. If your priority is learning to fly fish, enjoying a day on the water or using a favorite technique, start by telling us that.
We can then recommend suitable trout or char fishing for your dates. For a beginner, we consider access and the opportunity to learn. For an experienced angler, preferences such as dry flies, nymphs or streamers help narrow the choice.
This planning happens before the trip, so you know which water you’re booking and why we’ve recommended it.
Consider this approach if: finding fishing that suits you matters more than visiting a particular named destination.
How do you choose?
Send us your dates, fishing experience, preferred techniques and where you’re staying. We’ll recommend suitable options and explain the differences in travel time, fishing and expectations before you book.
Planning your fishing day from Reykjavík
Can I go fly fishing if I’ve never tried it before?
Yes. Tell us when you enquire so we can recommend suitable water and plan the day with instruction in mind. Hólaá is one option we often recommend for beginners, with plentiful smaller trout and Arctic char and opportunities to practise the basics.
You don’t need to know which river or lake to choose before contacting us. That’s part of what we help you decide.
How much fishing experience do I need?
It depends on the trip. Some waters suit complete beginners, while others involve demanding wading, hiking or more technical fishing.
We ask about your experience before recommending a trip. Tell us about the fishing you’ve done, the techniques you enjoy and your comfort with walking and wading. This helps us match you with suitable water before you book.
Do I need to bring fishing equipment?
No. All fishing equipment is included, including rods, reels, flies, and waders. You can try fly fishing without buying equipment or bringing your own from home.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup is included from Reykjavík and the surrounding areas. Let us know where you’re staying when you enquire so we can confirm the arrangements.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are included. Please tell us about any dietary requirements when booking.
Can my partner or a friend join without fishing?
Yes. Non-anglers are welcome to join. Tell us how many people will be fishing and how many will be accompanying them so we can plan accordingly.
The location matters for companions too. Let us know about their interests and comfort with walking, particularly if you’re considering a remote trip involving hiking.
How much of the day is spent driving?
That depends on the fishery and where you’re staying. We’ll explain the travel involved when recommending your trip, so you can consider the whole day rather than just the hours spent fishing.
The Highlands and Norðlingafljót involve longer drives and should be treated as full-day excursions. Let us know in advance if you have dinner reservations, onward travel or a fixed return time.
Can I combine fishing with the Golden Circle?
Yes. We offer a combined Golden Circle sightseeing and fishing day tour, allowing you to experience both in one day.
It’s an option for visitors who want to try fishing as part of a wider sightseeing experience. Tell us when you enquire that you’re interested in the combined tour so we can plan the itinerary accordingly.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Rain, wind or overcast skies don’t automatically mean poor fishing. Some conditions that are less appealing for sightseeing can actually be better for fishing, so cancellation due to weather is uncommon.
Safety comes first. If we cancel because conditions are dangerous, you can receive a refund or arrange to move your trip to another date, subject to availability.
Am I guaranteed to catch a fish?
No. These are wild fisheries, and catches vary with conditions, the water and the kind of fishing you choose.
If your priority is more frequent opportunities to catch fish, tell us when you enquire. Hólaá, for example, usually offers plentiful smaller fish. Pursuing trophy brown trout involves a different tradeoff: the possibility of an exceptional fish, but fewer opportunities and a greater chance of finishing without a catch.
How do I choose the right trip?
Send us your travel dates, number of anglers, experience level and where you’re staying. Include any preferred species or techniques, along with concerns about walking or wading.
We’ll use that information to recommend suitable waters and explain what to expect before you book.
Our advice: tell us what you enjoy
When you contact us, you don’t need to know which Icelandic river or lake you want to fish. Knowing what you enjoy, and what you hope to get from the day, is a useful starting point.
Two experienced anglers can want very different trips. One might happily spend a day pursuing a single large brown trout. Another would prefer fishing small dry flies or nymphs with more frequent opportunities for a take. Their experience levels may be similar, but we could recommend different waters.
The same applies to beginners. Your first fishing day should take account of your comfort outdoors, willingness to wade or hike, and how much of your holiday you want to devote to fishing. Those details help us recommend a suitable introduction.
Be clear about what matters most to you:
- Is there a species you particularly want to catch?
- Do you prefer dry flies, nymphs or streamers?
- Would you rather pursue a trophy fish or have more chances of catching smaller fish?
- Are you happy with a long drive and a hike, or would you prefer easier access?
- Does everyone in your group want the same kind of day?
We discuss these things before you book and explain why we recommend a particular water. Once you’re there, your guide adapts the flies, techniques and choice of spots to the conditions.
The more we know about your idea of an enjoyable fishing day, the better we can help you choose.
Plan your fishing day from Reykjavík
Tell us when you’re visiting, where you’re staying and how many people will be joining. Include a little about your fishing experience and what you’d enjoy most—or let us know if you’re trying fly fishing for the first time.
We’ll recommend suitable options for your dates and explain what to expect.
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