Angler holding a large brown trout near a river with rocks and greenery.

Long Valley Lodge season review

Our second fishing season has come to an end at Long Valley Lodge, and the lodge is now closed for the year.

It has been a very good season, filled with memorable fishing, great company and the constantly changing conditions that make fishing in Iceland so interesting.

Before looking back at the fishing, we would like to thank all the wonderful guests who stayed and fished with us this season. We would also like to give a huge thank you to our lodge staff and guide team. Their hard work, local knowledge and dedication made the season possible, and they are a major part of what makes Long Valley Lodge such a special place.

Excellent conditions on the Blanda

The Blanda ran low and clear for most of the season. We had no major glacial melt disturbing the river, which gave us stable conditions and some excellent fishing.

The Atlantic salmon season on the Blanda was fantastic. We saw good runs of fish throughout the summer, and our guests landed some impressive salmon.

Brown trout fishing was particularly good during the early part of the season. Catch numbers slowed during mid and late July, but good brown trout continued to be caught throughout the summer.

Arctic char fishing remained consistent on the Blanda. We did not see huge numbers every day, but there were regular catches across the season.

The Sea Pool was once again the most productive and reliable area for sea-run brown trout and sea-run Arctic char. Later in July, both sea trout and char began appearing farther up the Blanda and in the tributaries.

Blanda float trips

Our float trips produced some spectacular fishing this season.

We now operate three NRS rafts on the Blanda, allowing our guests to explore more of the river and reach water that is difficult to access from the bank. Brown trout, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon were all caught from the boats this summer.

The float trips have become an important part of the Long Valley Lodge fishing program. They offer a different view of the river, access to a wide variety of water, and some exciting opportunities for all three species.

Upper and Lower Svartá

The Upper Svartá started the season with some very good brown trout fishing. Later in the summer, large numbers of sea-run Arctic char moved into the river and provided excellent sport.

The Lower Svartá produced good brown trout and Arctic char fishing throughout the season. The first Atlantic salmon began appearing around the middle of July, adding another exciting option for our guests.

Angler holding a large fish in a river with rocky banks.
Angler displaying a sizable fish caught at Long Valley Lodge during season review.

The North Highlands

Fishing in the North Highlands took a little longer to get going this year. Conditions improved around the middle of July, and from then until the end of the season we caught some beautiful resident brown trout and Arctic char.

These trips offered more than just good fishing. The remote landscapes, quiet waters and changing weather made every day in the Highlands a memorable experience.

Two anglers holding fish in a river with a bridge in the background.
Two anglers showcasing their catch of fish at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.

Fantastic fishing on the Kolka

We also fished the Kolka from Long Valley Lodge this season.

The river began producing fantastic fishing from mid-July. Several grand slams were recorded, with anglers catching Atlantic salmon, brown trout and Arctic char.

Sea-run Arctic char were by far the most abundant species, and the Kolka became one of the highlights of the second half of the season.

Caught fish, likely a brown trout, on a fishing rod in clear water.
A freshly caught brown trout resting on the rocky riverbank during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.

Another Icelandic summer

As usual, the weather gave us a mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly.

We had calm days, wet days, cold days and beautiful summer evenings. Adapting to the conditions is always part of fishing in Iceland, and our guides worked hard to put guests in the best possible water each day.

Looking back, it was a season full of variety. Big salmon, wild brown trout, sea run fish, productive float trips and memorable days in the Highlands all played their part.

Bookings are open for 2027

Although the lodge has only just closed, planning for next season is already well underway.

We are now taking bookings for 2027, and many of our dates are filling quickly. If you would like to stay at Long Valley Lodge and experience the fishing on the Blanda, Svartá, Kolka, and in the North Highlands, we recommend getting in touch early.

Thank you again to every guest, guide and staff member who helped make this season such a success.

We hope you enjoy the photo galleries from the summer, and we look forward to welcoming many of you back to Long Valley Lodge in 2027.

Angler holding a brown trout in Icelandic river with cloudy sky.
Angler holding a fish near a riverbank with green landscape.
Angler with a fish caught in the river at Long Valley Lodge during season review.
Angler holding a large sea run brown trout in a river.
Man holding a fish in a river with mountains in the background.
Angler with a fish caught in a scenic Icelandic river during a fishing trip.
Two anglers fishing in a river with lush green surroundings.
Two anglers fishing in a river during daytime at Long Valley Lodge season review.
Caught sea run brown trout in a fishing net, freshwater fishing image.
A large sea run brown trout caught and displayed in a fishing net, showcasing its size and condition.
Two anglers fishing in a river with a fishing net and gear.
Two anglers fishing in a river during daytime, one holding a fishing rod and the other with a fishing net.
Man in waterproof gear holding a fish in a river.
Angler in waterproof gear with a fish caught in a river during a fishing trip.
Woman holding a fish in Icelandic river, scenic mountain background.
Angler showcasing a fish caught in Iceland, part of the Long Valley Lodge season review.
Big fish caught with fishing rod and net in water.
A sizable fish caught and resting in a fishing net, showcasing successful angling at Long Valley Lodge.
Two anglers holding a sea run brown trout in a river.
Two anglers proudly display a sea run brown trout caught in a scenic river setting.
Angler fishing in a mountain lake with scenic landscape.
A fisherman casting his line in Long Valley Lake surrounded by mountains during a clear day.
Smiling woman holding a brown trout by a river in Iceland.
Woman with a brown trout caught in Iceland’s scenic river landscape during fishing trip.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a river with mountains in the background.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Fish caught in a net during fishing at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler holding a brown trout in a river with mountains in the background.
Angler displaying a brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler holding a large fish in Icelandic river with rocky cliffs.
Fishing rod pointed at sunset over water during evening.
Freshly caught brown trout in a fishing net by the river.
A healthy brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Smiling angler holding a large fish in a river with mountains.
Angler with a large fish caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a sea run brown trout by the river.
Angler displaying a sea run brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Fisherman holding a large brown trout in a river with mountains in background.
Fisherman displaying a large brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Fish in clear water with aquatic plants, focus on brown trout.
Calm river with clear water and rocks at the bank.
Serene river scene at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing clear water and natural surroundings.
Fresh brown trout fish displayed for fishing enthusiasts.
A healthy brown trout fish caught in freshwater, ready for fishing or culinary use.
Fisherman holding a brown trout over water during fishing trip.
A brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing its vibrant colors and markings.
Scenic view of Long Valley Lodge with mountain backdrop and open fields.
Fisherman holding a large sea run brown trout near rocky shoreline.
Fisherman proudly displays a large sea run brown trout caught in Icelandic waters during a fishing trip.
default
Freshly caught brown trout in a fishing net at Long Valley Lodge.
A healthy brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing excellent fishing conditions.
Angler holding a fish near the river in Long Valley Lodge.
Angler displaying a fish caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler fishing in a river with overcast sky and bright sun.
Fisherman casting line in a river during a cloudy day at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler holding a fish near a river in Iceland under cloudy sky.
Angler displaying a fish caught in Iceland’s river during a cloudy day.
Angler holding a large fish in a river with yellow flowers nearby.
Angler displaying a sizable fish caught in a river, surrounded by yellow flowers and rocky terrain.
Man holding a sea run brown trout by the river.
Angler holding a brown trout by a river with scenic background.
Angler displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large brown trout on a boat in Icelandic waters.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught during a fishing trip in Iceland.
Angler fishing in a calm Icelandic lake with overcast sky.
Freshly caught brown trout in a fishing net at Long Valley Lodge.
A beautiful brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing the local fish species.
Smiling woman holding a brown trout by a river.
Woman with a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man holding a fish in a river with blue sky and hills.
Angler with a fish at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man holding a large fish in a river with green hills in the background.
Angler with a sizable fish caught in a river near Long Valley Lodge during season review.
Fish swimming in a shallow mountain stream with rocks and clear water.
A brown trout swimming in a mountain stream, surrounded by rocks and clear water, during a peaceful fishing day.
Angler fly fishing in a river with a curved fishing rod and scenic landscape.
A fisherman casting a line in a river during a bright day at Long Valley Lodge.
Man holding a fish in a river with scenic landscape background.
Angler displaying a fish caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Sea run brown trout caught in a fishing net at Long Valley Lodge.
A sea run brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing the local fish species.
Man holding a fish in a river with mountains in background.
Angler displaying a freshly caught fish at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man holding a brown trout caught in a river during fishing trip.
Angler displaying a brown trout caught in a scenic river setting during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Woman holding a large fish near a stream at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler displaying a sizable fish caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler holding a large brown trout by the river.
Fisherman showcasing a healthy brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during season.
Angler holding a large brown trout in Icelandic river with mountains.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught in Iceland’s scenic river landscape.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a lush green landscape.
Fisherman displaying a sizable brown trout caught in a scenic outdoor setting during a fishing trip.
Freshly caught brown trout in clear water, showcasing its spots and colors.
A brown trout caught in a river, highlighting its distinctive markings and vibrant colors.
Man holding a large sea run brown trout in a river.
Angler displaying a sizable sea run brown trout caught in a river during fishing trip.
Fisherman holding a brown trout in clear water during fishing trip.
A healthy brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing the quality of local fish species.
Close-up of a brown trout caught in clear water with a fishing net nearby.
A brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing its distinctive spots and vibrant colors.
Man holding a brown trout by the river during fishing trip.
Fisherman displaying a healthy brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing excellent angling experience.
Two anglers holding fish in lush green landscape.
Two anglers showcasing their catch during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Fisherman holding a brown trout by a river with mountains in background.
Fisherman displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a sea run brown trout in a river setting.
Angler holding a fish near a river in Iceland under cloudy sky.
Angler displaying a fish caught in Iceland’s river during a cloudy day.
Fisherman casting line in a river with cloudy sky.
A fisherman enjoying a day of fishing at Long Valley Lodge, surrounded by scenic hills and cloudy weather.
Man wearing a flat cap and outdoor jacket in a scenic fishing location.
Delicious fish-themed dessert with edible flowers in glasses.
Man holding a brown trout near water with cloudy sky.
Angler displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during season review.
Fisherman holding a large fish in clear water during a fishing trip.
Fisherman displaying a sizable fish caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing successful angling.
Angler fly fishing in river with rocky banks and scenic landscape.
Close-up of a brown trout caught in the river at Long Valley Lodge.
A brown trout caught in the river during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Freshly caught brown trout in clear water at Long Valley Lodge.
A healthy brown trout caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge during season review.
Fisherman holding a large brown trout over water with a net nearby.
A sizable brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing excellent fishing conditions.
Two anglers with a fish caught in Iceland, scenic water and cloudy sky.
Two anglers showcasing a fish caught during a fishing trip in Iceland, with scenic water and cloudy sky in the background.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a scenic river setting.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Two anglers fishing in a river during daytime with lush green surroundings.
Two anglers fishing in a river at Long Valley Lodge, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters.
Smiling woman holding a fish in a river during fishing trip.
Woman with a fish caught in the river at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing successful fishing experience.
Angler holding a fish near rocky riverbank in Iceland.
Man holding a large fish in Icelandic river with mountains in background.
Fisherman displaying a sizable fish caught in a scenic Icelandic river during a fishing trip.
Fisherman holding a large brown trout by the riverbank.
Fisherman displaying a sizable brown trout caught near Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a river with blue sky.
Fisherman displaying a sizable brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man holding a fish in a river with green hills in the background.
Angler displaying a fish caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge during season review.
Angler holding a large fish in a river with cliffs in the background.
Helicopter on grassy field with mountains in background.
A helicopter parked at Long Valley Lodge during a scenic outdoor event.
Woman holding a fish by a river with green hills in the background.
Woman proudly displays her catch during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Close-up of a brown trout caught in a fishing net.
A brown trout caught in a fishing net, showcasing its distinctive markings and coloration.
Man holding a large fish in Icelandic river with rocky landscape.
Fisherman displaying a sizable fish caught in a scenic Iceland river during a fishing trip.
Man holding a fish by a river in Iceland during cloudy weather.
Angler displaying a fish caught in Iceland’s river, with scenic landscape in the background.
Caught brown trout with a small fish on its side in clear water.
A brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing its vibrant colors and patterns.
Man holding a large fish in a river during fishing trip.
Angler showcasing a sizable fish caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge.
A fish swimming in a tank, caught in Iceland, focus on fish species.
Angler holding a large fish in a river in Iceland.
Angler displaying a large fish caught in a river in Iceland during a fishing trip.
Caught brown trout on a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
A brown trout caught during a fishing session at Long Valley Lodge, with fishing gear on rocky riverbank.
Group of people discussing fishing gear inside a tackle shop.
Angler holding a sea run brown trout in a river landscape.
Angler with a sea run brown trout caught in a scenic river setting during fishing season.
Angler holding a brown trout in a boat on a river with cloudy sky.
Angler displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large fish in a river during fishing trip.
Fisherman with a sizable fish caught in the river, wearing a hoodie and waders during a fishing outing.
Scenic sunset over a beach with footprints and a person walking.
Angler holding a large fish in a river with mountains in background.
Angler displaying a sizable fish caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge during season review.
Angler fishing in river at Long Valley Lodge, Iceland.
Angler casting line in river during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, Iceland.
Angler holding a large brown trout by a river in Iceland.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught in Iceland’s river during a fishing trip.
Fisherman holding a brown trout in a river with mountains in background.
Fisherman displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large fish in Icelandic river during cloudy day.
Angler displaying a large fish caught in Iceland, with scenic river and rocky landscape in the background.
Angler holding a fish in Icelandic river, scenic landscape background.
Angler showcasing a fish caught in Iceland’s river during a fishing trip with Fish Partner.
Angler holding a brown trout in a river with green landscape.
Fisherman holding a large brown trout in a scenic outdoor setting.
Fisherman displaying a sizable brown trout caught near Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Person holding a fish in a river with green hills in the background.
Angler holding a fish in a scenic Icelandic river during a fishing trip.
Two men holding a fish in a river in Iceland.
Two anglers displaying their catch in a scenic Icelandic river during a fishing trip.
Man holding a large fish near a river with rocky cliffs in the background.
Delicious fish dish served with rice on a white plate.
Two anglers with a fish in a scenic river landscape in Iceland.
Two anglers proudly display their catch of a sea run brown trout in Iceland’s scenic river setting.
Man holding a duckling while fishing on a boat in Iceland.
A man fishing in Iceland holding a cute duckling on his hand during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large brown trout by a river in Iceland.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Man holding a large sea run brown trout in a river.
Elderly man holding a fish near a lake with hills in the background.
Elderly man displaying a fish caught during fishing at Long Valley Lodge.
Angler holding a fish in a river with mountains in the background.
Angler displaying a fish caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Close-up of a brown trout caught in clear water at Long Valley Lodge.
A brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing its distinctive spots and coloration.
Freshwater brown trout swimming near riverbed rocks.
A brown trout resting on the riverbed in a clear freshwater stream.
Angler holding a large brown trout near a river under cloudy sky.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught during a fishing trip in Iceland.
Man holding a fish by the water in Iceland, scenic mountain background.
Angler showcasing a fish caught in Iceland’s pristine waters during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a fish in a river with grassy banks.
Angler displaying a fish caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man holding a large brown trout fish in Icelandic river.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught in Iceland during a fishing trip.
Elegant fish dish with vegetables and sauce on a white plate.
Fish caught with fishing rod in shallow water.
Fisherman holding a large brown trout in a river landscape.
Fisherman displaying a sizable brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Two anglers holding a fish in a river with a bridge in the background.
Two anglers proudly display their catch in the river near Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man fishing on a boat in Long Valley Lodge with scenic landscape.
Fisherman enjoying a day of fishing at Long Valley Lodge, surrounded by scenic mountains and water.
Freshly caught brown trout in shallow water with a fishing net.
A beautiful brown trout caught in clear water, showcasing vibrant colors and markings.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a river with scenic background.
Angler proudly displays a large brown trout caught in Long Valley during a fishing trip.
Fisherman holding a brown trout in a river during overcast weather.
Angler displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge, surrounded by natural landscape.
Fisherman holding a large sea run brown trout by the river.
Fisherman proudly displays a large sea run brown trout caught in the river during a fishing trip.
Fish caught in a fishing net, freshwater species.
A sizable fish caught in a fishing net during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Close-up of a brown trout caught in freshwater with fishing gear.
A brown trout caught during a fishing trip, displayed in a net with fishing gear visible.
Angler holding a large fish in Icelandic river with mountains.
Multiple fish caught and displayed in a net by the riverbank.
A variety of fish, including brown trout and sea run brown trout, caught at Long Valley Lodge.
Fisherman holding a large fish by the riverbank in Iceland.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a scenic river setting.
Angler proudly displays a brown trout caught in Long Valley during a fishing trip.
Woman holding a large fish caught in a river with bridge in background.
Brown trout fish caught in clear water at Long Valley Lodge.
A beautiful brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing pristine waters and rich fish species.
Angler holding a sea run brown trout near a river.
Angler displaying a freshly caught sea run brown trout in a scenic river setting.
Man holding a fish in Icelandic waters during fishing trip.
Angler with a fish in Iceland, showcasing successful fishing experience with Fish Partner.
Angler holding a fish by the river in Long Valley Lodge.
Angler displaying a fish caught in the river near Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Man holding a fish in a river with mountains in the background.
Angler displaying a fish caught in Iceland’s river with scenic mountain views.
Angler holding a fish in a river with rocky banks and green hills.
Angler with a fish caught in a scenic Icelandic river during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a river with cloudy sky.
Two anglers holding a fish each in a scenic river setting.
Two anglers showcasing their catch during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Freshly caught brown trout on a dark riverbank.
A beautiful brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Woman holding a large sea run brown trout near water.
Angler displaying a sizable sea run brown trout during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge.
Man holding a fish by a river in Iceland with mountains in background.
Angler displaying a fish caught in Iceland’s scenic river landscape during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a fish caught with a fly rod near a river.
Angler with a fly rod holding a fish caught in Long Valley Lodge river during season review.
Fisherman holding a brown trout in a river with rocky cliffs in the background.
Fisherman displaying a brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Angler holding a large brown trout in a river with green hills.
Angler displaying a sizable brown trout caught at Long Valley Lodge during a fishing trip.
Fisherman holding a large fish in Icelandic river during daylight.
Fisherman displaying a sizable fish caught in a scenic Icelandic river, part of a successful fishing trip.
Man holding a sea run brown trout near a river with a bridge in the background.
Angler displaying a sea run brown trout caught in a scenic river setting during overcast weather.
Freshly caught brown trout in a fishing net at Long Valley Lodge.
A beautiful brown trout caught during a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge, showcasing the rich fish species in the area.
Two anglers fishing in a river with scenic hills in the background.
Anglers enjoying a fishing trip at Long Valley Lodge during the season review.
Angler holding a sea run brown trout in a river landscape.
Angler proudly displays a sea run brown trout caught in a scenic river setting.
Two anglers holding fish in a river with a bridge in the background.
Clear water with fish swimming near the surface.
A peaceful scene of clear water with fish visible beneath the surface.

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.

Popular Fishing

Blanda

The Blanda is one of Iceland’s top Atlantic Salmon fisheries.

Svartá

This exclusive river, limited to four rods, invites anglers to explore its 20-kilometer pristine(13 miles), crystal-clear water.

Blanda

The Blanda is one of Iceland’s top Atlantic Salmon fisheries.

Svartá

This exclusive river, limited to four rods, invites anglers to explore its 20-kilometer pristine(13 miles), crystal-clear water.

Arnarvatnsheiði

The expansive and untamed Arnarvatnsheidi region, a vast highland moorland adorned with countless lakes, interconnected rivers, and streams
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.