FLY FISHING – ICELAND, SVARTA
Fly fishing for salmon on the Svartá River in Northwestern Iceland. Located in the Northwestern countryside of Iceland, the Svartá River is a hidden salmon river gem, a tributary of the legendary Blanda River.
SVARTA
This exclusive Svarta river, limited to four rods, invites anglers to explore its 20-kilometer pristine (13 miles), crystal clear water. With a remarkable ten year average of around 300 salmon annually, many tipping the scales at 9 kg (20 pounds) or more. The Svartá is a dream destination for those seeking world-class fly fishing.
FLY FISHING
But the allure of the Svartá doesn’t stop with its magnificent salmon. The river also boasts a thriving trout population, making it a perfect spot for anglers wanting to experience both salmon and trout fishing in Iceland. Its fast-flowing currents are like made for fly fishing, while the river’s diverse pools offer endless challenges. One of the most thrilling fishing spots is where the clear waters of the Svartá merge with the turquoise flow of the Blanda, a junction pool known for its exceptional productivity.
The variety of Svarta pools are great, you will find calm pools as well as fast flowing ones. Compared to many other rivers in Iceland salmon in Svarta are big. There is a good run of bigger multi winter salmon and grilse is normally in good condition. The average size of salmon is 4 kg/ 75 cm. Many salmon of 9 kg (20 pounds) or more caught each season. During the 2024 fishing season, the largest salmon in Iceland was caught on the Svartá river, a 111 cm (43 inch) massive female salmon.
Rod sharing is permitted, so two anglers can share one rod, but only one can fish at any one time. Rod sharing is an excellent way of reducing costs and making the trip even more cost-effective. You need a 4wd suv car to move between lodge and pools.
Daily fishing hours are from 7.00 until 13.00 and again from 16.00 to 22.00 or from 15 to 21. The fishing season is from July 1. until September 30. All caught salmon must be released and only fly fishing is allowed.
FLIES
Good salmon flies for the Svarta River are for example Blue & Black, Black Sheep, Silver Sheep, Frances, Snaelda, Blue Charm, Sunray Shadow.
FLY FISHING TACKLE
For fly fishing for salmon on the Svarta we recommend 12-13′ feet double handed fly rods for lines 7-9 or alternatively 9-10′ single handed fly rods for lines 7-8 and suitable fly reels with good quality brakes. For trout fly fishing we recommend 9-10′ feet single hand fly rods for lines 6-7. Floating, sink tip shooting heads are most used fly lines. It is mandatory to have your fishing gear disinfected on arrival at Keflavík international airport.
ACCOMODATION
Anglers can accomodate in a charming self-catering lodge, hidden away in the magical Svarta Valley. The lodge is large and spacious with 4 twin rooms, kitchen, living room and dining room. This fully equipped lodge, complete with a jacuzzi, offers breathtaking views of the Svarta River and the surrounding landscape. Anglers can arrive to the lodge after 14:00 on the first day of fishing and need to leave the lodge before 13:00 on the last day.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Anglers will take an interational flight to Iceland, Keflavik airport and continue with rental car to the Svarta River. It’s 319 km/about 4 hours minutes driving from Keflavik airport to the Svarta. Nearest cities. Blönduos 33 km, Reykjavík: 276 km.
- Price: Ask for offer
- Trip length: 2 fishing days/2 nights or 4 fishing days/4 nights
- Group size: 4 rods
- Bookings: Minimum booking 4 rods/2 days, ask for open periods
- Fly Fishing trip includes: Accomodation in self catering lodge, Fishing licenses
- Fly Fishing trip excludes: Flights to Reykjavik, Disinfection, Meals, Rental car
- Species: Salmon, Trout
- Season: July 1st to September 30th
