Welcome to the Breidalsa River

We all love Iceland for its intimacy, the clarity of the rivers, the way the fish rise so aggressively, the whole visual spectacle. There are however, some of us that might like everything to be excactly the same but just everything a bit bigger. Bigger mountains, bigger river and bigger fish. Well, Breiðdalsá answers that call in all departments. It is not crazy numbers of fish, but it really is everything we love about Iceland, just a bit bigger.

The river itself can be fished with a single-handed rod but is better with a light double. Some pools do require you to open your shoulders a bit and really let the line rip. The scenery is on a grand scale - a huge valley, with two main tributaries, which can be entered from the very top presenting stunning views, or from the coast road. The fish just are bigger. There are grilse and smaller salmon typical of Iceland but on Breiðdalsá one is justified to hope for or even expect decent numbers of fish in their teens and even twenties. They take a hell of alot of landing but plenty are caught every season.

The Breiðdalsá Lodge is located on the lower river. It is a short flight from Reykjavik's domestic airport to the town of Egilsstadir on Iceland's east coast and then a drive of just over an hour. The lodge is extremely comfortable with spacious rooms (one per rod/rod share), a large sitting room/dining room looking out over the river and the spectacular valley. The staff at Breiðdalsá are excellent, and have been loyal to the river for many years. The guides know the river very well and it really is a family affair. The head of the family, so to speak, is Throstur Elliðason of Ranga fame, the man who created the most successfully stocked river in the world today. He has owned and operated salmon rivers for decades and is a true gentleman of the fishing industry. He also owns and operates the Jökla river system to the north of Egilsstadir which can dovetail well to make up a six-day package on two different river systems.

So why Breiðdalsá as an option in Iceland? For some it might be the lure of the bigger fish but under typical Icelandic circumstances with a beautiful clear river and its tributaries. It might also be the price which is reasonable as the river is not stuffed full of grilse from bank to bank which can be the case with other rivers in Iceland. A third might simply be the majesty of the place and the wonderful crew who look after you, they will certainly bring you back after your first visit.

Welcome to the Breidalsa River

ICELAND - BREIDALSA - IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT WATER - HAVE A LOOK AT THIS TAKEN AT THE TOP OF THE VALLEY THIS WEEK...!

Added: Fri 17th May 13

 

The owner of the Breidalsa river send me this picture taken at the top of the Breidalsa watershed on Monday. He feels that unless there is a major heatwave, water height are looking good for the whole season!

There are a few spaces still left as follows:

Breiðdalsá afternoon 23 July to 28 or 29th July 2-3 rods for five-six days.
Combo Breiðdalsa & Jökla five days from afternoon 30 July to noon 4 August 3 rods.
Jökla six days afternoon 7th to noon 13th August 4 rods.

For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

 

ICELAND - ONE OR TWO GREAT OPTIONS LEFT FOR THE BREIDALSA AND JOKLA...

Added: Thu 9th May 13

 

We have the following dates available on either the Breidalsa or the Jokla rivers or a combination package...these rivers have very comfortable lodges and wonderful staff along with some superb and great value fishing...

Breiðdalsá afternoon 23 July to 28 or 29th July 2-3 rods for five-six days.
Combo Breiðdalsa & Jökla five days from afternoon 30 July to noon 4 August 3 rods.
Jökla six days afternoon 7th to noon 13 August 4 rods....
Jökla six days afternoon 22nd to noon 28 august 5-6 rods....

For further information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 1 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

 

THE SEYCHELLES - DESROCHES - FLYFISHING NEWS FROM DECEMBER...

Added: Fri 11th Jan 13

Desroches January Fly Fishing News

The December weather has truly been spectacular which has a direct reflection on the month's catches.  With almost perfect weather the fly fishing at Desroches, Poivre and St Josephs has produced some spectacular catches on both the flats as well as in the blue.

Every angler that has had the privilege of walking pristine and unspoiled edges of St Joseph’s, cannot help but be mesmerised by the beauty which is reflected off its snow white sand flats. The abundance of marine life that surrounds the islands, flats and coral heads, reflects how unspoilt this atoll really is. The tropical fish, rays, turtles, and small Black-tip reef sharks that frequent these shallow island water edges make for an unforgettable experience. It truly is one of the most beautiful gems in the Seychelles and what makes her even more attractive to our seasoned anglers who visit our shores is the healthy population of bonefish. Not only do our anglers have the the opportunity to target lots of tailing bonefish but there are also some larger specimens that feed on the flats. The biggest of December being a really good fish in the the 8lb range.

Poivre Island continues to hold large numbers of permit and on average it is not uncommon for an angler to have twenty casting opportunities at different tailing permit during a fishing session on Poivre. A recent happy angler, Charles Ingles-Finch landed a fantastic specimen which adds to this months healthy tally. What is becoming very pleasing is that more and more Moustache and Yellow Margin triggerfish are being seen and targeted by our anglers when fishing Poivre.

The anglers that ventured out to try some blue water fly fishing were often rewarded with some exciting action. This month saw 8 sailfish being successfully landed in the month, with a multiple of unfortunate but expected “long lines releases”. To add to the excitement a variety of other species like Dog Tooth tuna, Yellow Fin tuna, dorado, Rainbow Runner and Bluefin trevally where hooked, fought, lost and caught.

Wishing all our angling friends a busy and successful fishing year, from the Desroches Cast-A-Way team!

For further information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 1 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

 

Welcome to the Breidalsa River

Welcome to the Breidalsa River

Weekly Schedule: 
Various days of entry and exit. 3 and 6 day fishing programmes are offered. Rod sharing available and is highly recommended, making the package fantastic value for money.

Package Rate 2013:

3 day rates from $4,200 to $5,700
6 day rates from $8,400 to $11,400

Prices vary throughout the season. Please contact us for individual prices on individual weeks.

Price includes:
•    Three or Six full days fishing
•    Full board and accommodation for one person based on single occupancy.
•    Guide fee.
•    Ground transfers.
•    All soft/carbonated drinks.
 
Price does not include:
•    International flights
•    Internal flights
•    Long ground transfers e.g. from Reykjavik to lodge.
•    Optional private guide
•    Alcoholic beverages.
•    Gratuities to guides and lodge staff.

Welcome to the Breidalsa River

Time Difference
Reykjavik GMT

Flight Time from the UK
London - Reykjavik: 3 hrs

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None. However a certification of tackle disinfection is required and may be checked as you progress through passport control upon entering the country. We advise travelling anglers to obtain such certifications prior to leaving the UK.

Species
Atlantic salmon and Arctic char - you may travel to the Breidalsa just to fish for the char, and they do have beats set aside specifically for char fishing. Certain times suit the char fishing better, so please contact us for suitable schedules.

Season to Travel
July - September

Tackle and Kit
Either a 9-10ft single-handed 8 weight rod or a 12-14ft double hander for 8-10 lines, floating and intermediate lines should be carried along with a good range of polyleaders that will cover most eventualities. Multi-tip lines are also popular alternatives, and cover most bases. Flies; frances, sneldas, sunrays, hitched tubes in various colours, along with traditional patterns such as the stoats tail, blue charm, cascade etc. (the lodge and guides do carry suitable selections), 10-20lb clear nylon or fluorocarbon leader, chest waders, wading jacket, lifejacket, wading stick and polarised sunglasses.

For the char you may take a lighter single-handed rod e.g. 9-10ft for a #6-8 line. Flies tend to be bright, with plenty of action and with heavy heads to form jig type patterns. Short and long shank hooks in sizes 10 and 8 are perfect. Tails should be constructed of marabou, with the bodies constructed of fritz. Blues work well, as does white, red, pink and orange. 

Clothing
The weather can be changeable in Iceland so please wear comfortable layered clothing. Your vehicle will be close to hand so take a bag that all extra clothing and equipment can be stored in.

Welcome to the Breidalsa River