Hafralonsa (salmon)

A BEAUTIFUL, REMOTE RIVER WITH BIGGER FISH

The Hafrálonsá offers 28kms of fishing from 55 pools, it is a truly wild, rugged river in north-east Iceland. It is best suited to fit and able people as it has some stunning but deep canyons and requires some strong wading. Its appeal is the number of rods on the river (just four), its beauty and the size of the fish, some weighing in the late teens. The upper reaches are almost entirely canyon and the salmon's journey ends with the top waterfall or the waterfall on the stunning tributary, the Kverka.

Fishing

This is wild, challenging fishing with a double-handed rod at its best because Hafralónsá does well with all the classic small fly or riffled hitch techniques. A 12 to 13 foot rod is best but you still need gentle presentation because of the clear water. We suggest chest waders and a wading stick.

Accommodation

The current lodge is set on a high bank overlooking the river. There are 4 double bedrooms sharing two bathrooms and two double bedrooms with en-suite facilities. Most of the rooms look over the river with comfortable beds and hanging space. The seating and dining area has a well-furnished kitchen.

Gear

Best rods are 12 to 14 ft double-handers but single-handed rods can work well too. Floating line and no weighted flies are the rules. The most common tippet strength is 12 to 15lb but bring stronger too. Usually, salmon are not leader shy at normal water heights. A waterproof back-pack is useful.

Ask The Expert

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Roddy Hall

Trip Specifics

Although taking the lodge on a self-catered basis is an option, we would recommend making use of Margret who will provide three good hearty meals each day. The lodge has high speed internet as well as a television with internet access for Netflix etc, dedicated fridges for drinks, ice machine and a comfortable seating area alongside the dining table. The new lodge will be up the river overlooking the upper canyon. It will have six bedrooms, each with en-suite facilities and panoramic views. The living/dining area is upstairs to improve the views further and will be spacious and comfortable.

Rates

Every trip to Iceland is different with a varying number of days fishing, possibly in different areas staying in different lodges and with or without non-fishing extensions. Therefore, every trip is by quotation once planned based on your choices and preferences as well as choice of accommodation.