The Thvera (salmon)

One of Iceland's best salmon rivers, finest lodges and physically easy...

Thvera is the lower half of the Thvera/Kjarra river, which has a total catchment area of 482 km2 and runs into the glacial Hvita river about 20 km from the sea. It is one of Iceland's best rivers, often in the top three. It flows through easy canyons before dropping through meadowlands, meandering as it hits large rock formations. It is about as easy as any river in Iceland for physicaly demands. There are some pools when you can almost catch a fish from the car window! The fishing stretches to 26 km with 107 pools, with Little Thvera giving another 15 km of slower moving water.

Fishing

The river is fished by just 7 rods. The water is crystal clear, consequently small flies, riffled hitch and small skated collies work well. Although a small river, the best way to fish Thvera is using stealth and staying in one place, lengthening your line to fish the pool rather than walking it.

Accommodation

The luxurious lodge houses 13 en-suite rooms for the seven rods. The main sitting and dining area has a classic Scandinavian feel and is extremely spacious and comfortable. The lodge's Jacuzzi and sauna look down the river over the middle beats, the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.

Gear

We recommend a 7wt single-hander and 12ft double-hander with floating lines and a back-up sink-tip. 8, 10 and 12lb leader covers most situations with 15lbs on occasion. Chest waders are not vital but recommended, the same applies to a wading stick. A good selection of Icelandic flies is essential.

Ask The Expert

Tarquin Millington-Drake

Roddy Hall

Trip Specifics

The Thvera really does vary from beat to beat, each with new challenges and approaches. Two beats are mild canyon, the rest are majority freestone pools easily waded, often with distinct rock features. Located in the west of Iceland, Thvera is only 2 hrs 30 mins from Keflavik airport, 30-minutes from Borganes. Alternatively you can fly into Reykjavik airport by private jet, 1 hr 40 mins away. Thvera has proven itself to be very reliable, even in low water but its greatest appeal is the fine lodge and few rods and no sharing rooms for rod-sharers making for a very relaxed experience.

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.