Fly Fishing Iceland

The Battle Hill Fishery

Vatnamot means junction in Icelandic. Vatnamot is where the Fossalar, Geirlandsa, and Horgsa rivers meet the mighty Skafta. Each year, catch rates average 1,500 sea trout, one of the highest catch rates of sea-run browns anywhere in the world.
The Vatnamot fishery is mainly made up of sea trout, and the fish are famous for their size. Fish of 20 pounds and more are not uncommon. You’ll also target healthy numbers of Arctic char and salmon. The area is easily accessible for the most part, and it’s possible to drive right down to the river in the lowest section and fish from the bank. In the Upper part, you'll need to wade; it is not easy wading but very exciting. It's comparable to saltwater flats fishing as it is shallow with new daily pockets.
For this Three Rivers Package, the goal each week is that anglers have two days on each river, conditions permitting.

The Fishing Program

Two Seasons:  The Lodge has both a spring and fall season.
Spring Season:  April 16 - May 16. Sea-run browns remain strong after feeding in the rivers all winter. Fishing is on the Vatnamót and Geirlandsa rivers only.
Fall Season:  August 27 - October 20. Anglers rotate equally between the three rivers during the week. Sea-runs begin arriving in late July and continue through the close of the season.
Travel Time:  All fishing beats are within a 25-minute drive from the Lodge; many are within five to 10 minutes.
Guides:  Experienced, English-speaking guides. Two anglers per guide.
Fly Fishing Only:  Streamers and nymphs are effective. Both single- and double-handed rods are welcome, with opportunities to swing flies or nymph classic pools. Catch-and-release only.
Equipment:  No equipment or flies are supplied. A rental fee of $100 to $120 per person per day includes a rod, reel, line, waders, and boots. Anglers must disinfect any used equipment before fishing, but there is no fee for disinfecting at the Lodge. All flies must either be new or unused.
Fishing License:  Included in your package.
Environment:  Rivers flow through volcanic landscapes of glaciers, lava fields, and black sands. Anglers should use caution on wet sand and always wear a life vest.

Andy Chaffey with Geirlandsa Sea-Run Brown

Andy Chaffey with 34-inch sea-run brown from the Geirlandsa in 2023.

Guided Fishing Days

All fishing at Battle Hill Lodge is done while wading; no boats are used. Anglers spend their days on foot, casting into crystal-clear pools, runs, and river junctions that hold trophy sea-run brown trout, char, and salmon. The intimate, highly wadeable rivers allow for precise presentations with single- or double-handed rods. Hiking across lava fields, black sand, and gravel bars is part of the experience, with guides rotating anglers through prime beats each day. This traditional walk-and-wade approach rewards stealth, accurate casting, and the ability to read the water.

The Geirlandsa River

Geirlandsa River:  Believed to be the main spawning tributary of the Skaftá River, the Geirlandsa is often called the most beautiful sea trout river in Iceland. The river is roughly 14 miles (22 km) long and is home to two spectacular waterfalls—Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. There are good numbers of large sea-run browns, and Geirlandsa is also home to a decent number of Atlantic salmon.

The Fossalar River

Fossalar River is extremely beautiful and has diverse pools. It is about 15 km of water and is fished with a maximum of 5 rods. Fish the Fossalar with double-handed rods, swing flies, and nymphs.
Part of the Fossalar River is on UNESCO's natural heritage list and is a beautiful landscape. The roughly 9.5-mile (15 km) long fishery offers an amazing variety of pools and landscapes. The Fossalar is a challenging, hard-to-read river, which is why guides love to fish and guide it.

Battle Hill Lodge

About the Lodge

Battle Hill Lodge is a remodeled farmhouse with views of the Fossalar River, Brunahraun lava fields, and the Vatnajökull Glacier—Europe’s largest icecap, covering 8% of Iceland. The two-story lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in four double-occupancy and two single-occupancy rooms, with 2.5 shared bathrooms. The farmhouse is named for Viking Chief Hróars Tungugoði, who was killed nearby in the 10th century.
Meals:  Meals are served in the main dining room. Buffet-style breakfasts feature eggs, meats, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, and muesli. Lunches are taken to the river and typically include sandwiches, soup, fruit, and snacks. Evenings bring three-course dinners of hearty Icelandic fare—fresh seafood, lamb, produce, and homemade desserts.
Alcohol:  Alcohol is not included in the package. However, during the drive from the airport to the Lodge, your guide will stop so you can purchase the beverages you'd like for the trip. You may also buy duty-free alcohol upon arrival at Keflavik Airport.