The River Blanda

The Blanda River features long, calm glides, classic freestone pools, and dramatic canyon water.

The Blanda is one of Iceland’s top Atlantic salmon fisheries and one of its longest river systems. Historically difficult to fish due to glacial sediment, the river transformed after the dam (37 miles upstream) was constructed in 1991. Today, the lower river runs with a beautiful turquoise clarity, creating ideal salmon fishing conditions throughout the summer.
The river features long, calm glides, classic freestone pools, and dramatic canyon water. Wading is moderate in the lower sections and becomes easier as you move upstream. Both double-handed and single-handed rods are suitable depending on the type of beat and water.
Strict catch-and-release management has preserved a strong, healthy salmon population, with an impressive percentage of multi-winter fish—renowned for their strength and stamina.
Lodge Season: June 1 - mid-August
• Early Season (Trout & Char): June 1 – 25
• Prime Overlap (Trout & Salmon): June 25 – July 15
• Peak Season (Salmon): July 15 – August 15

The Fishing Program

Flyfish for browns, char, and Atlantic salmon with Fish Partners in Iceland.

Guides: Professional English-speaking guides.
Methods: Fly-fishing-only. Strict catch-and-release for all species.
Fishing Equipment: No equipment is provided. You can rent equipment at the Lodge or bring your own double-handed rods 13-15' #8-10, single-handed rod 9-10' #7-8, floating lines, sink tips, large arbor reels with a strong brake. All used equipment must be disinfected–the Lodge provides this service for free. Plan to bring new flies, as fly materials may react to disinfectants.
Rental Package: A rental package is available for $110 per person per day, which includes a rod, reel, line, waders, and boots. A detailed packing list is in our confirmation packet.
Flies: Flies are not included and can be purchased at the Lodge. Classic salmon patterns such as Sunray Shadow, Frances, Snaelda, Friggi, Bismo, and Haugur are available in a variety of sizes and weights.
Fishing License: A license is included in the package.
Weather: It can be both warm and cold in Iceland, so wool/fleece layers are recommended.

Flyfish for Atlantic Salmon in Iceland on the Blanda River with Fish Partner.

The Blanda fishing program spans numerous beats and is limited to just 34 anglers per day, creating a diverse, well-balanced, and low-pressure fishing experience.
Salmon season begins in early June on the lower river. Target trout in June on the tidal beat and upper sections. Salmon runs build steadily, peaking in July and early August when the entire river is in full operation.
Travel Time: Plan on a 5- to 40-minute drive from the Lodge to most beats, including the upper sections of Svarta trout water and Blanda Beat 4. The Highlands is a one-hour and 15-minute drive each way and is the only beat that you'll take a sack lunch and not return to the Lodge for a chef-prepared meal. Guides provide daily transportation to the fishing beats.
Beat O: The river mouth of the Blanda is fished on both banks in the town of Blönduós. The main species are sea trout and sea run char. Beat O's peak season is June through July.
Beat 1: The main salmon beat on the river is known for high catch rates. Fish stack here before moving upstream past the waterfall and fish ladder. Fished with four rods—two per bank. Some hiking down cliffs is involved for this beat. Salmon fishing runs from June 5 to early August.
Beat 2: Wide valley water with easy access and minimal walking. Many holding spots, especially where Svarta joins the Blanda. Classic salmon pools with excellent wading. Best fished with a double-handed rod, but it can also be floated and fished from a boat (cataraft). Best from July through early August.
Beat 3: A diverse beat combining meadow water and canyon sections. Fished with three rods. The upper canyon section may be floated, offering a spectacular and productive day on the river. Excellent trout and char fishing from June through August. Prime salmon mid-July through August.
The Northern Highlands Beat: The Northern Highlands of Iceland are the tributaries of the river Blanda. This is a vast river system of seven rivers and many lakes. The rivers and lakes hold brown trout and Arctic char that can grow very big. Peak season is August for the Highlands. It requires a one-hour and 15-minute drive each way from the Lodge. It is the only beat where you’ll take a packed lunch with you and not return to the Lodge for lunch.

Flyfish for Atlantic salmon on the Blanda River with Fish Partners in northern Iceland.

A Typical Fishing Day
You're guided a minimum of 8 hours per day, depending on travel time.
7:00 a.m. - Enjoy a buffet-style breakfast.
8:00 a.m. - You’ll head out to fish.
1:00 p.m. - Return to the Lodge for lunch.
1:30 p.m. - Lunch at the Lodge.
3:00 p.m. - Head back out to fish for the afternoon.
8:00 p.m. - Return to the Lodge.
9:30 p.m. - Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner.
The fishing here is best suited to anglers in good physical condition, as some beats require strenuous hiking, walking over uneven terrain, and periods of heavier wading.

Blanda - Beat 4 - (Optional Add-On): Beat 4 (canyon water) is not included in the standard rotation at Long Valley Lodge, but can be added to your itinerary for an additional fee. Located on the uppermost section of the Blanda River, this beat flows through a striking canyon setting, offering a more remote and scenic experience. Access is limited, and fishing requires a fair amount of walking over uneven, often slippery rocks, making it best suited for anglers comfortable with more rugged terrain. The primary species for Beat 4 are Atlantic salmon and brown trout, with peak conditions from mid-July through August. Pricing for this add-on varies throughout the season. If you are interested, we'll contact the outfitter for you.
Svarta Salmon Beat - (Optional Add-On): The Svarta Beat is not part of the regular rotation at Long Valley Lodge, but it can be purchased as an add-on. The salmon beat in Svarta runs through a scenic valley before it joins Blanda. The upper part of the Svarta is home to brown trout, sea trout, arctic char, and sea-run char. The river splits further upstream into two rivers--the Fossá and upper Svarta, and both hold fish. Target brown trout, sea trout, Arctic char, and sea-run char. It is a gin-clear river with peak season from mid-July through August. Pricing for this add-on varies throughout the season. If you are interested, we'll contact the outfitter for you.

Float trips are available for an added fee with Fish Partners at Long Valley Lodge in northern Iceland.

Float Trips: A float day may be added for $410 per day (up to two anglers) on the following beats: Blanda Beat 2 Lower, Blanda Beat 2 Upper, and Blanda Beat 3. Access to Beat 4 (upper canyon water) is limited and offered as a custom-priced add-on.

Blanda – Beat 2 (Lower Section)
Beat 2 (Lower) is one of the Blanda’s primary trout and Arctic char beats, offering consistent action throughout the season. Brown trout here can reach up to 25 inches, while Arctic char are commonly in the 20+ inch range.
While salmon are present, this section is not known for strong holding water, making trout and char the primary targets. Beat 2 fishes well from May through August, and it is one of the few sections of the river that can be effectively fished from a boat, offering a unique float fishing option in addition to wading.

Long Valley Lodge

The modern full-service lodge features:
• Views of the River Blanda
• 12 double en-suite rooms
• Expansive deck overlooking the valley
• Sauna and hot tub
• International cuisine
• Comfortable lounge and dining areas
World-class salmon fishing paired with refined accommodations makes this one of Iceland’s premier angling experiences.

Meals and Beverages

Long Valley Lodge in Iceland provides chef-prepared meals. You'll return each day to the Lodge for lunch.

Meals: You'll enjoy three chef-prepared meals at the Lodge, including three-course dinners and homemade desserts. The cuisine is simple and satisfying.
Alcohol: Alcohol is not included in the package. It is for sale at the Lodge. However, during the drive from the airport to the Lodge, your guide can stop at a Vinbudin (government liquor store) to purchase beer, wine, or spirits for your stay.
Communications: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Lodge. Cell phones work in Iceland, provided you have an international calling plan; verify with your provider.

Bedrooms - Twin or Double Beds

Long Valley Lodge has 12 bedrooms with a twin or double bed and a private bathroom with a shower.

Bedrooms: All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower.

Living Room - Great Room

The comfortable great room at Long Valley Lodge in Iceland has river and mountain views.

The comfortable great room area has river and mountain views.

Hot Tub with Mountain Views

The hot tub at Long Valley Lodge has mountain views.

The Blanda River

Getting to the Lodge:

You will fly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located approximately 31 miles from Reykjavík (pronounced Ray-ka-vik), Iceland’s capital and largest city. You'll stay at a hotel near the airport. The following morning, the lodge shuttle will pick you up at the hotel you are staying at. The drive to the Lodge takes about 3.5 hours.
Due to early flight arrival times and the lodge shuttle operating on a fixed schedule, Fish Partner recommends spending two nights in Reykjavik—one before your trip begins and one after it ends. (If you prefer to travel to the lodge on the same day as your arrival in Reykjavik without an overnight stay, you must be ready at the airport for pickup at 10:00 a.m.)
Please note that your fishing package does not include hotel accommodations, meals, or ground transfers in Reykjavik. A list of recommended hotels is provided in your confirmation packet.
Departure Day: After a morning session of fishing, you'll return to the Lodge for lunch. Guests typically depart the Lodge at 2:00 p.m. for the 3.5-hour drive to Reykjavik.

Rates and Details

Lodge Season: June 1 - August 15.

Two Anglers per Room and Guide
Rates are per person:

Trout and Char:
Season: June 1-25
7 nts / 7 days guided fishing $9,530
6 nts / 6 days guided fishing $8,310
5 nts / 5 days guided fishing $7,200
4 nts / 4 days guided fishing $5,880
3 nts / 3 days guided fishing $4,660
2 nts / 2 days guided fishing $3,440

Prime Overlap - Trout and Salmon:
Season: June 25 - July 15
7 nts / 7 days guided fishing $11,660
6 nts / 6 days guided fishing $10,140
5 nts / 5 days guided fishing $8,610
4 nts / 4 days guided fishing $7,080
3 nts / 3 days guided fishing $5,560
2 nts / 2 days guided fishing $4,030

Peak Salmon Fishing:
Season: July 15 – August 15
7 nts / 7 days guided fishing $13,820
6 nts / 6 days guided fishing $11,970
5 nts / 5 days guided fishing $10,140
4 nts / 4 days guided fishing $8,300
3 nts / 3 days guided fishing $6,460
2 nts / 2 days guided fishing $4,630

Single-occupancy room rates and one angler-per-guide rates are also available.

Non-Anglers are $250 per night - and include meals and RT ground transfers between Reykjavík and the Lodge.

The Packages Include:

• Ground transfers between Reykjavik and the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Icelandic fishing license
• Lodging at Long Valley Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Non-alcoholic beverages at the Lodge
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• VAT (Value Added Tax).

The Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare to and from Reykjavik, Iceland
• Optional lodging, meals, and ground transfers in Reykjavik
• Fishing equipment and terminal tackle
• Optional Beat 3 Float Trip, $410 per day for two anglers
• Optional fishing equipment rental, $110 per day
• Optional excursions
• Flies are for sale at the Lodge.
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for the guides and staff
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.

FISH PARTNER'S POLICIES:

Deposit Policy: A deposit of 50% per package is required at booking to secure the reservation. Full payment is required 90 days prior to the trip.

Cancellation Policy: Notice of cancellation must be sent by email. A refund can only be made if the trip is re-sold. Canceled bookings may be resold at a discounted price, and the refund will be discounted accordingly. Fish Partner reserves the right to take a commission for resold bookings and advises you to buy travel cancellation insurance and travel insurance.

Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes trip cancellation coverage and Global Rescue (medical evacuation coverage). Visit our Travel Insurance page.

Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit Card: A 2.5% convenience fee applies for all credit card transactions.
2.) Check: Please include your invoice number in the memo.
Mail checks to Fishing with Larry
P.O. Box 419
Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer: Send money electronically. Typical fees are approximately $15–$30 for domestic transfers and $45–$50 for international transfers.
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
4. Please review our Travel Terms & Disclaimers prior to submitting your deposit.