Top 7 Reasons Steelheaders Should Visit Iceland

How do Atlantic salmon compare with steelhead? Well, that debate is fun and utterly inconclusive, as both fish provide great sport in great environments. And while fishing methodology varies slightly, the overlap in appeal is significant.

The following are my top 7 reasons why hardened steelheaders should give Icelandic salmon fishing a go:

1. Consistent Abundance 

While anadromous fish returns fluctuate worldwide, Iceland’s salmon runs tend to be relatively strong and consistent, especially when compared to steelhead returns in the Pacific Northwest. Rivers like the East Ranga and the West Ranga, which benefit from enhanced returns of big, bright salmon in the 10- to 17-pound range, often produce more than 3,000 landed fish per season, meaning the likelihood of visiting anglers getting into multiple quality fish is high.

2.Efficient Trip Structure 

Most Icelandic salmon fishing packages are offered in 3 or 4 day blocks, making them exceptionally time efficient. Typically, anglers fish for a half-day on the evening of arrival, followed by two or three full days (with morning and evening sessions and a mid-day break), and conclude with a final half-day before flying home. For those with tight schedules, no additional overnight stays are required, yet many anglers elect to overnight coming and going in Reykjavik to make the trip more leisurely. Additionally, many flights are available from the U.S., and they tend to be very reasonably priced. 

3. Extend Your Swing Fishing Season 

Many steelhead anglers concentrate their efforts in the fall and winter. Iceland, however, offers the chance to swing flies in mid-summer, with prime Atlantic salmon fishing occurring in June, July, and August. That means more time on the water and more opportunities to stay in rhythm during your off-season at home. 

4. Spey and Single-Hand Options 

Iceland offers a great variety for both Spey and single-hand anglers. Dedicated Spey fishers will find ideal conditions on rivers like the East and West Ranga. On rivers such as the Nordura, anglers can choose between single-hand and two-hand techniques. Many smaller, technical systems are perfect for stealthy single-hand fishing with a 6-weight rod and a floating line.  

5. Blow Out Resistant 

Due to the time of year, nature of the landscape, and relative lack of extractive industries, the rivers in Iceland are far less likely to blow out than most of the winter and fall steelhead systems. Low water conditions can be an issue, but warm water “hoot owl” style closures are not an issue.  

6. Share a Rod, Save on Costs 

Although flights to Iceland are affordable, the best dates on the best rivers are pricey by North American standards. To reduce costs, anglers can choose to "share a rod", meaning two anglers fish with one guide, alternating time on the water. This approach is especially enjoyable on smaller, more technical rivers with wild fish and can make for a fun and collaborative experience. Whether you share a rod or take a full rod yourself, the fishing days in Iceland are long and split. Guests fish a morning session and an evening session, punctuated by a midday meal and an optional but highly recommended siesta. This will enable you to be on the water during the best times, and it makes a short trip feel much longer and full of potential, as you will get to wader up and start with fresh expectations twice as many times as you would with a conventional full day schedule.  

7. Sea Trout  

Without question, Iceland's most unsung sportfishing resource is its anadromous brown trout known simply as seatrout. Battle Hill Lodge offers a unique and varied program to chase these special fish. A remarkable number of rivers are home to seatrout, but they have lived in the shadow of their evolutionary cousins, Atlantic salmon. They typically return later in the season, and they are often sizable. They are caught using a range of techniques, including swinging and dead drifting dries, and they can be fairly numerous. While they may not traditionally be the fish of kings, if I were forced to choose between a 12-pound Atlantic salmon and a 12-pound seatrout, I would be horribly torn, as they are both fantastic fish that I personally cannot get enough of.