East Ranga
Travel & Tackle Guide

Welcome to your Fly Water Travel trip guide. We’re excited to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure! Inside, you’ll find everything you need: your to-do list, travel logistics, destination notes, and a curated tackle guide tailored to your trip.

Getting Ready

We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.

To-Do List:

✓ Arrange flights to/from Keflavik Airport, Iceland

✓ Arrange rental car or shuttle to the lodge

✓ Arrange hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland if necessary

✓ Complete personal online guest registration form

East Ranga
Travel Guide

From how to get there and what documents you’ll need to tipping guidelines and destination details, this section covers the practical information to ensure smooth travels.

Getting to the Lodge:
To get to East Ranga guests need to fly to Keflavik Airport (KEF). Once in Keflavik guests will need to either rent a car and drive approximately two hours to the lodge or take a shuttle for a fee.

Some guests will choose to arrive one day early and overnight in Reykjavik.

Arrival Day:
Guests should arrive at the lodge by 2:30 PM. The first fishing session will start at 3:00 PM

Departure Day:
Guests will leave the lodge after their morning fishing session at approximately 1:30 PM.

Documentation Requirements:
To enter Iceland, all guests are required to have the following:

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your trip

Sterilization:
All used fishing equipment entering Iceland will have to be sterilized. The lodge will perform the sterilization upon arrival. If you are fishing independently before your trip and would like to have your equipment sterilized before entering Iceland, the government form will be provided in your packet.

Recommended Travel Agent:
Alicia Regueiro, Holdy Tours
1.800.446.1111
alicia@holdytours.com

International Airport Code: Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Servicing Airlines:

  • Icelandair
  • Delta Airlines
  • British Airways
  • United Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines
  • EasyJet


Driving Directions to East Ranga – Aurora Lodge:

East Ranga/Eystri Rangá
Stórólfshvoll
861 Hvolsvöllur
Iceland

1. Depart Keflavik Airport on Route 41 toward Reykjavik.
2. Turn Right onto Route 43 to Grindavik
3. In Grindavik turn Left onto Route 427. Stay on Route 427 to Þorlákshöfn
4. Merge onto Route 38.
5. Turn Right on Route 34 to Selfoss.
6. In Selfoss merge onto Route 1.
7. After passing through Hella and just past the Hotel Ranga, turn Left onto Eystri Rangá Veiðihú the Aurora Lodge will be on your right.

Currency and Travel Cash:
The Icelandic Krona (kr) is the official currency in Iceland however, many lodges, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions will accept U.S. Dollars ($), Euros (€), and Pound Sterling (£). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Iceland. Lodges prefer gratuities in USD, Euros, or Pound Sterling.

Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi:
Cell service is good throughout Iceland. Wi-Fi is available at the lodge.

Communications:
While traveling in Iceland we recommend using WhatsApp as this is the way most lodges and outfitters communicate. Texting through the app will allow you to keep in touch with the outfitter, friends, and family when connected to Wi-Fi.

Electrical Requirements:
A Type C adapter is needed throughout Iceland.

Power:
The lodge has 24-hour power.

Credit Cards:
The lodge accepts credit cards.

Credit Card Pin Number:
Guests should set up a pin number for their credit cards (yes credit cards) if planning to use them in Iceland. To pay for gas at the pump you will be asked for the pin number.

Gratuities:
The lodge and guides will accept gratuities in Pound Sterling, Euros, or USD. We recommend:

Guide Staff: £50 / €60 / $70 per rod, per day paid directly to the guide

Lodge Staff: £40 / €45 / $50 per guest, per night paid to the lodge manager to share amongst the lodge staff

Please note that this is only a guideline for guests interested in tipping the guides and the staff. All gratuities are up to the discretion of the individual guest.

Fishing Licenses:
Fishing licenses are included in your package.

Laundry:
Laundry is not available at the lodge

Water:
The water at all sinks is potable and quite good.

Beverages/Alcohol:
Soft drinks and house beer and wine are included. Hard alcohol is expensive in Iceland and many guests choose to stock up at the Duty Free upon entering the country.


Emergency Medical Assistance:
Most Icelandic towns have medical facilities. Major medical centers are in Reykjavik.

Recommended Medical Evacuation Carrier and Insurance Provider:
Global Rescue - https://partner.globalrescue.com/fwtravel/index.html

Keflavik International Airport to Reykjavik:
The international airport is approximately 1-hour (52 kilometers) outside of the city of Reykjavik. There are several options for transfers into the city:

Flybus:
The most popular option for travelers who do not rent a car. The Flybus will transfer guests to the central Reykjavik BSI Bus terminal. Guests can pay for Flybus + which will take guests to the BSI terminal then a smaller bus will transfer guests to a bus stop near their hotel. The Flybus can offer trips to the Blue Lagoon on the way to the city or to the airport.

Hopp Taxi:
This local app functions like Iceland's version of Uber. You can use the Hopp Taxi service to book rides, view upfront fare estimates, and track drivers in real-time. Hopp also offers e-scooters and car sharing.

Traditional Taxis:
Taxis are the most expensive option, but they are reliable and there are no stops or waiting.

Private Shuttle:
Flybus offers private shuttle services.

Lodge Shuttles:
Some lodges offer shuttles for a fee from the airport directly to the lodge. The lodge shuttles can be a great option for guests that are not touring.

Car Rental:
The most popular option for guests exploring out of the city.

Strætó Public Buses:
The public bus service called Strætó runs scheduled routes to and from Reykjavik. The 55 bus is the most affordable but longest travel option.

Recommended Reykjavik Hotels:
Hotel Holt
www.holt.is
Bergstaðastræti 37
101 Reykjavík
+354 552 5700

Sand Hotel
www.keahotels.is/sand-hotel
Laugavegur 34
101 Reykjavík
+354 519 8090

Apotek Hotel
www.keahotels.is/apotek-hotel
Austurstraeti 16
101 Reykjavik
+354 512 9000

Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel
www.icelandhotelcollectionbyberjaya.com
Mýrargata 2
101 Reykjavík
+354 444 4000

Recommended Reykjavik Restaurants:
3 Frakkar
www.3frakkar.is
Baldursgata 14
101 Reykjavik
+354 552 3939

Sjávargrillið
www.sjavargrillid.is
Skólavörðustígur 14
101 Reykjavik
+354 571 1100

KRÖST
https://krost.is
Laugavegur 107
105 Reykjavik
+354 519 7755

Lebowski Bar
https://lebowskibar.is/en
Laugavegur 20a,
101 Reykjavik
+354 552 2300

101 Reykjavik Street Food
https://101reykjavikstreetfood.is
Skólavörðustígur 8
101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Braud & Co
https://www.braudogco.is/
Frakkastígur 16
101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Authentic Icelandic Wool Apparel:
For authentic Iceland wool apparel made from Icelandic wool and knit by local artisans we recommend the Thingborg Wool Workshop outside of Selfoss.

Thingborg Wool Workshop
https://thingborg.is/
Gamla Þingborg
801 Selfoss, Iceland
+354 482 1027

East Ranga
Tackle Guide

Here you’ll find everything you need to be ready on the water. You’ll find our preferred setups, favorite flies, recommended packing list, and notes on tackle available at the lodge.

East Ranga Fishing Tackle Overview

East Ranga offers a limited fly shop with basic flies and tackle, though full rental equipment, including waders and boots, can be arranged for a fee. Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own gear.

For the river's Atlantic salmon, 12- to 14-foot Spey rods in 8- and 9-weights are the primary workhorses, designed to swing heavy flies and handle strong currents. Pair your rod with a reliable reel featuring a solid disc drag and room for 200 yards of 30-pound backing (though advanced anglers may also enjoy traditional click-and-pawl reels).

To reach fish holding deep, Skagit heads are required for sink tip fishing. Anglers will want a selection of sink tips from 10- to 15-feet in T8 - T14. For low-water conditions, 7- to 10-foot sinking leaders are essential, fished with 16- and 20-pound tippet spools.

Breathable chest waders paired with high-quality wading boots are essential for navigating East Ranga's cold waters and volcanic gravel banks. Both rubber-soled boots (ideally with carbide studs) and felt soles perform well on the river bottom, though rubber offers better traction along grassy, muddy banks. Be sure to pair them with warm thermal baselayers, as water temperatures remain chilly throughout the season

Finally, the vast majority of angling is done with ½-inch brass tube flies. While you can bring your own fly box, purchasing a few flies at the lodge shop is recommended, and the lodge can arrange a custom selection box waiting for you upon arrival for a fee.



East Ranga Primary Setup

A 12- to 14-foot, 8-weight Spey rod is your main workhorse on the East Ranga. You'll want a rod with plenty of backbone to punch heavy Skagit heads and weighted brass tubes into a stiff Icelandic wind, but enough feel through the blank to load deeply and swing flies comfortably through heavy salmon water all day.

1 6

East Ranga Secondary Setup

A 12- to 14-foot, 9-weight Spey rod gives you the extra muscle needed for high water and heavy river beats. It steps in when you're slinging larger brass tubes and fast-sinking tips, giving you the extra lifting power to turn over heavy rigs into a headwind and muscle big Atlantic salmon out of deep, pushy runs.

1 4


Support Your Local Fly Shop

If you need assistance with assembling your gear for your upcoming travels, we encourage you to support your local fly shop. This curated list of tackle is handpicked for your destination by our experts and can serve as your shopping list to get your ready for your next adventure. Find your local Far Bank dealer.

East Ranga

Most angling is done with tube flies with ½ inch brass tubes being the go-to. Flies are for sale at the lodge, and we recommend purchasing some there. The lodge can arrange a box of flies waiting for you when you arrive for a fee.

Some good options include:

  • Blue & Black Peter: ¾ to 1-inch tube
  • Frances: ¼ to ½-inch tungsten or copper (Black, Red, Orange)
  • Frances (Conehead Heavy): Black and Red
  • Snaelda: ¼ to ½-inch tungsten or copper (German, Franken)
  • Friggi: ½ to 1-inch tube (Claret, Black, Purple, Chartreuse)
  • Monkey Tube: 7 to 9 cm (Black, Yellow, Pink)
  • Sunray Shadow / Collie Dog: 5 to 9 cm (Conehead)
  • Bismo: 1 to 1½-inch tube

Feel free to call Fly Water Travel for assistance in putting together a selection of flies best suited to your trip.

Suggested Packing List

We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with thermal underwear, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodge is neat but casual.

Documents:
Passport, plane tickets, itinerary, fishing licenses, credit cards (with 4-digit PIN setup), cash (USD, EUR, or GBP), business cards

Waders/Boots:
Breathable chest waders are essential for wading. Felt-soled boots with cleats offer the best traction though rubber-soled boots with studs are also allowed. Be sure your waders and boots are clean and dry upon arrival in Iceland.

Socks:
Four pairs of wool or synthetic socks to wear under your waders. Two pairs of town socks.

Base layers:
One to two pairs of synthetic or merino wool long underwear (tops and bottoms) to wear beneath your waders. One mid-weight and one heavyweight. These can be worn alone or together depending on conditions.

Shirts:
Two or three long sleeve fishing shirts. One or two lodge shirts.

Pants:
One to two pairs of long pants

Shorts:
One pair of quick-dry shorts

Warm Layers:
One or two warm insulating layers. Down, synthetic or fleece mid layers are good options. Avoid cotton.

Warm Jacket:
One warm jacket

Rain Jacket and Pants:
One high quality rain jacket and one pair of rain pants

Gloves:
One pair of sun gloves and one pair of warm fishing gloves

Hats:
Two fishing/baseball hats. One warm cap.

Shoes:
One pair of sturdy walking shoes

Facial Sun Protection:
One “Buff” facial sun protector (good for bugs too)

Bug Dope and Head Net:
One bottle of insect repellent and one lightweight head net

Forceps
One long handle scissor-pliers/forceps (Dr. Slick 6.5-inch Scissor Clamp) for crimping barbs, releasing fish, and trimming tippet

Sunglasses:
One pair of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.

Sunscreen:
One bottle SPF 30+

Lip Balm:
One tube of SPF 30+ lip balm

Backpack:
One waterproof backpack or boat bag for day gear

Headlamp:
One small LED headlamp with batteries

Camera:
Camera with extra batteries

Toiletries Kit:
Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, razor, lotion, mini shampoo bottle, anti-inflammatory, sleep aid, earplugs, band aids, anti-bacterial ointment, antihistamines


Max Salzburg: Western Trout Destinations Manager

Max is Fly Water Travel's Destination Manager for Europe, New Zealand, and the trout fisheries of the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. The joke within Max's family is that he has always been a tour guide at heart who loves nothing more than traveling to new places and being a stranger in a strange land.

Contact Us