Iceland

Battle Hill Lodge

Species
Sea-run brown trout, brown trout
Destination Type
Luxury Lodge
Fishing Style
Private Waters, Spey, Wading
Season
April - May, August - October
Fishing Days
6
Rate
$$$
Why We Go
  • Fish for large wild seatrout in Iceland 
  • Experience three distinct and productive rivers 
  • Fish with experienced professional, local and international guides 
  • Fish with a wide range of techniques ranging from Spey to Euro nymphing 
  • Enjoy a simple, unpretentious lodge with great meals made from local ingredients 
Overview

When most anglers think of Iceland, they think of Atlantic salmon first, resident brown trout next, and finally about char. Until the advent of Battle Hill Lodge, we were in the same boat and had no idea that Iceland offered a truly world class sea-run brown option. Battel Hill’s program is exactly that and offers angler access to three brilliant rivers, all of which have strong returns of large fish and all of which offer a unique angling experience. With a large, braided river ideal for Spey fishing, a mid-sized river suited to both Spey and single-hand fishing, and small river ideal for single-hand fishing, guest will get to employ a wide range of tactics as they target fish in the five to p 20-pound class. Additionally, guests are likely to encounter Atlantic salmon, resident brown trout and char. The lodge is staffed by an international crew of seasoned guides, and offers a sincere and unpretentious lodging experience best suited to serious anglers.

Fishing Program

Battle Hill Lodge fishes three primary rivers. The Vatnamót is a very large, shallow, sand-bottomed glacial river where two-handed rods are employed. The Geirlandsá is a medium sized river that runs through spectacular landscapes and canyons and the Fossálar is a small river that runs through grassy meadows and rugged lava fields. Accordingly, guests will employ a wide range of techniques to get the most out each system. Guests should expect to use two handed Spey rods in some instances and a range of single hand techniques ranging from stripping streamers, fishing dry flies and even Euro nymphing select seams and pockets. Guests will typically fish two per guide, but single guiding is available for an up-charge. All fishing is done while wading.

Accommodations

The lodge is an old two-story farmhouse that was recently renovated. They have six guest bedrooms. Four rooms are doubles with twin beds and there are two single rooms as well. All the rooms share three bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen, sitting room and large garden and veranda. The rooms are European style, meaning on the small side by US standards, but comfortable and offer all the standard amenities.

Meals are served in the lodge’s main dining area. Fabi Trochine, the lodge manager, is also the chef and a native of Argentina. Her meals can be described as Icelandic/Argentinean fusion. Dining is not a Michaelin experience, but they are delicious, hearty, and healthy. She uses the best available local ingredients including lots of fresh local produce, char from the highland lakes, cod/haddock fresh from the coast, and local lamb which is an Icelandic staple. Chicken, pork, beef also served regularly. Fabi is also an excellent baker and usually whips up some delicious cakes or pastries for dessert.

Breakfasts are served buffets style and include cereals, yogurt, bread, eggs, and bacon. Lunch is usually served on riverside and consists of sandwiches, salad/pasta/soup, fruits, chocolate bars, coffee, and tea.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up in Reykjavik at approximately 10:00 AM / Transfer to the lodge arriving at approximately 2:00 / After a light lunch go fishing

Day 2 – 6: Full days of guided fishing

Day 7: Morning session of guided fishing / Depart lodge for Reykjavik at approximately 2:00 PM

Rates & Details

2025 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

  • 6 night/5 day package: $6,900 - $8,500 depending on time of year

Included: Accommodations, meals, transfer from/to Reykjavik, fishing license and access fees, non-alcoholic beverages, guided fishing

Not Included: International airfare, transfer from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, fishing equipment, flies, alcohol, staff and guide gratuities

Species: Sea-run brown trout, brown trout

Season: April – May and August – October

Capacity: 10 anglers

Fly Water Q&A

Who is best suited to this destination? 
This trip is best suited to serious fly anglers who enjoy both Spey and single hand fishing for large anadromous fish.  

Where is the lodge? 
The lodge is located 20 minutes outside of the small town of Kirkjubæjarklaustur in southern Iceland and 

3 hours from the Capital Reykjavík and 3.5 hours from Keflavik Airport. 

How do I get there? 
Guests will fly to Keflavík International Airport (sometimes referred to as Reykjavík Airport). Direct flights are available from most major US cities. It is roughly a 5.5-hour flight from New York.  

Once in Keflavik guests will need to meet the shuttle in Reykjavik or for an extra fee a Fish Partner representative will pick you up at the airport and drive them 3.5-hours to the lodge.   

When should I go? 
April-May is the spring season, August-October the fall season. 

How will I fish? 
One of the most interesting aspects of this trip is the wide range of water types. Accordingly, they employ a wide range of techniques. Guests should expect to use two handed Spey rods in some instances and a range of single hand techniques ranging from stripping streamers, fishing dry flies and even Euro nymphing select seams and pockets. Guests will typically fish two per guide, but single guiding is available for an up-charge. All fishing is done while wading.  

Is there wade fishing?
Yes, this destination is 100% wade fishing a good deal of walking is required.  

Where will I fish? 
Battle Hill Lodge fishes three primary rivers. The Vatnamót is a very large shallow sand bottom glacial river where two-handed rods are employed. The Geirlandsá is a medium-sized river that runs through some spectacular landscapes and canyons. The Fossálar is a small river that runs through grassy meadows and rugged lava fields. 

At times the lodge also fishes a few other rivers depending on time of year and conditions.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
All of the beats are within 25 minutes of the lodge and some are considerably closer. 

What type(s) of fish will I catch?
This trip focuses on wild sea-run brown trout in the 5- to 20-pound class. The river also has Atlantic salmon, resident brown trout and both resident and sea-run Arctic char.  

How many fish will I catch?
Guests typically catch 2-5 seatrout each day.  

Will I see other anglers?
No. The only other anglers will be guests of the lodge and you will not overlap with them on the water.  

What are the guides like?
The guides are a combination of Icelandic and international fly fishing professionals. They are highly skilled and speak fluent English.  

What are the physical demands?
The wading and access is relatively easy on both Geirlandsá and Fossálar. On the Vatnamót the wading is more challenging due to soft sandy bottom structure.  

Are there any special skills required?
Being competent with both single handed and double handed rods is very helpful. Some of the smaller systems are rather technical and reward skill and experience.  

Does the lodge provide equipment?
Rental gear is available and there is a small fly shop with terminal tackle on location. 

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
With so many water types a wide range of tackle can be effectively employed but if we had to pick two set-ups they would be as follows: 

Spey: 12-13 ft. 7-weight with matching Skagit and Scandi heads. 

Single hand: 9.5-10 ft 7 weight with a floating in or and interchangeable versi-tip line.  

What are the top flies?
Small rubber legged nymphs, bead-headed Euro nymphs, a wide range of Atlantic salmon tubes, skaters, zonkers and wolly buggers.  

What is a typical day like?
Breakfast is served at 8 AM and guests head out to fish at 9 AM. Lunch is served streamside, and the fishing day ends at 6 PM. Dinner is served at 8 PM. Depending on conditions, the schedule might shift to enable night fishing if water conditions are unusually low and warm.  

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The lodge is a casual, inviting camp. The rooms are European style, meaning on the small side by US standards, but comfortable and offer all the standard amenities.  

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
Fabi Trochine is the Lodge Manager and is almost always at the lodge. She’s an experienced host and chef having worked at lodges in Chile, Norway and Iceland.  

Jerome Saunders is the Head Guide and can assist guests with any guide-related questions. 

Owners Kristján Páll and Sindri Hlíðar are in and out of the lodge most of the season checking on guests. 

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are served in the lodge’s main dining area. Fabi Trochine, the lodge manager, is also the chef and a native of Argentina. Her meals can be described as Icelandic/Argentinean fusion. Dining is not a Michaelin experience, but they are delicious, hearty, and healthy. She uses the best available local ingredients including lots of fresh local produce, char from the highland lakes, cod/haddock fresh from the coast, and local lamb which is an Icelandic staple. Chicken, pork, beef also served regularly.  Fabi is also an excellent baker and usually whips up some delicious cakes or pastries for dessert. 

Breakfasts are served buffets style and include cereals, yogurt, bread, eggs, and bacon. 

Lunch is usually served on riverside and consists of sandwiches, salad/pasta/soup, fruits, chocolate bars, coffee, and tea. 

What is the alcohol policy?
Alcohol is not included but they have a small selection of wine and beer available for purchase at the lodge. Guest are welcome to bring their own alcohol or spirits. 

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The lodge is an old two-story farmhouse that was recently renovated. They have six guest bedrooms. Four rooms are doubles with twin beds and there are two single rooms as well. All the rooms share three bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen, sitting room and large garden and veranda. 

Is there internet and/or cell service?
Wi-Fi is available at the lodge. Cell service is good in most of the region. 

Are there other activities?
No. This is more of a hardcore fishing lodge. They offer wing shooting after August 20th for those interested in cast and blast. 

Are there any other expenses?
Gratuities and alcohol not included. A small selection of beer and wine is available for purchase at the lodge. Guests are welcome to bring their own spirits. Rental gear, flies and other tackle purchases are not included.  

Do I need a visa?
No, a visa is not required for stays less than 90 days.  

  • Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country.  
  • You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.  
  • For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page. 

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? 
No. We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.