East Ranga

The East Ranga is one of Iceland’s most sought after rivers and renowned for its high numbers of large multi-sea-winter fish. The river is broad and gentle by many standards, very well suited to Spey fishing and produces an average of 2500 landed salmon each year, with an average weight of 10- to 14-pounds. The river is also known for exceedingly steady flows of cold clear water making for a long highly productive season. Anglers stay at the full-service Aurora Lodge Hotel overlooking the river. Located in the middle of the river’s nine beats, it is an extremely comfortable base where guest share double occupancy rooms with attached baths, a full bar, fireplace and superb meals served in the main dining area.

Each day two guests will depart the lodge with their guide in 4x4 vehicles to access their allotted beat. All fishing will be done on foot either while wading or from the bank. Most pools are easy to reach and easy to fish for anglers of all physical abilities. The river is divided into nine beats spanning 22 kilometers. The river is broad and open by Icelandic standards and while it is a favorite for Spey anglers is it is also a pleasure for single-hand casters. The East Ranga is a very cold river with low rates of natural reproduction. This is the case in several famous Icelandic rivers and Iceland has become a leader in specialized hatchery programs where they release large cold-water tolerant smolt, most of which tend to return large after several winters at sea. With a large, impassible falls located at the upper end of their beats, the fish are a somewhat captive audience meaning that there is a good chance that all the pools you fish will be holding fish and some will holding a great many. Note that the harvest of fish is popular here and since these are not wild fish, it is in no way frowned upon. All fish over 70 cm will be placed in live boxes unharmed and used for hatchery propagation. Before Aug 20th, all fishing is catch and release only. Anglers tend to average 3-5 fish per person per day over the course of their season.  Guides are expert anglers and most speak excellent English.

Guide days are split into a morning and an evening session. Packages are based around four days of fishing with an evening session upon arrival, three full days, and a morning session on your day of departure.

Guests stay at the full-service Aurora Lodge Hotel which is a dedicated fishing lodge during salmon season and a sought-after small hotel renowned for its gorgeous views the rest of the year. The lodge complex is comprised of 10 buildings, all linked by a wooden walkway and veranda. There are two hot tubs as well as a small sauna. Guests are accommodated in compact, fully furnished rooms each with either twin or double bed and private bathrooms.

The main lodge building houses the kitchen and spacious dining and a living room filled with comfy leather chairs and sofas, and a full-service bar. The central hall has a tackle shop, reception, quieter seating and a fireplace with armchairs and a perfect view of the river and mountain vista. There is also a heated drying room for waders and coats etc, a full-service fish cleaning and storage facility, a barbecue area, and a fishing office where rods and guides meet before each fishing session.

Meals are served in the main dining area and are of the highest quality.

Day 1: Arrive Keflavik Airport, Iceland and overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 2: At 1 PM transfer approximately 1.5-hours by vehicle to the lodge, settle in, draw your beat and fish a guided evening session.

Days 3-5: Full days of fishing with morning and evening sessions.

Day 6: Morning session of guided fishing followed by lunch then transfer to Keflavik Airport for a departing flight or to Reykjavik for an overnight.

2025 Rate: Per person based on single occupancy (full rod)

4 night/4 day package: $8,580 to $12,935

Included: Accommodations and meals at Aurora Lodge Hotel, transfers to/from Reykjavik to the lodge, fishing permit for one rod, guiding (one guide to every 2 full rods), house wine and tap beer.

Not Included: Airfare, hotels and meals in Reykjavik, gratuities, flies and tackle

Species: Atlantic salmon

Season: June - September

Capacity: 12 anglers

What are the top reasons to go?

• Fish what many consider to be Iceland's quintessential Spey fishing river
• Enjoy great accommodations and thoughtfully prepared meals
• Experience a prolific salmon river with high catch rates of large fish
• Take advantage of easy wading and forgiving terrain
• Easy to reach from Reykjavik

Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers that enjoy sink-tip Spey fishing much like winter steelhead fishing.

Where is the lodge? The lodge is located approximately 2-hours southeast ofReykjavik.

How do I get there? To get to East Ranga guests will fly to Keflavik, Iceland (KEF) then rent a car and drive approximately 2-hours to the lodge. A shuttle to and from the lodge can be arranged for an additional fee.

When should I go? The season runs from late June to late August with late July and August being the prime salmon runs.

How will I fish? Guests will spey cast and wade fish using traditional step, cast, step methods using fast sinking tips and tube flies.

Is there wade fishing? Yes. All the fishing at East Ranga is wade fishing.

Where will I fish? Guests will fish approximately 22-kilometers of the East Ranga River. From an impassible waterfall to the junction of the Thvera River, there are nine beats on the that guests will rotate through. Beat 1 is just a few kilometers from the ocean while Beat 9 is under an impressive and beautiful waterfall.

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? From a few minutes to approximately a half-hour.

What type(s) of fish will I catch? Atlantic Salmon

How many fish will I catch? Catch rates will vary depending on the size of the salmon run and the time of year. Guests can expect to have at least one encounter every session, and 4 - 6 salmon landed in their 4-day rotation.

Will I see other anglers? The river access is private and controlled by the lodge. Guests will see other anglers on the river, but they will not see other anglers in their assigned beat for the session.

What are the guides like? The guides are all English speaking, experienced, safe, and patient.

What are the physical demands? The fishing schedule in Iceland can be tiring because of the long days of fishing. The wading is mostly easy with only one beat being slightly more difficult to wade.

Are there any special skills required? None really.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can provide loaner rods and reels for a fee, or equipment can be rented in Reykjavik. It is best for guests to bring their own rods, reels, waders, and boots.

What is your favorite setup for the trip? Our favorite set-up is a 13-foot, 8-weight Spey rod rigged with a Skagit head and various Skagit MOW tips. Guests may also fish a 7- or 9-weight rod if they prefer.

What are the options if water conditions become challenging? Weather is a factor in Iceland and it can change quickly, guests will often wait out the weather in the truck by the river or at the lodge. If the wind is blowing and guests do not want to fish their session they can choose to go into Selfoss to tour around or they can relax at the lodge.  

What is a typical day like?
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Morning session of fishing
2:00 PM: Lunch
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Afternoon session of fishing
8:30 PM – 9:15 PM: Drinks and appetizers at Aurora Lodge
9:15: Dinner

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The lodge is
well-appointed, stylish, and laid back. The lodge complex is comprised of 10
buildings, all linked by a wooden walkway and veranda, a pair of hot tubs and a
small sauna.

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? Yes. There is always a lodge manager on-site.

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals are taken in the lodge and are hearty and gourmet prepared by some of Iceland’s finest chefs.

What is the alcohol policy? House beer, wine and spirits are included in the package. If guests would like something special they are encouraged to bring it with them. Reserve wines are an extra charge.  

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?  The lodge sits abovet he middle part (Beats 5 & 4) of the East Ranga River, its elevated position offering a panoramic view of the river and the stunning snow-capped Mount Hekla. To the east of the lodge sits the Eyjarfjallajokull glacier and volcano, infamous for its 2010 eruption, and to the west the river plains reach out to the mountain range (and Reykjavik beyond.)

The lodge complex is comprised of 10 buildings, all linked by a wooden walkway and veranda, pair of hot tubs and a small sauna. Guests are accommodated in fully furnished rooms each with either twin or double bed and private bathroom. The main lodge building houses three elements. Firstly, the kitchen and spacious dining area where superb meals are served. Secondly, the living room filled with comfy leather chairs and sofas, and a full-service bar.Thirdly the central hall, with tackle shop, reception, quieter seating and at the end a double-height glazed wall with fire and armchairs and a perfect view of the river and mountain vista.

There is also a heated drying room for waders and coats, a full service fish cleaning and storage facility, a barbecue area, and a fishing office where rods and guides meet before each fishing session.

Is there internet and/or cell service? Yes. There is both cell service and wifi available at the lodge.

Are there other activities? There can be some touring opportunities, but this is a fishing lodge first and foremost.

Are there any other expenses? Guide and lodge staff gratuities, transfers fees for guests that do not want to drive to the lodge, and top shelf spirits and reserve wines.

Do I need a visa? No. Guests do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Not really. There can be some biting flies in the system and the weather can be unsettled anywhere in Iceland.  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.