East Ranga

The East Ranga is one of Iceland’s most sought-after Atlantic salmon rivers, world-renowned for high catch rates and heavy multi-sea-winter fish averaging 14 pounds. Broad and gentle by Icelandic standards, the river runs cold and crystal-clear with exceptionally steady flows, making for a long, reliable, and highly productive season. Supported by a sophisticated smolt-release program and capped at its upper end by an impassable waterfall, the East Ranga creates a concentrated environment where nearly every pool holds solid numbers of returning salmon.

Anglers reside at the full-service Aurora Lodge Hotel, ideally situated along the middle stretch of the river’s nine beats. The lodge complex features two hot tubs, a sauna, a cozy fireplace lounge, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and river. With its welcoming atmosphere, top-tier culinary offerings, and seamless access to 22 kilometers of prime water, East Ranga offers the ultimate Icelandic salmon fishing trip.

Each morning and evening, two anglers head out with their private guide in a 4x4 vehicle to fish their allotted beat. The river spans 22 kilometers divided into nine distinct beats, offering wide-open casting channels perfectly suited for two-handed Spey rods, while remaining equally accessible for single-hand casters. Anglers average between 3 to 5 landed salmon per day over the course of the season. 

• Lower Beats (1–4): Wide, sweeping gravel runs and gentle currents closer to the river's lower reaches that fish exceptionally well throughout the season as fresh runs continually move upstream.
  
• Middle & Upper Beats (5–9): Classic holding water leading up to the impassable waterfall. Fish accumulate in high densities in these pools, creating ideal targets for fly anglers. 

Conservation & Harvest Policies: All Atlantic salmon over 70 cm are kept unharmed in live boxes for use in the river's hatchery propagation program. Harvest of smaller fish is permitted, though before August 20th, all fishing converts to strict catch-and-release. 

The Aurora Lodge Hotel consists of 10 timber buildings connected by covered wooden walkways and verandas. The lodge comfortably accommodates 8 to 16 anglers in compact, fully furnished rooms, each featuring twin or double beds and private en-suite bathrooms.

The main building serves as the central gathering place, featuring a spacious dining room, a full-service bar, and a living area furnished with leather sofas and a stone fireplace. Additional lodge amenities include a heated drying room for waders and outerwear, a full-service fish processing facility, an outdoor barbecue area, and a dedicated fishing office where anglers meet their guides before each session.

Day 1: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and transfer to Reykjavík for an overnight stay (organized independently). 

Day 2: At 1:00 PM, depart Reykjavík via a 1.5-hour ground transfer to the lodge. Settle in, draw your initial beat, and fish your first guided evening session. 

Days 3–4: Full days of guided fishing split into distinct morning and evening sessions, punctuated by lunch and relaxation at the lodge. 

Day 5: Fish a final guided morning session, enjoy lunch at the lodge, and transfer back to Keflavík Airport for an evening flight home or to Reykjavík for an additional night. 

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: 16 anglers 

Click below to visit our East Ranga Travel & Tackle Guide where you'll find a comprehensive page with all the details you'll need to get ready for your trip:

East Ranga Travel & Tackle Guide

Who is best suited to this destination?
Anglers who enjoy sink-tip Spey casting and swinging flies much like winter steelhead fishing will thrive here. The river is wide, open, and ideal for two-handed rods. Because the day is split into long morning and evening sessions, it can be physically demanding simply due to the total hours spent on the water, though the physical wading itself is forgiving. 

Where is the lodge?
The lodge sits above the middle beats of the East Ranga River, roughly two hours southeast of Reykjavík in southern Iceland. 

How do I get there?
Guests fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF). From the airport, most guests pick up a rental car and drive approximately two hours directly to the lodge. Private shuttles to and from the lodge can also be arranged for an additional fee. 

When should I go?
The season runs from late June through late August. Late July and August mark the peak of the salmon runs. 

How will I fish?
All fishing is done on foot by wading. Guests fish two per guide, rotating through assigned beats in 4x4 vehicles. The primary technique is swing-fishing fast-sinking tips and weighted tube flies using two-handed Spey rods, employing traditional step-down methods. 

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

Where will I fish?
Guests fish roughly 22 kilometers of the East Ranga River, stretching from an impassable upstream waterfall down to the confluence with the Þverá River. The water is divided into nine distinct beats. Beat 1 sits just a few kilometers from the ocean, while Beat 9 lies directly beneath the waterfall. 

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
Drive times from the lodge to the various beats range from a few minutes to approximately 30 minutes. 

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

How many fish will I catch?
Catch rates vary based on run timing and seasonal conditions, but East Ranga is one of the most prolific salmon rivers in the world. Anglers can generally expect to have at least one encounter per session and land multiple salmon over the course of their rotation. 

Will I see other anglers?
River access is private and strictly controlled by the lodge. You may see other anglers on neighboring beats, but you will have your assigned beat entirely to yourself and your partner during each session. 

What are the guides like?
The guides are experienced, safety-conscious, patient, and all speak fluent English. 

What are the physical demands?
The fishing schedule can be tiring due to the long daylight hours and split double sessions. However, the physical wading is mostly easy across stable gravel, with only one beat presenting slightly trickier wading. 

Are there any special skills required?
None required, though basic proficiency with a two-handed Spey rod and sink tips is helpful. 

Does the lodge provide equipment?
The lodge can provide loaner rods and reels for a fee, or gear can be rented in Reykjavík. However, guests are encouraged to bring their own rods, reels, waders, and boots. 

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
Our favorite setup is a 13-foot 8-weight Spey rod paired with a Skagit head and a variety of sinking tips (such as Skagit MOW tips). Anglers who prefer single-hand or switch setups can also fish 7- to 9-weight rods. 

• Rod: Sage R8 Spey 8130-4 (13'0" 8-weight) 
• Reel: Sage Thermo 9/11 Reel 
• Line: RIO Skagit Max Power 
• Tips: RIO InTouch Skagit MOW Tips (Heavy / Extra Heavy) 
• Leader: RIO Salmon/Steelhead Leader & Fluorocarbon Tippet 

What are the top flies?
Weighted tube flies are standard for East Ranga: 

• Blue and Black Peter (¾" to 1" tube) 
• Frances (¼" to ½" tungsten or copper in black, red, or orange) 
• Snælda (¼" to ½" tungsten or copper) 
• Friggi (½" to 1" in claret, black, purple, or chartreuse) 
• Monkey Tube (7 to 9 cm in black, yellow, or pink) 
• Cone Head Sunray Shadow or Collie Dog (5 to 9 cm) 
• Bismo (1" to 1½" tube) 
• Cone Head Frances Heavy (black and red) 

What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
Weather in Iceland changes rapidly. If conditions turn harsh, anglers can wait out temporary fronts in the guide truck by the river or return to the lodge. If high winds make fishing uncomfortable, guests can take a break to tour the nearby town of Selfoss or relax at the lodge. 

What is a typical day like? 

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast 
• 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Guided morning fishing session 
• 2:00 PM: Lunch at the lodge 
• 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Guided afternoon/evening fishing session 
• 8:30 PM – 9:15 PM: Cocktails and appetizers 
• 9:15 PM: Plated dinner 

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge?
The vibe is stylish, comfortable, and laid-back. The complex consists of 10 timber buildings connected by outdoor wooden walkways, featuring two hot tubs, a sauna, and expansive river views. 

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge?
Yes. A lodge manager is always on-site to oversee guest operations and hosting. 

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals are served in the main lodge dining room. They are hearty, gourmet offerings prepared by top Icelandic chefs utilizing fresh local ingredients. 

What is the alcohol policy?
House beer, wine, and spirits are included in the package. Guests wanting ultra-premium or specific liquors are welcome to bring them along or purchase reserve wines from the lodge list for an extra charge. 

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The lodge sits on a high bank above Beats 4 and 5, offering panoramic views of the river, snow-capped Mount Hekla, and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Guest rooms are compact, fully furnished, and feature private en-suite bathrooms with twin or double bedding. The main building houses the dining room, a lounge with leather seating and a full-service bar, a tackle shop, a double-height glass fireplace wall, a heated wader drying room, and a fish processing facility. 

Is there internet and/or cell service?
Yes. Both Wi-Fi and reliable cellular service are available at the lodge. 

Are there other activities?
While regional sight-seeing transfers can be arranged, East Ranga is primarily a dedicated fly-fishing lodge. 

Are there any other expenses?
Guide and lodge staff gratuities, road transfer fees (if not renting a car), top-shelf spirits, and reserve wines. 

Do I need a visa?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. 

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Not really. Biting midges can occasionally appear near the water, and weather can be unpredictable. 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.