Breiðdalsá River

Breiddalsa river is a very beautiful medium/big size river on the east coast of Iceland. It is situated around 600 kilometers from Reykjavik. Most anglers fishing Breiddalsa fly to Egilstadir that takes just under an hour and then there is a beautiful one hour drive to Breiddalsa.

Breiddalsa is fished with six-eight rods and the river carries them easily. The pools in Breiddalsa are rather big for Icelandic standards and double handed rods are mostly used but this is no tube fishing. The salmon here also likes to go to the surface and bomb your fly while it skates over the pool.

Over the years a smolt releasing programme has been in operation on Breiddalsa river, but natural stock of the river has also been on the way up due to habitat improvement and increased spawning. And we have for the programme used mostly MSW salmon, pairing together big fish hoping that the MSW genes will dominate. It seems to be working as over the last few seasons the river has gained a reputation for producing large fish on a regular basis. The 2010 season saw several 20 lb+ fish landed, most of which were retained and used as broodstock. Last season was the same, the river sported one of the countries highest average weights.

Most of the anglers that visit the river don‘t just come to Breiddalsa for the fishing. All this takes place in a valley of stunning beauty, which is hemmed in by lofty, craggy mountains. The river is very beautiful and versatile with different pools and characteristics so anglers need to adapt their style of fishing in almost every pool.

The average catch in Breiddalsa last 11 years are 510 salmons but the average has been in a steady rise. Last few years the average is close to 800 salmons with 2010 as a record year 1178 salmons were caught. The fishing lodge in Breiddalsa is without a doubt one of the best if not the best in Iceland. Its spectacular beauty leaves you to wonder why not all the lodges are like this. The atmosphere is very relaxed and all accommodations first class.

For more info, email us at anglers.is