Best fishing lakes in Iceland — overview and tips

Best fishing lakes in Iceland

Iceland is famous for its salmon rivers, but the lakes are equally rewarding. Across the country you'll find fishing lakes offering excellent rod fishing — from large trout lakes near the capital to remote Arctic char waters in the East.

Whether you're a beginner looking for an easy day trip or an experienced angler wanting to explore something new, there's a lake for you.

What species are found in Icelandic lakes?

Four main species inhabit Icelandic fishing lakes:

• Brown trout (urriði) — the most common lake species. Found in most still waters across the country.
• Arctic char (bleikja) — popular in northeast and highland lakes. Takes well on fly and bait.
• Sea trout (sjóbirtingur) — found in lakes near the coast, especially in spring.
• Salmon (lax) — caught in a few still waters, but more common in rivers.

On veiðum.is you can filter areas by species to find the right lake.

Þingvallavatn — the trophy trout lake

Þingvallavatn is Iceland's largest natural lake and one of its most famous fishing waters. It holds enormous brown trout — some over 10 kg — and Arctic char in two distinct forms (murta and silver char).

The lake is located at Þingvellir National Park, a short drive from Reykjavík, with easy access. The fishing is challenging but rewarding — Þingvallavatn is a dream destination for many anglers.

Lakes near Reykjavík

If you want a day-trip fishing lake near the capital, several options are available:

• Elliðavatn — in Heiðmörk nature reserve, less than 20 min from downtown. Brown trout and Arctic char. Great for families.
• Laugarvatn — a geothermal lake on the Golden Circle. Trout and char in a unique setting.
• Hlíðarvatn — about an hour's drive from Reykjavík, known for good Arctic char.
• Villingavatn — next to Þingvallavatn, brown trout up to 3.5 kg.

These lakes work well as day trips and most are available on the rivers and lakes directory.

Fishing lakes in North and East Iceland

Northeast Iceland and the Eastfjords offer the most diverse lake fishing in the country:

• Ljósavatn — a scenic lake in North Iceland with brown trout and Arctic char
• Vestmannsvatn — Arctic char lake in the northeast, peaceful surroundings
• Skriðuvatn — 35 km from Egilsstaðir, brown trout and Arctic char
• Mjóavatn — remote Arctic char spot in the Eastfjords

Many of these lakes are part of the Veiðikortið (fishing card) network and are ideal for road trip stops. Check the map to find lakes along your route.

What does lake fishing cost?

Lake fishing is generally more affordable than river fishing:

Prices vary by area and season. On veiðum.is you always see up-to-date pricing and real-time availability.

When is the best time to fish lakes?

• May–June: Spring fishing begins. Fish are hungry after winter. Great for trout and sea trout.
• July–August: Peak season. Most areas open with the widest selection. Long summer days.
• September: Autumn season. Large Arctic char in spawning colours. Less pressure.

Also read: Spring fishing 2026 — best trout areas in May

Tips for lake fishing

1. Watch the weather and wind Wind matters more on lakes than rivers. Strong wind makes casting harder but can push baitfish towards the shore, attracting larger fish.

2. Try different depths In lakes, fish can be at different depths depending on water temperature and season. Try both surface flies and nymphs/streamers at greater depths.

3. Remember disinfection If your gear has been used abroad, it must be disinfected. This is required by Icelandic law.

4. Check the rules Some lakes have specific rules about methods (e.g., fly-only) or species (e.g., release trout, keep char). Read the fishing regulations before you go.

Find your fishing lake

Browse all fishing areas on veiðum.is — rivers and lakes, with species info, pricing, and booking in one place. Use the search page to filter by lake, species, or region.

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