Fishing licenses in Iceland — everything you need to know
Rod fishing is one of Iceland's most popular outdoor activities. To fish legally, you need a fishing license (veiðileyfi) — a permit that grants you the right to fish in a specific area on specific dates. Here's everything you need to know.
What is a fishing license?
A fishing license (veiðileyfi) is a permit for rod fishing in a specific river or lake in Iceland. Fishing associations (veiðifélög) and landowners issue licenses and determine the number of rods, pricing, and fishing times. Licenses can be:
- Day permits — one day at one area
- Multi-day permits — a week or several consecutive days
- Season permits — the entire fishing season (May–September)
Prices vary significantly depending on the type of fishing and area. Trout fishing is generally more affordable than salmon fishing.
What types of fishing are available?
Iceland offers four main types of rod fishing:
- Salmon fishing (laxveiði) — Atlantic salmon in rivers. The most prestigious and expensive. Season is typically June to September.
- Trout fishing (silungsveiði) — Brown trout in rivers and lakes. More affordable and accessible. Season May to September.
- Arctic char fishing (bleikjuveiði) — Arctic char in lakes and rivers, especially in the North and East.
- Sea trout fishing (sjóbirtingsveiði) — Sea trout in spring fishing, April to June.
How do I book a fishing license?
Until now, booking fishing licenses in Iceland has been complicated — you had to call fishing associations, send emails, or visit different websites to find availability.
veiðum.is changes this. On veiðum.is everything is in one place:
1. Search — Find areas by region, species, and price on the search page 2. Check the calendar — See real-time availability and prices for each day 3. Book instantly — Select dates, choose the number of rods, and pay securely 4. Get confirmation — Instant email confirmation, no waiting
This is the biggest difference between veiðum.is and other platforms — real-time availability and instant booking. No other platform in Iceland offers this.
How much does a fishing license cost?
| Type | Price range (day permit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trout fishing | 2,000 – 15,000 ISK | Most accessible, many areas |
| Arctic char | 3,000 – 10,000 ISK | Lakes in North and East |
| Sea trout | 5,000 – 20,000 ISK | Spring fishing, April–June |
| Salmon fishing | 15,000 – 100,000+ ISK | Most sought-after, limited supply |
Prices depend on the area, time period, and availability. On veiðum.is you always see the exact price before booking.
When is the fishing season?
| Period | Type | Months |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Sea trout, trout | April – June |
| Summer | Salmon, trout, char | June – August |
| Autumn | Trout, char | September |
Exact dates vary by area and species. Check rivers and lakes on veiðum.is for details on each area.
What do I need to bring?
- Fishing license — booked and paid in advance
- Rod and tackle — rod, reel, line, flies or lures
- Disinfection certificate — all gear used abroad must be disinfected
- Clothing — waterproof jacket and trousers, good footwear
Important: All fishing gear that has been used outside Iceland must be disinfected by an approved service provider. This protects Icelandic waters from disease.
Where do I find available areas?
Start on veiðum.is:
- Search — Search and filter by species, area, and price
- Map — See all areas on an interactive map of Iceland
- Rivers and lakes — Browse the full directory
If you're not sure where to start, try trout fishing — it's accessible, affordable, and a great way to begin.
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Are you a fishing association? Get in touch and list your licenses on veiðum.is — completely free to sign up.