Rivers and Lakes in Iceland

A scenic salmon river in East Iceland near Breiðdalsvík. Flows through one of the longest valleys in the east, offering a more intimate salmon fishing experience.

An eastern Iceland sea char river. A quiet stream offering peaceful fishing in the remote eastern fjords region.

A sea char river in the east fjords. Located near the charming village of Borgarfjörður eystri, known for its puffin colonies and hiking trails.

Small lakes in Skriðdalur on the east coast. Part of the Fishing Card system, offering Arctic char fishing in a quiet, remote eastern setting.

A massive glacier river from Vatnajökull transformed by a dam into a fishable salmon river. Extremely diverse with difficulty levels varying greatly between beats.

An east Iceland lake in the Breiðdalur valley, part of the Fishing Card system. Not to be confused with the Kleifarvatn near Reykjavik.

A long, narrow glacial lake near Egilsstaðir. Steeped in legend — said to be home to a mythical wyrm creature, records of which date back centuries.

An eastern Iceland Fishing Card lake. A narrow body of water ('mjó' means narrow) offering Arctic char fishing in the remote east.

Located at Jökuldalsheiði near the historic Sænautasel turf farm. A Fishing Card lake where Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness once stayed on his 1926 journey across Iceland.

An eastern Iceland river home to sea char and brown trout. Flows near Egilsstaðir, the main town of the east, making it conveniently accessible.

A 1.25 km² lake in Skriðdalur, East Iceland, 35 km from Egilsstaðir. Sits at 155 m above sea level. Brown trout and Arctic char are the main catch.

Despite being named after brown trout ('urriði'), this lake now only holds Arctic char. Best fishing is in spring when the ice has melted.

An eastern Iceland lake in the Fishing Card system. A tranquil fishing spot in the east fjords region.

One of the most beautiful rivers on the planet, coursing through the volcanic highland landscape with turquoise-tinged waters, dramatic canyons, and the towering Nefji waterfall. Home to ice-age brown trout and monster Arctic char averaging 3–4 lbs.

A mountain lake in the highlands, steps from the FishPartner Highlands Lodge. Offers char and trout fishing in a dramatic volcanic setting at the heart of Iceland's interior.

A highland river flowing through vast wilderness of mountains, deserts, lava fields, and canyons. Features over 30 different beats with brown trout averaging 2–5 lbs and specimens up to 10 lbs.

An area of 50+ crater lakes in the highlands, considered a fishing paradise. Home to Ísaldarurriði (ice-age trout), one of Europe's oldest trout species. Typical fish 5–6 lbs with specimens over 20 lbs caught annually.

A small trout stream in the Reykjavik area. One of several accessible fishing options for visitors staying in the capital.

One of the world's only salmon rivers running through a capital city. Located in the Elliðaárdalur valley in Reykjavik, managed by the Reykjavik Angling Club.

Nestled within the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve in Greater Reykjavik, one of the most accessible fishing locations in Iceland. Part of the Fishing Card system.

A deep, mysterious lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland's largest lake south of the mountain pass. Set in a stark lava landscape, it offers trout fishing in a dramatic, otherworldly setting.

A small river in the greater Reykjavik area, offering surprisingly good trout and char fishing just minutes from the city.

A lake in the greater Reykjavik area, part of the Fishing Card system. A convenient fishing option for those staying in the capital region.

A small lake in Garðabær, part of the greater Reykjavik area. One of the most urban fishing spots in Iceland, perfect for a quick angling session.

A peaceful lake in northeast Iceland, part of the Fishing Card system. Named after the eider duck, it offers Arctic char fishing amidst rich birdlife.

Located on Iceland's remote Melrakkaslétta peninsula, the northernmost point of the mainland. A wild and windswept lake offering Arctic char fishing in truly remote conditions.

A charming Arctic char river in northeast Iceland, part of the Veiðitorg permit system. Offers peaceful fishing in pristine highland waters.

A small but productive river in northeast Iceland available through Veiðitorg, offering charming Arctic char and brown trout fishing in an unspoiled natural setting.

A productive salmon river in northeast Iceland near Vopnafjörður. Known for reliable salmon runs in a wild and remote stretch of the Icelandic coast.

A lake in northeast Iceland included in the Fishing Card. Set in a lava landscape, offering Arctic char fishing in a unique geological setting.

Often called the 'Queen of Icelandic Rivers.' Legendary for producing Iceland's largest salmon, with fish exceeding 120 cm. The upper beats above the dam offer world-class brown trout fishing. Average ~1,600 salmon per year.

Flowing from Lake Mývatn, this is widely considered one of the world's finest brown trout rivers. A dream destination for all trout anglers, set amidst volcanic landscapes and incredible birdlife.

A unique spring-fed river flowing from Lake Skjálftavatn ('Earthquake Lake'). Allows five rods on the river and two on the lake, creating a low-pressure system renowned for crystal-clear sight-fishing and trophy brown trout.

A scenic lake in north Iceland included in the Fishing Card system. Offers good brown trout and Arctic char fishing in a peaceful northern landscape.

A productive tributary of Laxá í Aðaldal, offering excellent fishing for both salmon and brown trout. A relatively small river with varied conditions, served by a comfortable newly-built fishing lodge.

A fly fisher's dream surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot spots, and rich birdlife. One of the country's most iconic fishing lakes, about 45 miles from Akureyri.

Part of the Selá river lake system in northeast Iceland, included in the Fishing Card. Offers char and trout fishing in a pristine highland environment.

A scenic trout and char river in northeast Iceland, served by a homely lodge with four double bedrooms. Popular with visiting anglers seeking a quality northeast fishing experience.

A well-known salmon river in northeast Iceland, often producing impressive catches for its size. Runs through a scenic valley with good variety of pools and runs.

A secluded lake in northeast Iceland, part of the Fishing Card system. Known for its Arctic char population in a quiet, off-the-beaten-path location.

Primarily a sea char river with growing brown trout fishing. One of the newer rivers on Veiðitorg, flowing through the scenic Svarfaðardalur valley near the fishing town of Dalvík.

Often considered a miniature image of Laxá í Mývatnssveit. A beautiful trout river available through Veiðitorg, offering excellent brown trout and Arctic char fishing in the Bárðardalur valley.

A stunning sea trout river in north Iceland, about an 8-hour drive from Reykjavik. One of the country's premier sea trout destinations in a remote and pristine setting.

A lake in northeast Iceland included in the Fishing Card system. Offers Arctic char fishing in a tranquil setting surrounded by northern Icelandic countryside.

Widely considered one of Iceland's top salmon fisheries, famed for powerful multi-winter fish. Covers over 37 km with a vast array of water across 100+ named pools in dramatic scenery. Drains 1,003 km².

One of Iceland's most productive salmon rivers per rod, rivaling the famous Miðfjarðará. A smaller river offering intimate fishing with excellent returns relative to the number of rods.

A salmon river flowing into Hrútafjörður in northwest Iceland. A classic Icelandic river with wonderful cabin accommodation, designed for couples or families seeking a private fishing experience.

One of Iceland's most productive salmon rivers when measured by catch per rod. A smaller river in the northwest producing exceptional returns relative to its size.

Referred to as the 'Queen of the Rivers', this stunning gin-clear waterway offers over 100 km of fishable water. Known for producing exceptional numbers of salmon per rod, it's one of Iceland's most productive rivers.

A productive trout lake in northwest Iceland, part of the Fishing Card system. Set in rolling farmland near the town of Blöndós, offering accessible fishing for trout and char.

One of Iceland's most famous salmon rivers, renowned for the size of fish it produces. Flows over 40 km through a scenic valley in the northwest, producing 700–1,200 salmon per season.

Located between Blöndós and Laugarbakki, draining 1,130 km² of fertile land. Together with the tributary Fitjá, it offers 50 km of pristine water with 100+ pools. Averages ~1,000 salmon per year and also has a superb run of Arctic char.

One of Iceland's most sought-after rivers for beauty, convenience, and fish numbers. Features 26 km with 107 pools. Often ranks in the top three wild salmon rivers in Iceland.

A spring-fed river along the Golden Circle route, known for calm, crystal-clear waters. A haven for fly fishers targeting brown trout in a serene, easily accessible setting near Laugarvatn.

A small spring-fed river offering world-class Arctic char fishing in peaceful surroundings. Ideal for fly anglers of all levels looking for a private and rewarding experience.

One of Iceland's most prolific salmon rivers, consistently ranked among the top two nationally. Spring-fed, rarely out of condition, located in the shadow of Mt. Hekla. Over 3,000 salmon landed annually across eight beats.

Near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, renowned as one of the finest sea trout rivers in the world. The Battle Hill Lodge on its banks offers premium accommodation and world-class sea-run brown trout fishing.

A pair of lakes in South Iceland included in the Fishing Card. The western part of the eastern lake is open to cardholders, offering year-round fishing for brown trout and char.

A small lake an hour's drive from Reykjavik, known for excellent Arctic char fishing and good brown trout. Easily accessible by car with ample casting space.

One of the best Arctic char rivers in South Iceland, a renowned day-tour destination just 60 minutes from Reykjavik. Perfect for anglers of all levels.

A unique geothermal lake along the Golden Circle route where heat rises from the lake bed. Just an hour from Reykjavik, it offers both brown trout and Arctic char fishing in a scenic setting.

Iceland's largest freshwater river system by volume. The Sog section is one of the country's premier multi-species rivers, offering salmon, brown trout, and Arctic char in spectacular settings.

The east bank of Ölfusá river mouth, growing in popularity as an affordable sea trout destination. Proceeds from permit sales go to the local Björg rescue squad at Eyrarbakki.

A scenic tributary of the massive glacier river Ölfusá with over 40 km of fishable water. Known for powerful, trophy-sized salmon and crystal-clear water across four distinct beats.

Located in the Biskupstungur area, about two hours from Reykjavik. Known for large sea trout, this fly-fishing-only and catch-and-release river ensures excellent fish stocks year after year.

A picturesque lake near Þingvallavatn, accessible via the Fishing Card. Popular with families and casual anglers for brown trout and Arctic char in a tranquil, wooded setting.

A geothermal river near Hveragerði staying warm year-round, providing excellent feeding grounds for sea trout, brown trout, and char. Best fished after rain when the water has some color.

Sister river to the East Rangá, glacially spring-fed with constant flow and temperature. One of Iceland's most popular and productive salmon fisheries with excellent lodge facilities.

The dedicated trout beat on the West Rangá river, offering brown trout fishing alongside opportunities for Arctic char. A different experience from the famous salmon beats on the same river system.

A small lake adjacent to Þingvallavatn with brown trout up to 8 lbs. Fish eagerly take nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. Easily accessible by car with plenty of casting room.

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Iceland's largest natural lake (83 km²), located at the tectonic rift in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to legendary giant brown trout exceeding 30 lbs. Three freshwater species inhabit its gin-clear, spring-fed waters.

Iceland's longest river at 230 km, flowing from Vatnajökull glacier through the southern lowlands. A powerful glacial river ideal for net fishing with deep cultural and angling history.

A small but exclusive river with a good run of grilse and salmon, including fish in the 8–15 lb range. Typically booked in its entirety and fished by 4 rods.

A fabulous medium-sized Atlantic salmon river in the northwest, fishing 4–6 rods over 25 km. Features a recently renovated lodge with outstanding food. Well over 1,000 fish caught in recent seasons.

A jaw-droppingly beautiful, completely private river where just 3 rods enjoy fishing against a backdrop of heather and deep glacial valley. Its upper water is only accessible by foot.

A lake in West Iceland included in the Fishing Card system. Offers trout and char fishing in the scenic Borgarfjörður valley.

An intimate river with 27 pools over 12 km, averaging 250 fish per year. Only 3 rods available at a time, making it ideal for a small group or family fishing getaway.

One of the most spectacular Icelandic salmon rivers, sitting among the top 10 producers. A medium-sized river with 30 km of fishable water and 60 named pools. Annual catches range from 1,200–1,800 salmon.

A west Iceland lake included in the Fishing Card, located in the Haukadalur valley. Offers brown trout and Arctic char in a verdant western Iceland setting.

The newest addition to the Fishing Card system. A west Iceland lake offering fresh opportunities for trout and char fishing in a less-pressured environment.

A notable salmon river in West Iceland, part of the rich Borgarfjörður river system. Offers quality salmon fishing in a scenic western Iceland valley setting.

A top-10 producing Atlantic salmon river, running through a deep glacial valley. Just one hour from Reykjavik with 80+ named pools across 17 km.

A well-known salmon river near Reykjavik. Uniquely, it permits worm fishing alongside fly fishing. One of the most accessible salmon rivers for anglers based in the capital area.

Comfortably among Iceland's top 10 salmon rivers, originating at Holtavörðuheiði and flowing through Borgarfjörður alongside the Ring Road. Features three waterfalls: Laxfoss, Glanni, and Króksfoss. Delivers consistently high salmon catches every year.