IFG Árnes Lodge

Árnes Lodge is a comfortable fishing lodge in North Iceland offering access to the upper trout beats of the Laxá í Aðaldal, one of Iceland’s most famous river systems. Located about an hour from Akureyri and near the coastal town of Húsavík, the lodge sits in the scenic Aðaldalur valley where the river flows north toward Skjálfandi Bay.

The program centers around fishing for wild Brown Trout on the upper reaches of the “Big Laxá,” a fertile river known for its rich insect life and healthy trout populations. While the lower river is famous for Atlantic Salmon, the waters fished from Árnes are managed primarily as a trout fishery, though a few salmon are encountered each season. With a small number of anglers each week and comfortable lodge accommodations, Árnes offers a relaxed Iceland experience built around classic river fishing and dramatic northern landscapes.

Who It’s For

• Trout anglers

• Small groups, larger groups, or solo travelers

When To Go

The Árnes Lodge season on the upper Laxá í Aðaldal runs from early April through late September. Early in the season, the first warm weeks often produce excellent fishing as trout become active after winter, with nymphs and streamers typically most effective. As summer progresses, insect activity increases and dry fly fishing becomes more consistent, particularly from June through August. September can offer excellent fishing as well, with larger trout often responding well to streamer patterns.

 

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are the primary focus on the upper Laxá í Aðaldal and are found throughout the beats fished from Árnes Lodge. Fed by the nutrient-rich outflow of Lake Mývatn, this section of the river supports an exceptionally productive ecosystem and healthy populations of wild trout. The average fish measures around 49 cm (just over 19 inches), with trout in the 60–65 cm (24–26 inch) range caught regularly and fish around or over 70 cm (28 inches) landed each season. Dry flies, emergers, nymphs, and streamers can all be effective depending on conditions.

 

Equipment

Most anglers fish single-handed rods in the 5 to 7-weight range, with a 6-weight being the most versatile choice for the river’s larger trout and variable conditions. Floating lines and standard trout leaders are typically used, with dry flies, emergers, nymphs, and small streamers all effective depending on conditions. Waders and sturdy wading boots are recommended, as the fishing is done on foot.

Itinerary

Day 1: From Home to Keflavík

Your trip to Árnes Lodge begins with an international flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Upon arrival, you’ll take a pre-arranged shuttle to a hotel in Reykjavik (approximately 1-hour drive), where you will spend one night.

Day 2: From Reykjavik to Árnes Lodge

The next morning, you’ll take a shuttle to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV), where you’ll board a short 45-minute flight to Akureyri Airport (AEY). Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by an IFG representative and transferred to Árnes Lodge (approximately 1-hour drive). After settling in, you’ll receive a welcome briefing over lunch before heading out for an afternoon fishing session.

Days 3 - 4: The Fishing Days

Each fishing day begins with an early breakfast before departing the lodge with your guide around 7:30am. By about 1pm, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and a few hours of rest. The evening fishing session typically runs from about 4pm to 10pm, depending on the time of year and conditions. Dinner is served at the lodge around 10:30pm each evening.

Day 5: From Árnes Lodge to Reykjavik

Your final day at Árnes begins with breakfast, followed by a half-day fishing session with your guide. After fishing, you’ll transfer by vehicle (approximately 1 hour) to Akureyri Airport (AEY), where you will board your domestic flight to Reykjavík Domestic Airport (RKV). Upon arrival in Reykjavik, you’ll take a shuttle for approximately 1 hour to Keflavik, where you will spend one night in a pre-arranged hotel.

Day 6: From Keflavik to Home

The next morning, you’ll transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF), where you will board your international flight home.

Note: Many anglers choose to combine multiple Iceland Fishing Guide lodges and fisheries into a single trip. Because of this, standard IFG lodge stays are often shorter, typically two to three days of fishing at each property. Custom itineraries can easily be arranged depending on your goals, preferred species, and availability, allowing you to experience several different rivers and fisheries during the same visit to Iceland.

Lodging

Accommodations

Árnes Lodge is a comfortable riverside lodge set in the Aðaldalur valley overlooking the Laxá í Aðaldal. The lodge features four spacious double bedrooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom. Guests share a large living area and dining space, creating a relaxed setting to unwind between fishing sessions. An outdoor hot tub overlooks the surrounding valley, providing a classic Icelandic way to relax after a day on the river.

Food

Dining at Árnes Lodge is hearty and straightforward, designed to keep anglers well fueled for full days on the river. Fully catered packages include daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared and served at the lodge. Breakfast is enjoyed before the morning fishing session and generally includes eggs, toast, fruit, and fresh coffee.

Lunch is usually served during the midday break and offers a chance to relax and recharge before returning to the water. Meals may include soups, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and fresh bread.

Dinner is served in the evening after fishing concludes and is typically a two-course meal featuring a starter and main course or a main course and dessert. Meals often include a mix of traditional Icelandic dishes and familiar international fare, served in a relaxed communal setting where anglers gather to recount the day’s fishing.

The lodge does not operate a bar, so guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages to enjoy during their stay. Many anglers choose to purchase wine, spirits, or beer duty-free upon arrival in Iceland.

 

Connectivity

Complimentary WiFi is available at Árnes Lodge, allowing guests to check email or stay in touch with family during their stay. While the service is generally reliable, connection speeds may vary due to the lodge’s remote location in northern Iceland.

Cell service is limited or unavailable in the immediate lodge area, so guests should plan to rely on WiFi for communication while on the property.

Rates

2026 Fishing Packages

Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge, and our rates are the same as booking directly with the lodge. Please contact us directly for current availability for your preferred travel dates.

Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Pricing for this program is listed in Icelandic Króna (ISK). All invoices will be issued in U.S. Dollars based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time payments are processed. Contact us for the most current pricing. 

 

Single Occupancy (Per Person)

3 Nights / 3 Days = ISK 727,300 (Approximately USD $6,000)

6 Nights / 6 Days = ISK 1,379,400 (Approximately USD $11,100)

Double Occupancy (Per Person)

3 Nights / 3 Days = ISK 490,200 (Approximately USD $4,000)

6 Nights / 6 Days = ISK 942,900 (Approximately USD $7,600)

 

What’s Included:

• Accommodations at Reykjadalsá Lodge

• Guided fishing (2 anglers per guide)

• All meals at the lodge

• Fishing permits on multiple sections of Big Laxa

• Ground transfers between Akureyri Airport and the lodge

• Taxes

• Disinfection of fishing gear

What’s Not Included:

• International and domestic airfare

• Airport transfers between Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and Reykjavik

• Overnight accommodations in Reykjavik

• Alcoholic beverages at the lodge

• Gratuities for guides and lodge staff

• Any personal purchases at the lodge

FAQ

What skill level is required for this trip?

Árnes Lodge is well-suited for anglers with a range of experience levels. The upper Laxá is a large but approachable river, and anglers with solid basic fly casting skills will be able to fish it effectively. More experienced anglers will appreciate the technical aspects of presenting small flies during insect hatches.

What species can I expect to catch during the week?

Brown Trout are the primary species targeted on the upper Laxá. The river supports healthy populations of wild trout with a strong average size. Atlantic Salmon occasionally reach the upper beats later in the season, and a few are landed each year, but the program is focused on trout fishing.

Is the fishing primarily wade fishing or from boats?

Fishing on the upper Laxá is entirely walk-and-wade. The river features broad runs, gravel bars, and grassy banks that allow anglers to cover water effectively on foot.

What fly rods and tackle should I bring?

Most anglers fish single-handed rods in the 5 to 7-weight range, with a 6-weight being the most versatile choice. Floating lines are typically used, along with dry flies, emergers, nymphs, and small streamers, depending on conditions. Trident provides a detailed packing and tackle list after booking.

Do I need to bring my own flies?

Yes. Anglers should plan to bring their own flies and terminal tackle for the trip. Trident provides a recommended fly list after booking to help anglers prepare for the conditions on the Laxá.

Do I need to disinfect my fishing gear before entering Iceland?

Yes. Iceland requires all visiting anglers to disinfect their fishing gear before it can be used in local waters. This can be done before travel with certification from a professional service, or more commonly upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport.

How physically demanding is the fishing?

Fishing the upper Laxá is more physically demanding than some other Iceland programs due to the river’s larger size and broader runs. Anglers should expect to spend long periods wading and covering water on foot. Guests should be comfortable wading for extended periods and generally be confident, capable waders.

What is the weather like during the fishing season?

The weather in northern Iceland can change quickly. During the summer fishing season, temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s °F. Rain and wind are common at times, so layered clothing and quality rain gear are recommended.

Is tipping customary in Iceland?

Tipping is not as deeply ingrained in Icelandic culture as it is in North America, but gratuities for guides and lodge staff are customary for visiting anglers. Tips are given at the guest’s discretion and are typically presented in cash at the end of the trip. Trident provides customary gratuity guidelines in our pre-trip materials upon booking.

 

What happens if I’m injured during the trip, and should I purchase travel insurance?

Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.