IFG Reykjadalsá Lodge

Reykjadalsá Lodge is a small, comfortable fishing lodge in North Iceland offering access to roughly 35 kilometers of private water on the Reykjadalsá River. Located about 45 minutes from Akureyri, the river flows through the Reykjadalur valley before joining the famous Laxá í Aðaldal system, creating a scenic and varied fishery in one of Iceland’s most productive trout regions.

The program centers around fishing for wild Brown Trout, with Atlantic Salmon and Arctic Char also present during the season. With limited anglers each week and a recently renovated lodge, Reykjadalsá offers a relaxed and intimate Iceland experience built around classic river fishing and beautiful northern landscapes.

 

Who It’s For

• Trout anglers
• Multi-species anglers
• Dry fly enthusiasts
• Small groups or pairs
  

 

When To Go

The Reykjadalsá season runs from early April through late September. Early in the season, the focus is primarily on Brown Trout, with nymphs and streamers often productive as water temperatures begin to warm. By late spring and early summer, insect activity increases, and dry fly fishing becomes more consistent. Atlantic Salmon typically begin entering the river in early summer, with the best chances for targeting them from mid July through September as more fish move into the system and become increasingly aggressive later in the season. Arctic Char are most commonly encountered from mid-summer into early fall.

 

Brown Trout

Brown Trout are the primary focus on the Reykjadalsá and are found throughout the river. The system holds healthy numbers of wild fish, with trout averaging around two pounds and larger fish landed each season. Dry fly fishing can be excellent, particularly during the summer months when insect activity increases, though nymphs and streamers are also effective depending on conditions.

 

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon enter the Reykjadalsá beginning in early summer and provide an additional opportunity alongside the river’s trout fishing. Most fish are in the 4 to 10 pound range, though the river regularly produces multi-sea-winter fish as part of the larger Laxá system. Salmon over 90 cm are landed most seasons. Salmon are typically targeted with small wet flies, nymphs, or riffle hitch presentations depending on conditions.

 

Arctic Char

Arctic Char are present in the Reykjadalsá and are most commonly encountered from mid-summer into early fall as fish move into the river from nearby lakes. While not the primary focus of the program, they provide a welcome bonus alongside the trout and salmon fishing and are typically caught while fishing nymphs or dry flies.

 

Equipment

Most anglers fish single-handed rods in the 4 to 6 weight range for trout and char, with floating lines and standard trout leaders. For Atlantic Salmon, a 6 to 8-weight single-handed rod is typically sufficient, paired with floating lines and small salmon flies or tube flies. Waders and good wading boots are recommended, as the majority of the fishing is done on foot.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: From Home to Keflavík

Your trip to Reykjadalsá 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 Reykjadalsá 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 Reykjadalsá 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 Reykjadalsá Lodge to Reykjavik

Your final day at Reykjadalsá 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

Reykjadalsá Lodge is a comfortable, recently renovated lodge located close to the river in North Iceland. The lodge accommodates up to eight anglers in four double rooms, each with a private ensuite bathroom. Guests can relax in the spacious living and dining areas after a day on the water, and the lodge also features a drying room for waders and gear. Meals can be arranged as a fully catered program or on a self-catered basis, depending on the package.

 

Food

Dining at Reykjadalsá Lodge is simple, hearty, and designed to keep anglers well fueled for long days on the river. Fully catered packages include daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared and served at the lodge. Breakfast is typically enjoyed before the morning fishing session and may include items such as eggs, bacon, toast, oatmeal, yogurt, and fresh coffee.

Lunch is usually served during the midday break and often features warming and filling dishes such as soups, pasta, sandwiches, and fresh bread. These meals provide a chance to relax and recharge before heading back out for the afternoon fishing session.

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 cuisine and familiar international dishes, served in a relaxed communal setting where anglers and guides 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 Reykjadalsá 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. Pricing for IFG Reykjadalsá Lodge varies by week and season throughout the fishing calendar. Please contact us directly for current availability and detailed pricing for your preferred travel dates.

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.

 

Double Occupancy / Shared Guide (Per Angler)

3 Nights / 3 Days = Starting at ISK 727,200 (Approximately USD $6,000)

 

What’s Included:

• Accommodations at Reykjadalsá Lodge
• Guided fishing (2 anglers per guide)
• All meals at the lodge
• Fishing permits
• Ground transfers between Akureyri Airport and the lodge
• Taxes
  

 

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?

Reykjadalsá is well-suited for anglers with a range of experience levels. Experienced fly anglers will appreciate the technical nature of the river, particularly when targeting trout and salmon with dry flies or small presentations. At the same time, the manageable size of the river and relatively short casting distances make it approachable for anglers with solid basic fly casting skills.

 

How many anglers fish the river each week?

Reykjadalsá Lodge accommodates up to eight guests each week. Fishing is typically organized with four rods on the river at a time, with anglers rotating through different fishing sessions during the day. This system keeps rod pressure low and ensures plenty of water for each group.

 

How many anglers fish per guide?

Guided fishing is generally arranged on a two anglers per guide basis. Guides rotate anglers through different sections of the river during the day to provide access to a variety of water.

 

What species can I expect to catch during the week?

The Reykjadalsá is a multi-species fishery. Brown Trout are present throughout the river and are the primary focus for much of the season. Atlantic Salmon begin entering the river in early summer and are typically targeted from mid-July through August. Arctic Char are also present in the system and are most often encountered during the summer months.

 

Is the fishing primarily wade fishing or from boats?

Fishing on the Reykjadalsá is walk and wade. The river is relatively small and easy to cover on foot, allowing anglers to move between pools, runs, and riffles throughout the day.

 

What fly rods and tackle should I bring?

Most anglers bring a 4 to 6-weight single-handed rod for Brown Trout and Arctic Char, along with a 6 to 8-weight single-handed rod for Atlantic Salmon. Floating lines are used most often, paired with standard trout leaders or small salmon flies, depending on the target species. 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 upon booking to help anglers prepare for the conditions and target species on the Reykjadalsá.

 

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?

The fishing is moderately active but manageable for most anglers in reasonable physical condition. Guests should expect to walk along riverbanks and across uneven terrain while covering water with their guide, though distances are generally short.

 

What is the weather like during the fishing season?

The weather in northern Iceland can change quickly. During the main 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.