Fishing in Iceland with Roxtons
The famous Vididalsa is regarded in fishing circles as one of the big fish rivers of Iceland. The sight fishing in Iceland for big fish is some of the most exciting in the world.
The Vididalsa is what can only be described as a classic fly water and one that any serious salmon fisherman will relish the prospect of casting a fly over.
Along with the amazing fishing and big salmon the lodge is equal to them both. If you are looking for fun and a relaxing fishing holiday, Vididalsa is the right place to visit.
250km from Reykjavik the river and its tributary, the Fitja, have over 100 named pools and around 25 miles of fishable water to just eight rods. The river is easy to fish and with a history of big fish it has been highly sought after for many years with only a few rods becoming available each season.
At the head of the river there is a stunning gorge which allows rods to view the fish before they quietly move into a casting position but in the lower stretch the river gently meanders down a wide valley which offers easy access to the pools.
The Fitja, a tributary treated as one beat in the rotation system, is more dramatic as the rocky bed produces many riffles that hold a good number of fish. Just as productive as the main river, this offers an alternative for the energetic guests.
The lodge has private room with bathroom to each rod, living room, dining room, bar and sauna, wader drying room.
All the services at the Vididalsa are high quality with a good lodge and great food. The dining room is spacious and the sitting room is cosy with comfortable couches and a fire place.
Rods
A Double handed rod 13 - 15ft, and 9-11 weight best suites the large Vididalsa.
Lines
Due to the cold nature of the Vididalsa and the slight discoloration of the water you should use an intermediate or sink tip line throughout the season.
Nylon
In the early part of the season (before 15th July) a leader of up to 20lbs may be needed when fishing some pools in high water on the big fish rivers. Generally a leader of 15lbs, or less in low water, is recommended and spools of 8lb, 10lb, 12lb and 15lb will cover most eventualities. We strongly suggest the use of clear leaders in the crystal clear water the dark brown leader looks like rope in an Icelandic river.
Flies
Below is a selection of the most popular flies that are used on the Vididalsa. However this is just a guide and please feel free to bring your own fly box and use your favorite flies.
- Pool Fly
- Arctic Runner
- Snaelda
- Willie Gunn
Most salmon are caught on 1" tubes.
Other items
In spite of the relatively mild climate, you should bring warm clothing and, most importantly, quality rainwear and a windcheater. Chest waders and wading shoes. Nicer clothes to wear for dinner.
These items will be very useful during your stay at the Vididalsa
- Life jacket
- Wading stick
- Wader repair kit
- Polarized sunglasses
- Forceps / clippers
- Tape measure
- Leader
- Waterproof bag for camera etc
- Day bag
- Hand and face moisturizer
Endless opportunities for non-angling Iceland visitors abound: horse riding, whale watching, river rafting, bird watching (by land or sea), and rock climbing.
Glacier tours, which offer snowmobiling and skiing, highland tours by jeep and/or horseback can also be arranged.
Season
June until the end of August.
Time difference from GMT
- 1 hour.
Electricity
The lodge operates on 220-volt, 50-cycle system. A Converter will be necessary for any electrical items that require a 110-volt, 60-cycle system. This is a two prong European style plug and fishermen from the UK will require an adapter.
Currency
Icelandic Krona but US$ are used in the lodges
Visa and Eurocard/Mastercard credit cards and Maestro and Visa Electron are accepted widely.
Tips
Whilst in Reykjavik, tips are not generally expected. If one is to visit a restaurant then a service charge will be included with your bill. On the river, tips are entirely at your discretion, however, most people like to give something to their guide and lodge staff. A guideline of $30 to $40 a day for the guide and $8 to $12 per day for the lodge staff is recommended.
Visa Requirements
Citizens from the European Economic Area (comprising the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein), US and Canada need only a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of arrival to enter Iceland for up to six months.
Medical Requirements
Although at present no inoculations are required for travel to Iceland please consult your doctor prior to your trip. It is essential that you carry any personal medicines that you might require.
Insects
On a few rivers there are biting insects but generally they are not a problem. You will not need a mosquito veil but a bottle of repellent would be worth packing.
Tackle Disinfection
Iceland has always been free of diseases like UDN and Gyrodactylus salaris and we intend to keep it that way. There is a strict policy of visiting anglers having their tackle sterilized before coming to Iceland. This should be done in a 2% formaldehyde solution for 10 minutes and performed by a veterinary surgeon. (Tackle sterilized in Virkon S is also acceptable.) A signed inventory of what has been sterilized should be provided by the vet for presentation to the customs officers at Keflavik airport. The most important items to be treated are: rods, reel/line, waders and flies.
The process can be carried out by staff at Keflavik airport. The office is located at the far side of the baggage reclaim hall, downstairs in the airport. Just notify one of the personnel in the area that you need your tackle disinfected and they will have a member of the staff come and complete the process.
Flights leave from London Heathrow to Keflavik and leave daily with Iceland Air.
The international airport of Iceland is Keflavik, which is situated about 45km west of Reykjavik. You will be met at the airport by your driver. You will then be taken either to your hotel in Reykjavik, or directly to the river according to your itinerary.
Enquire now
Call one of our consultants to book now:
+44 (0)1488 689 788
Or alternatively fill in this short enquiry form and we'll get back to you shortly:
Our View
A classic Icelandic river but one that offers the opportunity for bigger fish than many of the country's rivers.
Price Guide
Prices start from £5,380 per person excluding international flights. Rod-share from £3,500 per person.
Availability
Please contact us regarding availability for this venue
