Hofsa, Iceland
With spectacular fly water, strong fighting fish and outstanding scenery, the Hofsa is one of Iceland’s most prestigious and famous rivers.
The Hofsa is a river steeped in history and frequented by royalty. Situated in a stunning location in the North East of Iceland, just south of Vopnafjordur, the Hofsa is famous for some of the best fly water salmon pools in Iceland.
Set in an area of magnificent beauty and impressive terrain, which contributes to the diversity of fly water and fishable pools on offer, the Hofsa is an ideal location for a fisherman at least once in his lifetime. The length of the river is 27km and there are 83 pools for the seven rods. The river also has a large number of multi sea winter salmon.
The Hofsa offers some of the most amazing fly water of any river in Iceland. The fishing is varied throughout the river with the top canyon offering visual fishing to fast drawing pools with plenty of underwater structure and smooth flowing gravel runs. As with many Icelandic salmon rivers, the well-known pools are fished almost exclusively but at Hofsa there are a number of runs and pools that are worth exploring for fish that have seen less flies.
The fishing is 100% catch and release, floating lines, no flies larger than size 10, no weighted flies or sinking lines and four fish per session or eight fish per rod per day. Most of the pools are easily accessed and only the top canyon requires a hike to get to but it is truly worth it.
With dramatic scenery, a spectacular waterfall and a run of strong fighting fish, to experience this amazing river should be on everyone’s bucket list.
To see a video of the Hofsa please click here.
Accommodation
The lodge on the Hofsa is modern and comfortable. Sitting to the north of the river, about a mile and a half from the sea, the commanding location overlooks the river and offers a warm welcome after an exhilarating day of fishing.
The chef is typically Icelandic and creates superb dishes using local produce, all served in the dining room that overlooks the river. The en-suite rooms are very comfortable and the whole lodge gives off a feeling of tradition and history sat on the edge of a truly magnificent Icelandic river.
