Earlier this month I had the pleasure of visiting northeast Iceland to spend a few days exploring four of the country’s finest Atlantic salmon rivers – the Hofsá, Sela, Miðfjarðará (Mio) and Hafralónsá. As part of the Six Rivers Foundation, these remarkable fisheries are renowned not only for their exceptional salmon fishing but also for their commitment to conservation and preserving Iceland’s unique wild salmon stocks for generations to come.

Reykjavik

My journey began with a flight into Reykjavik, where I was met by the owner of the excellent transfer company that we use throughout the season. The evening started with cocktails at The Roof at the Reykjavik Edition Hotel, which offers wonderful views across the city, before dinner at The Fish Company. The food was exceptional, and I would highly recommend a visit if you are staying overnight in Reykjavik.

I stayed at the Skuggi Hotel, which proved to be extremely comfortable, well located and an ideal base before an early start the following morning.

Flying to the Northeast

The next day I took an early morning flight from Reykjavik’s Domestic Airport to Egilsstaðir. The flight takes just under an hour, and on a clear day the views across Iceland’s vast glaciers and dramatic landscapes are simply breath taking.

After collecting a hire car, I made the scenic one hour and forty-five-minute drive north to the Hofsá Lodge.

Hofsá

The Hofsá immediately lived up to its reputation. The lodge is warm, welcoming and run by an excellent team of experienced guides whose enthusiasm for the river is infectious.

The river itself looked magnificent. Despite warm temperatures and bright sunshine, fish were passing through the counter in encouraging numbers, with plenty of fresh bars of silver already being landed.

Excitingly, the existing lodge is due to be replaced over the next two years with a stunning new lodge further upstream in an incredible location, making what is already one of Iceland’s premier salmon rivers even more special.

Sela

From the Hofsá, I travelled on to the Sela.

The lodge is simply beautiful. Its large veranda overlooks the river, and the constant sound of flowing water creates an atmosphere of complete tranquillity. I could quite happily have spent hours sitting there simply watching the river pass by.

Inside, the lodge is tastefully furnished, with an inviting central fireplace creating a wonderfully cosy sitting area. The impressive dining table enjoys uninterrupted views over the river, making every meal a memorable experience.

The hospitality and cuisine are second to none, and, as with all of the Six Rivers Foundation fisheries, every rod benefits from its own private guide, ensuring guests make the very most of every opportunity on the water.

Mio (Miðfjarðará)

Next on the itinerary was the Miðfjarðará, affectionately known as the Mio.

Although it is a two-rod river, the lodge feels wonderfully indulgent, offering four beautifully appointed bedrooms, generous dining table and several comfortable seating areas in which to relax after fishing.

The river itself flows directly past the lodge, creating an unforgettable setting. It is an intimate and incredibly picturesque fishery, offering a very different experience to some of Iceland’s larger rivers while maintaining the same exceptional standards.

Hafralónsá

My final river visit was to the Hafralónsá, a river with a long-standing association with Roxtons and one that has long been a favourite amongst our clients.

Having now seen it for myself, I completely understand why.

The setting is spectacular, with crystal-clear water flowing through dramatic canyons and untouched wilderness. It is, however, a river that rewards those who enjoy a more adventurous style of fishing. You should be reasonably fit and confident with wading, with access to some pools involving steep paths and careful footing.

A brand-new lodge is currently under construction and has been positioned in what can only be described as a perfect location, overlooking one of the river’s magnificent canyon sections.

Conservation at its Heart

Although my visit was necessarily brief, it provided an invaluable opportunity to experience four of Iceland’s finest salmon rivers and, perhaps more importantly, to learn more about the outstanding conservation work being undertaken by the Six Rivers Foundation.

Their mission is to protect, restore and preserve wilderness areas, working with local communities to develop small-scale, sustainable tourism to fund direct conversation research. As a result, they aim to maximise the Salmon population and its surrounding habitat, ensuring these remarkable rivers can continue to thrive. To learn more about this fantastic organisation, visit https://www.thesixriversfoundation.com/iceland/.

Final Thoughts

This may have been a whistle-stop tour, but it was one that left a lasting impression. Each river has its own unique character, every lodge offers exceptional comfort and hospitality, and the guiding throughout is of the very highest standard.

For anyone considering an Atlantic salmon fishing holiday in Iceland, these rivers deserve to be at the very top of the list.

For further information about the Hofsá, Sela, Miðfjarðará (Mio) or Hafralónsá, please contact Louise Laycock at louise@roxtons.com.