I recently returned from a week in Iceland. This was repayment for a hosted trip for Icelanders 
in Idaho, two years ago. I think I may be back in debt.
We fished three large lakes including Lake Thingvellir. This large spring fed lake remains steady at 44 degrees F. You wade on the top ends of columnar basalt. The depth can vary drastically. Luckily, the water’s crystal clear and foot placement apparent.
There are large brown trout inhabiting this lake. I’m talking fish approaching 40”. It’s a night fishery. You fish the “gloaming”, onwards. I was told that these were fish of a thousand casts. I think I got in 250 casts. No fish but interesting water.
Next we fished the River Sog which is the outlet of Lake Thingvellir. A large river (5,000cfs?) but absolutely clear and a constant 44 degrees F. We took several Arctic char to 24” - strong fish in a strong river. Size 12 zebra midge under an indicator was the ticket. Wind is a constant companion in Iceland. At times, casting can be futile.
We finished the trip on the River Holaá, both it’s lake source and the outlet. Good fishing for Arctic char nymph under indicator. The Icelanders kill most fish harvested. It’s an act that’s a bit alien to me, but while in Rome…
My host was able to show me several of the tourist hot spots before departing. It was a great trip but fishing was hard in cold, wet and windy conditions. Fishing in the summer would allay these challenges. However, as salmon start returning, attention turns to this specie and cost for river access sky rockets.
in Idaho, two years ago. I think I may be back in debt.We fished three large lakes including Lake Thingvellir. This large spring fed lake remains steady at 44 degrees F. You wade on the top ends of columnar basalt. The depth can vary drastically. Luckily, the water’s crystal clear and foot placement apparent.
There are large brown trout inhabiting this lake. I’m talking fish approaching 40”. It’s a night fishery. You fish the “gloaming”, onwards. I was told that these were fish of a thousand casts. I think I got in 250 casts. No fish but interesting water.
Next we fished the River Sog which is the outlet of Lake Thingvellir. A large river (5,000cfs?) but absolutely clear and a constant 44 degrees F. We took several Arctic char to 24” - strong fish in a strong river. Size 12 zebra midge under an indicator was the ticket. Wind is a constant companion in Iceland. At times, casting can be futile.
We finished the trip on the River Holaá, both it’s lake source and the outlet. Good fishing for Arctic char nymph under indicator. The Icelanders kill most fish harvested. It’s an act that’s a bit alien to me, but while in Rome…
My host was able to show me several of the tourist hot spots before departing. It was a great trip but fishing was hard in cold, wet and windy conditions. Fishing in the summer would allay these challenges. However, as salmon start returning, attention turns to this specie and cost for river access sky rockets.
