Before there was volcano tourism and Björk, Iceland was a destination for fishermen. When Eric Clapton and Harrison Ford have had enough of fame and fortune, they got away from it all in the lakes and rivers of Iceland.
With its cold, pristine waters free of industrial pollution, Iceland’s fishing spots are an ideal habitat for wild fish. Because these waters are so precious, he country takes sustainable fishing practices very seriously with some internationally acclaimed stock management programs. These programs actually give fishermen a great chance at an outstanding catch (so you can back up your fish stories with pictures).
Fishermen can appreciate Iceland’s vast unspoiled wilderness, but they also enjoy the creature comforts provided at a number of facilities. And while some sportsmen used to complain about the price of fishing licenses, with the currency drop it has never been a better bargain to bring your rod and reel to Iceland.
The biggest draw to Icelandic rivers is salmon, and with over a 100 salmon rivers permitting 6-14 rods daily during the three-month season, you’re likely to walk away with some monsters. Every year around 10,000 salmon are caught. About a fifth of Iceland’s rivers are ranked first-class salmon rivers. But if you decide not to go for salmon, don’t fret: there are plenty of fish in the… streams. Trout and Arctic char are also popular catches.