When it comes to revered salmon rivers of the world, the Midfjardara needs little introduction. It is one of the best Atlantic salmon rivers in the world and also one of the nicest rivers to fish, given its size and the crystal clear water. It is currently ranked as the third best river in Iceland, after the East and West Ranga. In 2023 alone, the Midfjardara produced 1,334 salmon to ten rods, and 1,522 in 2022. This is an incredibly difficult river to get onto, as those that visit nearly always return. The Midfjardara is a very pretty river, and it also a hitch-angler’s dream, especially with the crystal clear water where you can often watch the salmon’s reaction. Â
MIDFJARDARA – ICELAND
In the northern part of Iceland runs one of the finest salmon rivers you will find, the Midfjardara. A 115 km long river system that is based on four rivers; the main river is the Midfjardara, the Austurá, the Vesturá and the small Núpsá.
There are over 220 named pools on the whole system and we only fish with 6 – 10 rods depending on the time of the season. Anglers will have enough space to fish and the pools are well rested. The Midfjardara is well known for aggressive fish that most often tend to take surface flies, no matter the time of the season.
Prime time on the river is late-July through to mid-August.
The Midfjardara is one of the most prolific and consistent rivers in the whole of Iceland, producing over 1,000 Atlantic salmon to rod and line each and every season – in 2015 it produced over 6,000 salmon!
There is a good grilse run. However, the Midfjardara is renowned for producing some larger specimens, especially in the early part of the season.
There are canyon / rocky sections, but also fairly flat meadows, meaning that there is something to suit most mobility levels.
Due to the size of the river, and for the majority of the season, a single hander is perfect and will cover the majority of the river – something like a 10ft for a #7 or #8 is ideal, with the extra length making hitch fishing easier – it is a hitch angler’s dream river. You only need a floating line. The knowledgeable guide team will soon put you right on the fly front.
The lodge is spacious, comfortable, modern, well appointed, and very well equipped. The section of river (lower river) near the lodge is also one of the most productive on the whole river and accounts for hundreds of salmon per season alone!
All rooms are en-suite, each one being well furnished and spacious. Rooms are single based, unless you are rod sharing, in which case they’re shared.
2024 SEASON PRICES & AVAILABILITY – correct as of 22/11/23
11-14 August – £7,120 per rod
17-20 August – £5,990 per rod
20-23 August – £5,800 per rod
29 August – 1 September – £5,450 per rod
Alternatively, and for those looking for an extended stay, you can do 17-23rd August for £11,150 per rod.
These prices include a single room at the lodge, scheduled transfers to / from Reykjavik, meals, guiding (two anglers per guide).
Rod sharing is £910, including scheduled return transfers from Reykjavik. For example, if you were to rod share on the 20-23rd August slot it would work out at £3,355 per person. When rod sharing, you have a shared room.
If any of these offers or availability is of interest please contact Steffan Jones at info@fishtravel.co.uk
