If you’re looking for some of the best sea trout fishing in the world (and I do not say that lightly as a sea trout addict) without having to fly to Argentina, then do not overlook this absolute gem of a river in South-East Iceland.
The Tungufljot River is located to the east of the town of Vik and near the Skaftafell National Park and Vatnajokull Glacier. It is around 230km from Reykjavik, which usually take around four hours including some sightseeing stops along the way – there’s a lot to see!
The fishing season on the Tungufljot River runs from 1st April to 20th October, with the prime sea trout beginning in earnest in mid-August, fishing well right until the closing day as long as weather and river levels behave.
The Tungufljot is fly fishing only and is strictly Catch&Release. Since catch and release measures were introduced a few years ago, the average size of the sea trout have increased to such a degree that every season huge fish of over a metre are recorded (one of 107cm / 42.5 inches was recorded in 2022)! With the overall run being healthy and increasing too – sea trout of under 4 lbs or so are present, but they are rare.
There are also some salmon, brown trout, and char present. However, the main attraction are definitely the sea trout.
The Tungufljot is a medium sized river, easily covered in most area with a single hander. However, in places, including the junction with the glacial river Eldvatn, a switch or double hander is best suited.
The best of the fishing starts around the ‘Falls Pool’, where you will often see large shoals of sea trout congregating. There are then a myriad of pools scattered across miles of fishing along the course of the Tungufljot, until it drains into the Eldvatn River and the ‘Sydri Holmi’ pool.
Above the Falls Pool, the river changes character, as does the riverbed. Here you will often find sporadic brown trout, but due to the best of the spawning beds being below the Falls Pool, rarely will you find concentrations of fish above. The area is, however, stunning, so certainly worth exploring. The water is usually crystal-clear, so you should be able to spot the fish with ease.
The fishing is unguided (a guide can be added at an additional cost). The lodge is self-catering. No transfers are included; you need to rent a car and drive to / from the lodge and then to fishing during your stay. Fishing is a maximum of four rods at any one time, but rod sharing is available and recommended.
TUNGUFLJOT RIVER – ICELAND
The Tungufljot Lodge is located up a quiet road that is some five minutes from the main Highway 1, leaving the noise of the nearest road and light pollution from the nearest town a good distance away. It is a very peaceful and relaxing place to stay.
The self-catering lodge is beautifully situated overlooking the river valley. There are two cabins in total, connected by a sweeping veranda. Each cabin has two twin rooms, meaning a single room for all four rods, or being able to accommodate up to eight people in total (rod sharing available).
There is a great open plan kitchen / dining room, with the kitchen itself being well equipped. There’s also a BBQ outside, along with a shed to store waders and fishing gear.
There is good mobile service at the lodge and the lodge has a great Wi-Fi signal throughout.
The days are split into a morning and afternoon session. You can fish a maximum of twelve hours per day, with the normal routine being 7am-1pm, then 4-10pm. However, this can change according to the light levels / time of year.
The size and number of the sea trout is extraordinary. You will often see the fish in the pools – whether they will take is another matter. Sea trout of over a metre are caught every season! A sea trout of this length would be closer to 30 lbs than 20lbs…
FishTravel has been to and fished the river. We will accurately advise on exactly what you need to take tackle wise to maximise your time and experience. FishTravel will also advise on lines, flies, tackle disinfection etc. leaving nothing to chance.
2025 SEASON PRICES & AVAILABILITY
24-27 SEPTEMBER; GBP£2,700 PER ROD – £10,800 IN TOTAL (ONLY AVAILABLE TO INTACT PARTIES / GROUPS)
27-30 SEPTEMBER; GBP£2,700 PER ROD – £10,800 IN TOTAL (ONLY AVAILABLE TO INTACT PARTIES / GROUPS)
Rod Sharing is available – please make contact with your requirements. The lodge can accommodate up to eight people.
AVAILABILITY; if the above dates do not work, please make contact with your request and we may be able to offer alternative dates.
These prices include a single room at the lodge (based on four people), exclusive access to the lodge and river during your stay. Please note that the lodge is self-catering, not guiding is included, nor are transfers to / from the lodge to / from Reykjavik or Keflavik. You will need to hire a car for your stay.
If this is of interest, please contact Steffan Jones at info@fishtravel.co.uk
