GRIMSÁ

Often referred to as “The Queen of Rivers”, Grímsá is one of Iceland's most beautiful, historic and enjoyable salmon fisheries. Situated in the heart of Borgarfjörður, one of Iceland's most prolific salmon regions and just over an hour from Reykjavík, it is a classic medium-sized river offering wonderfully varied fishing across a remarkably accessible system.

Grímsá has a long and colourful angling history. Salmon fishing has taken place here for generations, and the river was already attracting British aristocrats and high-ranking military figures during the late nineteenth century. In its earlier years, Grímsá was particularly famous for producing enormous salmon, and while it is now primarily a grilse river, large multi-sea-winter fish still appear every season.

The fishery extends across approximately 32km of salmon water on the Grímsá itself, supplemented by the Tunguá, which adds a further 10km of salmon fishing. Across the system there are around 60 named pools, ranging from long, elegant glides and classic holding pools to more intimate runs, waterfalls and rocky gorges.

Classic Icelandic Salmon Fishing

Grímsá is a superb river for anglers who enjoy traditional, technical Icelandic salmon fishing. It is ideally suited to a single-handed rods, with floating lines, small flies and hitched tubes all highly effective. On a calm summer evening, few experiences in salmon fishing can compare with watching a fresh fish rise through the crystal-clear water and turn on a small hitch skating across the surface.

A 9–10ft 7 or 8-weight rod will cover the majority of situations, although an 11ft switch rod can be useful when covering larger pools or casting into Iceland's often unpredictable wind. Light tackle is generally the order of the day, with 10–15lb tippets and small, sparsely dressed flies producing excellent results.

Classic Icelandic patterns work particularly well, including micro hitch tubes, small silver and black flies in sizes 8–16, compact Frances patterns and sparse Sunray Shadows. In clear and low conditions, presentation and fly choice can be important.

The river is fly-only and has a strong conservation ethic, with catch and release widely practised. The fishery has historically been one of Iceland's more productive eight-rod rivers, with good seasons producing well over 1,000 salmon and a long-term average close to 1,000 fish. Grímsá also receives an excellent run of sea trout, which usually begins from late June and adds another dimension to the fishing.

A River of Contrasts

One of Grímsá's great strengths is its variety. The lower river around the lodge is dramatic and rugged, flowing through rocky gorges and beneath waterfalls, while higher up the valley the river takes on a gentler character, winding through open farmland and offering long, classic pools in which salmon can hold in good numbers.

The river's headwaters are fed by a lake and a network of smaller streams, helping to provide relatively consistent flows throughout the season. Fishing is organised around a rotation, with pairs of anglers moving between different sections of the river to ensure everyone experiences a variety of water.

With only eight rods sharing the fishery, Grímsá offers an intimate and uncrowded fishing experience. Despite its long history, it remains a wonderfully engaging river to fish: small enough to be approached with finesse and precision, yet large enough to offer a huge variety of pools, techniques and conditions.

Grímsá Lodge

Grímsá Lodge is one of the most distinctive fishing lodges in Iceland. Dramatically positioned on a cliff overlooking the famous Laxfoss waterfall, it is possible to watch salmon leaping from the river while eating breakfast in the dining room or relaxing in the lounge.

The lodge itself has long been one of the icons of Icelandic salmon fishing and was designed by Ernest Schwiebert, the renowned American architect, author, fly tier and angler, who fished Grímsá regularly over many years.

Refurbished in 2023, the lodge combines its dramatic setting and history with comfortable, spacious accommodation and excellent hospitality. Full-board stays include high-quality dining, with the lodge providing a welcoming and relaxed base after a day on the river.

Why Fish Grímsá?

Grímsá is an excellent choice for anglers looking to experience classic Icelandic salmon fishing at its best. It combines history, beautiful scenery and highly varied fishing with an intimate eight-rod setup and a magnificent lodge.

For those who enjoy fishing floating lines, small flies and hitch tubes with a single-handed rod, it is difficult to imagine a more quintessential Icelandic experience. And while the river may now be best known for its lively grilse fishing, the possibility of encountering a much larger salmon is never far away.

Suggested Package: 1 night in Reykjavík, all transfers, 3 nights' full-board accommodation at Grímsá Lodge and 3 days' guided fishing.