SVALBARDSÁ

Svalbarðsá is one of the true hidden gems of Icelandic salmon fishing. Situated in the far north-east of the country, east of Melrakkaslétta and flowing into Þistilfjörður, it is surrounded by some of Iceland's most dramatic and unspoilt scenery. The remote location is part of its appeal, but it is considerably easier to reach than its position on the map might suggest, with a daily domestic flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri followed by a scenic drive north-east.

This is a small, intimate river with a very big reputation. Only three rods fish Svalbarðsá, and the river is strictly fly-only and catch and release. With a 10-year average of around 390 salmon, and 394 salmon landed in 2025, the catch rate is exceptional for such a lightly fished river.

More importantly, Svalbarðsá is renowned for the quality of its salmon. Around 60% of the catch can be classified as large or multi-sea-winter salmon, an unusually high proportion for a small Icelandic river. Fish around 10lb are common, with considerably larger salmon regularly encountered and the possibility of a genuine Icelandic heavyweight always present.

Three Rods, Seventeen Kilometres of Water

Svalbarðsá is approximately 37km long, although the prime salmon fishing extends for around 17km from the estuary to Stórifoss waterfall. This is a wonderfully varied stretch of river, containing classic Icelandic salmon pools that begin in lively, oxygenated runs before gradually easing into smooth tails.

The river is small enough to fish comfortably with a single-handed rod, but it has considerably more character and power than its size might initially suggest. Crystal-clear water, fast currents and a succession of beautifully formed pools make it a fascinating river to fish. Salmon can be spread throughout the system, and the smaller channels and pocket water can hold surprising numbers of fish.

The lower two sections are generally accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle, while reaching the upper section requires more walking. This is therefore a river for anglers who are comfortable moving between pools and exploring on foot. The effort is well rewarded, particularly in the upper reaches where the river becomes increasingly wild and dramatic.

With only three rods fishing at any one time, there is an enormous amount of water available to each angler. For a small group, taking all three rods provides an exceptionally private fishing experience, with the river feeling far more like a private stream than a conventional commercial salmon fishery.

Big Salmon in a Small River

One of Svalbarðsá's defining characteristics is the size and quality of its salmon. The river receives its main run relatively late compared with many of Iceland's western rivers, with the fishing generally becoming productive from mid-July.

The first significant runs bring fresh, aggressive salmon, often averaging around 10lb. By the first weeks of August the pools can be full of holding fish and catches traditionally reach their peak. The average size naturally falls slightly as increasing numbers of grilse join the run, but the river continues to receive fresh salmon throughout August and into early September.

This combination makes the timing particularly interesting. Early in the main run, the emphasis is on powerful fresh fish; later, the sheer number of salmon in the pools can provide spectacular sport, while the possibility of another large multi-sea-winter fish remains throughout the season.

The 2025 catch of 394 salmon is a good illustration of the river's consistency. It placed Svalbarðsá among Iceland's better-performing small-rod rivers, producing around 131 salmon per rod.

Classic Surface Fishing

For the fly angler, Svalbarðsá is particularly appealing. The clear water and relatively intimate size of the river lend themselves perfectly to traditional Icelandic techniques.

A 9–10ft 7 or 8-weight single-handed rod is ideal for most situations, with an 11ft switch rod providing a useful alternative when more reach or line control is required. In higher water, a compact double-handed rod can also be useful on some pools.

Floating lines and relatively light leaders are the norm, with 10–15lb tippet covering most situations. Small Icelandic patterns are particularly effective: micro hitching tubes, small silver and black flies, Red and Black Frances patterns, Collie Dogs and sparse Sunray Shadows between 2 and 4 inches are all worth carrying.

The river's classic pools and smooth tails provide excellent opportunities for hitching, while the faster runs and pocket water reward careful presentation and close observation. On a bright, calm day, the crystal-clear water can make for particularly visual fishing, with salmon often revealing their presence before the cast is made.

A Genuine Sense of Discovery

There is something particularly appealing about Svalbarðsá for anglers who enjoy exploring a river rather than simply moving between a set of heavily fished pools.

Although the river has been established as a salmon fishery for many years, the combination of its remote location, tiny rod allocation and challenging upper reaches means it retains a remarkably wild character. The river runs through a beautiful valley, with rugged upper water gradually giving way to more open country downstream.

It is also a river that has developed an exceptionally loyal following. Many of the anglers who fish Svalbarðsá return year after year, and availability is consequently limited. For those who secure rods, however, the reward is an intimate salmon fishing experience on a river where three anglers can genuinely feel as though they have the water to themselves.

Svalbarðsá Lodge

Svalbarðsá Lodge is a newly renovated Icelandic fishing house situated close to the river. The lodge provides comfortable accommodation for small groups, with six bedrooms. 

The atmosphere is deliberately relaxed and unpretentious, providing a comfortable base rather than a large, formal fishing lodge. Full-service accommodation and meals can be arranged, allowing guests to concentrate entirely on the fishing and enjoy the tranquillity of this remote corner of Iceland.

For a small group looking for privacy, outstanding scenery and the opportunity to fish for a remarkably high proportion of large Atlantic salmon, Svalbarðsá is difficult to beat.

Suggested Package: 1 night in Reykjavík, domestic flight to Akureyri, car hire, 4 days' fishing and accommodation at Svalbarðsá Lodge.