WEST RANGA

The West Ranga is one of Iceland's best-known and most consistently productive salmon rivers. Located in the south of the country, approximately one hour's drive from Reykjavik, it offers visiting anglers the opportunity to combine excellent salmon fishing with comfortable accommodation, spectacular scenery and straightforward access from the capital.

For more than two decades, the West Ranga has been among Iceland's leading salmon rivers, regularly producing substantial catches and offering anglers an excellent chance of encountering powerful Atlantic salmon. 

Its accessibility, consistent fishing and high-quality lodge make the West Ranga an excellent choice for both first-time visitors to Iceland and experienced salmon anglers looking for a productive and varied river.

The River

The West Ranga offers approximately 25 kilometres of private, double-bank fishing water. The river is divided into between six and nine beats, depending on the time of year and number of rods fishing, with a maximum of 12–18 anglers on the river.

The beats are rotated, ensuring that anglers have the opportunity to fish different sections and experience a wide variety of pools throughout their stay.

One of the great strengths of the West Ranga is the variety of its water. Anglers can expect to fish everything from fast, broken water and lively runs to deeper pools and slower glides. This variety keeps the fishing interesting throughout a stay and means that different styles of fly fishing can be effective depending on the pool and conditions.

The river is also remarkably stable. Unlike many Icelandic rivers, where water levels can change dramatically following heavy rainfall or periods of drought, the West Ranga generally maintains a consistent and fishable level throughout the season. This makes it a particularly dependable option and allows anglers to make the most of their fishing time.

Salmon Fishing

The West Ranga is primarily a salmon river and has built its reputation on both the number and quality of fish it produces.

The river's salmon are generally powerful fish, with many falling into the 10–20lb range. Fishing is varied, with different pools and water types rewarding different approaches, and anglers will typically fish a selection of flies and techniques during the course of their stay.

The river is well suited to anglers of varying experience. Those new to Icelandic salmon fishing will benefit from the structure of the beats and the guidance provided, while experienced anglers will appreciate the variety of water and the opportunity to fish a number of different pools over the course of the week.

The West Ranga is also an excellent option for groups, with enough water and accommodation to comfortably cater for parties of different sizes.

West Ranga Lodge

West Ranga Lodge is one of the finest and most established fishing lodges in Iceland. Situated directly on the banks of the river, it provides a comfortable and welcoming base from which to enjoy the fishing.

The lodge has 21 en-suite bedrooms, along with a spacious dining room, comfortable sitting areas and a well-stocked bar. There is also a beautiful veranda overlooking the river, complete with a hot tub and sauna — the perfect place to relax after a day on the water.

One of the lodge's great attractions is its setting. From the riverbank, guests can enjoy views across the Icelandic countryside towards the famous and often active volcano, Hekla.

Meals are an important part of the experience, with high-quality food served throughout the stay. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, with anglers returning from the river each evening to share stories of the day's fishing over drinks and dinner.

An Accessible Icelandic Salmon Experience

For anglers travelling to Iceland, the West Ranga offers an excellent combination of productive fishing and convenience.

With Reykjavik only around an hour away, there is no need for lengthy internal flights or complicated travel arrangements. International visitors can arrive in Iceland, spend a night in the capital if desired and be on the river the following day.

The West Ranga can therefore work equally well as a dedicated fishing trip or as part of a wider Icelandic itinerary, perhaps combining several rivers or allowing time to explore some of the country's remarkable landscapes and natural attractions.

With its long track record of salmon production, varied fishing, stable water levels and excellent lodge, the West Ranga remains one of the most attractive and dependable choices for salmon fishing in Iceland.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Reykjavik
Arrive in Iceland and spend the night in Reykjavik. Depending on your arrival time, there is the opportunity to explore the capital and enjoy its excellent restaurants and vibrant atmosphere.

Days 2–5 – West Ranga
Travel to the West Ranga Fly Fishing Lodge and enjoy four nights on a full-board basis. The suggested programme includes three full days and two half days of fishing, allowing plenty of time to experience a variety of beats and pools.

Day 6 – Departure
Return to Reykjavik and continue to Keflavik Airport for your onward journey.

A hire car can be included as part of the package, giving you flexibility during your stay and making the short journey between Reykjavik and the lodge straightforward.

Our West Ranga Packages

Every trip can be tailored to suit your preferred dates, group size and length of stay. Whether you are planning a short salmon fishing break in Iceland, a longer stay at the West Ranga or a multi-river itinerary, we would be delighted to help.

Please contact us to discuss your West Ranga fishing trip and receive a personalised quotation.