Introduction

Salmon (Salmo Salar L)

Kingdom: Animalia / Phylum: Chordata / Class: Actinopterygil / Order: Salmoniformers / Family: Salmonidae / Genus: Salmoninae

Iceland is one of the best salmon fishing countries in the world and there is few things like fishing in a crystal clear river in the wilderness of the country. It is believed that salmon fishing has been carried out here since Iceland was first settled in the 9th centure, although it it likely that different methods were use for fishing then. English anglers traveled regularly to Iceland early in the last century to fish for salmon with rod and line. Following their example, the locals began to practice salmon fishing and salmon fishing became a popular sport soon after the Second World War. 

Interest in salmon fishing steadily increased and in recent times salmon have only been caught in freshwater in Iceland. Fishing clubs have been established and they took the initiative to stimulate the interest of Icelanders and foreign visitors in salmon fishing. Later, it became customary for angling associations, interested individuals or service companies to lease the fishing rights from landowners or farmers. These parties then offer fishing licenses for sale. As a result, the price of fishing licenses has risen gradually various salmon fishing related services have become established. The number of salmon fishing licenses available today is large and not all licenses are expensive. Here on the internet, everyone should be able to find a salmon fishing license that suits them, based on their finances and abilities. Everyone must start somewhere.

Seasons

In Iceland, the fishing season is shorter than in many other countries. It is generally about 90 days, although some rivers, especially where smolt releases is practiced, are open longer.

Fishing season in all the main salmon fishing rivers in the country by region

Tackle / Equipment

Rods

Small salmon rivers: Rods that are 9′ – 9.6′ for lines 6 or 7. Medium salmon rivers: Rods that are 9′ – 9.6′ and Switch rods, for lines 7-9. Large salmon rivers: Switch rods about 11′ or two-handed 13′ – 15′ for lines 7 – 11

Leaders

A wide range of leader types are used in salmon fishing, and each angler has his own opinion on what is suitable at any given time. Some always buy the same brand, while others like to  test different leaders and even make a small distinction between brands. However, it’s certain that when it comes to it, people want the wear resistance of the leader to be right for the circumstances in which they may find themselves. Below is a table that can be used to help choose the right leader.

Flexibility and abrasion resistance of the leaders used in salmon fishing

Flies

Many things have changed in the fly selection by salmon anglers over the years. For a long time, little was known other than single hooks, sizes 1.0 and 2.0 with English names, such as Jock Scott, Green Highlander, Thunder & Lightning, and Stoat’s Tail. Then came the flies that were considered essential, such as Frances, Blue Charm, Munroe Killer, and Hairy Mary. At first people only used double hooks, then treble hooks became popular, and some Icelandic flies were added to the range of lies used. These include Gríma and Krafla by Kristján Gíslason, Laxá-Blá and Dimm-Blá by Þórður Pétursson and later Haugur og Nagli by Sigurður Héðinn. Today, few people go salmon fishing without taking Sunray Shadow flies with them, in many forms. It is probably one of the most used flies in Iceland. There is nothing more fun than letting a “hitch” fly split the surface of a mirror-smooth water and see a salmon rise to catch it. All anglers have their favorite salmon fly and are armed with a box with all the flies they believe in. However, it is always the same flies that give the most salmon nationally.

The most popular and used salmon flies