Svartá in Bárðardalur

River Svartá in Bárðardalur has its source in Svartárvatn and in springs in Suðurárbotnar by Ódáðahraun. The river flows for about 8 km until it merges with River Suðurá, which is spring fed, considerably colder and has a bigger volume of water. From the junction of Svartá and Suðurá are almost 10 km down to the junction with Skjálfandafljót. Svartá is uniquely fertile and with a diverse ecosystem. The environment is marvelous, where the river flows in and around lava fields, and fishing spots are very beautiful and varied. Many people think of the Svartá as the “little sister” of Laxá in Mývatnssveit but find it more remote and peaceful. Resident brown trout are the main catch in Svartá, although occasional char can be caught further downstream in the river. In the Svartárkot area most of the fish are just over 50 cm, but in the lower part of the river there is more variation in size.