River Vatnsdalsá is a rain fed river, 74 km in length from its source, which makes it the 16th longest river in the country. The source is in Haukagilsheiði and Grímstunguheiði and the river flows down into Vatnsdal. Numerous streams and rivers flow into Vatnsdalsá.
Angling began in river Vatnsdalsá in 1936 and it has proven itself over the years to be one of the best- and best-known salmon rivers in the country. It is famous for big salmon and often the biggest salmon of the year are caught in Vatnsdalsá. The salmon area, which spans about 20 km distance, is divided into five beats. Therefore, there is plenty of space for anglers to fish from 40 marked fishing spots. Fishing permits are sold for 2 – 3 days at a time. The average catch for the last 10 years is 770 salmon.