Iceland:
Breiddalsá River

RIVER BREIDDALSÁ

The River Breiddalsa on the East coast of Iceland is a stunningly beautiful river of clear water set in a wide glen, bordered by high mountains. It flows eastwards down from the highlands into its own fjord. The Breiddalsa has one major tributary, the Tinnudalsa, slightly shorter than the Breiddalsa itself. Together the two rivers offer more than 40km of salmon fishing in 90 named pools. Our exclusive fishing on the whole system is reserved for a maximum of 8 rods per day who stay at the superb new fully catered luxury lodge. Every bedroom has en-suite shower and w.c., along with some facilities not usually found in Icelandic salmon lodges such as internet access.

The upper reaches of the river can be fished by a single handed rod, but for the lower reaches a two handed rod is essential. The water throughout the river is crystal clear and in some deep pools the rocky bottom can clearly be seen 15 feet down. The season is a short one on the Breiddalsa from 1st July through to late september, despite that the 6-8 rods catch around 600 salmon and grilse, a figure increasing year on year. In 2001 the figure was 233, itslef a 35% increase on the previous year. This is due to a rigorous smolt release policy, started back in 1997. 10,000 smolts were released into the river in 2003, as they are kept in the river for a substantial period, there is a healthy return rate.

There are a good many 2SW salmon in the river, right from the start of the season, so salmon good sized fish can be expected.

22 and 27 pounders taken on the River Breiddalsa

The nature of the river changes dramatically as it cuts its way down from the mountains to the fjord. In the upper reaches, pools, runs and falls are found set between dramatic granite cliffs and bluffs, access to them is nonetheless easy.

In the middle reaches the river widens and a two handed rod becomes necessary to cover the river, wading is easy throughout the whole system. The river flows into the fjord through an artificial barrier, which the road uses to cross the river. Upstream of the road bridge is the sea-pool, where arctic char provide busy sport at low tide on light tackle.

There are plenty of activities for non-anglers, from good bird watching locally to sight-seeing trips farther afield. The mountains all around the river provide tempting walking for non-fishng guests too.

Breiddalsa has excellent Arctic char fishing and over 1,000 (up to 7 lbs) were caught in 2001. Char fishing begins a month earlier, on 1 June, than the salmon and is mainly in the lowest part of the river and estuary for the first two months. The fish are mostly 1 to 4 lbs, but bigger fish are often caught. It is very exciting to cast over the incoming run of fresh char from the sea. Many anglers have had one of their best fishing experiences at the Bridge Pool at the estuary. Salmon anglers are also given the option to fish there later in the season. By that time char are found right up to the foss.
Brown trout fishing is becoming more popular and new pools holding trout are discovered every year. Fishing is concentrated mainly at the top of the Breiddalsa and the tributary Nordurdalsa. Last season produced the largest trout for many years, an 8-pounder for a Spanish angler in late August. Anglers will also be offered trout fishing in nearby lakes which hold good numbers of wild browns from 1 to 3 lbs.

SUPERB ACCOMMODATION

The standard of food and accommodation at the new Breiðdalsá Lodge is praised and it is ideal for fishers and non-fishers wanting a really comfortable holiday. We offer one rod to each twin-bedded bedroom and with private bathroom, telephone and TV. Other activities available, such as cruise to experience wonders of nature and bird life around East Coast of Iceland, sea-fishing and whale-watching.

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Packages INCLUDE: Full board and lodging in single or double occupancy. Transport Reykjavík-river(s)-Reykjavík , and to the rivers. Guide service. Video tape included from Breiddalsá river.

Packages do NOT INCLUDE: Beer and alcoholic beverages. Tip to the guides (recommend from $25 per day) Rod-sharer and non-fishing guests pay $200 per day to cover transfer, board and lodging.

Trips can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements and budget. Call or email us for further details.

Payment terms: A 50% advance confirmation payment is required shortly after booking. Balance payment often 60 days before departure, for some rivers earlier.

We can tailor all our fishing trips to your requirements, depending on availability.
If you would like further information, to discuss your requirements, request a brochure, or reserve a fishing trip please contact us on :-
Voice: +33 (0)4.5044 9731 Mobile : +33 (0)6 1357 5351
E: gonefishin@harrison-veitch-fishing.com