Eldvatn River- Sea trout with a chance of salmon and char -
 Sea trout caught in April 2011 Season: April 1. - October 10. Rods: 6 Species: Sea trout, salmon, Arctic char Lodge: 8 double bedrooms each with private toilet, hot tub, shared showers. Location: 250 kilometers east of Reykjavik. 20 kilometers from Tungulaekur.
About Eldvatn RiverThe Eldvatn River is a spring fed river located some 250 kilometers east of Reykjavik. It is essentially a sea trout river but other species are also caught each year, mostly salmon and char. The river is about 20 kilometers long but that does not tell you the whole story. At the top there are 3 smaller streams that join together to form the main river and these are at least 5 kilometers each with side channels of their own. From where these three join together there are at least 15 kilometers more of fishing area and there the river is big and wide with several side channels that have very nice pools and runs. One could easily suggest close to 1000 pools and runs that can hold fish in the river with almost endless possibilities. The water is crystal clear, spring fed and full of nutrients. Turn over one of the lava rocks and you'll see cased caddis in great numbers. Overall the river offers great variety of fishing spots all over the river and those big sea trout can be lurking anywhere. We do not recommend fishing the Eldvatn River without a guide but if you prefer we recommend having a big 4x4 vehicle.
The lodge One of the rooms in the lodge. The lodge is new and can sleep 16 people in 8 double bedrooms. Each bedroom has private toilet and sink but the showers are shared. On the front porch there is a hot tub and on the back porch guests can overlook the river and the magnificent lava field that is on the east bank of the river. The sitting room and dining area can also sit up to 16 people and overall the lodge is very clean, comfortable and nice.
Catch ratesThe catch rates in Eldvatn River have varied from only about 40 fish to over 1000 fish but with new management there is now a catch and release rule on the sea trout. In 2010 some 360 fish were caught. Prime time in the river is from mid August and until the end of the season on October 10. Catch rates of about 1000 sea trout each year is a dream that can very easily become reality. Every year the fly fishing guides that work the river learn more and more and with every year that the fly only - catch and release rule is kept we hope to see a steady rise in the stock in both numbers and size. All the necessary factors are there.
Tactics and flies There are some stunning areas on the Eldvatn. The river offers varied circumstances where varied techniques are used. You never need a double hand so to speak but it can come in handy on several occasions. We do however advice you to use a single hand in the three smaller tributaries. Up there the conditions are perfect for nymphing and if conditions call for it, dry fly fishing, although that would be very rare. In the spring and in the fall the temperature is lower and so the fish tend to stay in deeper pools. That means having to use sinking or sink tip lines so we advice guests to bring a selection of lines to match different tactics. Streamers such as Black Ghost, Grey Ghost, Nobblers, Dentist and several Icelandic patterns have worked well on Eldvatn River. Click this link for a list of possible streamers. Tie these and you are good to go. Nymphs that imitate caddis and midge are the most effective on the Eldvatn River. The river is full of caddis and midge. Click this link for a list of possible nymphs. For the Eldvatn we recommend both light and heavy rods from #4 - #9, the heavier ones for the heavier sink tip lines. We recommend bringing both floating and sinking- or sink tip lines. In terms of leaders and tippets keep in mind you might be fishing with two nymphs on floating line as well as heavy streamers on sinking lines. Also keep in mind the sea trout in the river can be up to 20 pounds.
Booking and further info:E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: +354 867 5200 |
