Fishing in Iceland - Arctic char - Residents
 Fishing in Iceland - Char Stationary or resident Arctic char (Salvelinus Alpinus) can be found in both lakes and rivers all over Iceland. The char is the most widespread freshwater species in Iceland and can range from a half a pound up to over 10 pounds with the biggest one ever caught in Iceland 22 pounds. The char has a very similar diet as the resident brown trout and pretty much the same tactics apply. The char prefers slower and colder water than the brown trout so usually the two do not share stream lies.
Char can be found in the rivers that you'd normally not think to find fish like the cold run off rivers of the northwest, west and east fjords as well as some glacial rivers. In the east and weast the mountains are high and steep with old, hard rock so the run off water simply runs on top of the rock, with a fast drop so it does not have time to pick up any nutrients and minerals from the rock or any vegetation on the river banks. Thus these rivers are usually cold, fast and low in nutrients. The char can endure these kinds of conditions and in fact like the colder water.
For the past few years it seems the char stocks are declining in Iceland. Some scientists I've talked to have a theory that the water temperature in Iceland is rising. That suits the trout and salmon and would explain the rise in those stocks and decline of the char stocks. I don't have scientific reference for that but it's one theory. Personally I also think that because the char tastes so wonderful, people are reluctant to release caught char. So we at Iceland Angling Travel would like you to consider this when char fishing in Iceland and only take one per person or better yet - none!
For reasons unknown the Arctic char seem to prefer flashy colors and so pink, orange or even purple streamers have worked well. Nymphs that have a black body and a red tag or tail have also worked like a charm. This fish sure is mysterious at times and a wonderful fish to catch. They fight like there is no tomorrow and have enormous stamina pound for pound. The char is loved by many and here in Iceland we have an abundance of the char despite decreasing stocks.
We offer highland fishing trips where the wild, mountain resident char are targeted and those trips are a real adventure. We also offer highland lake fishing trips for resident char and some can be found in Litla River and Lake along with the sea run variety. So if resident char fishing in Iceland is on your to-do list please drop me a line via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or give me a call to +354 867 5200 and we'll get you set up for a fishing trip of a lifetime.
Tight lines, Stjani Ben - Owner / Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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