New edition of Field Notes
The Hafrálonsá offers 28kms of fishing from 55 pools, it is a truly wild, rugged river in north-east Iceland. It is best suited to fit and able people as it has some stunning but deep canyons and requires some strong wading. Its appeal is the number of rods on the river (just four), its beauty and the size of the fish, some weighing in the late teens. The upper reaches are almost entirely canyon and the salmon's journey ends with the top waterfall or the waterfall on the stunning tributary, the Kverka.
This is wild, challenging fishing with a double-handed rod at its best because Hafralónsá does well with all the classic small fly or riffled hitch techniques. A 12 to 13 foot rod is best but you still need gentle presentation because of the clear water.
The lodge is perfectly comfortable but cannot be described as luxurious. It has wonderful views up/down the river. The sitting/dining areas are open plan with six double rooms each with a bathroom, two ensuite. If you are OK with a relaxed set up, the lodge is fine.
Best rods are 12 to 14 ft double-handers. In our experience, 95% of effective fly fishing for Atlantic salmon in Iceland is done with a floating line. The most common tippet strength is 12 to 15lb but bring stronger as well. Usually, salmon are not leader shy at normal water heights.
We would be reluctant to advise those that struggle to clamber up and down canyons or hope to be delivered right to their pool by car to look at Hafralónsá but for those more fit and able looking for bigger but perhaps less fish, this is a great option. Located in the north-east of Iceland, it is close to Egilsstadir and only 2 hrs 30 mins from its airport. Egilsstadir and Akuyeri are about the same distance and are suitable for private planes. Charter options to Vopnafjordur are possible. Alternatively you can fly into Reykjavik airport by private jet, 8 hrs away; or Keflavik airport.
Every trip to Iceland is different with a varying number of days fishing, possibly in different areas staying in different lodges and with or without non-fishing extensions. Therefore, every trip is by quotation once planned based on your choices and preferences as well as choice of accommodation.
Hafralonsa
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