From Reykjavik: Lake and River Fishing Tour

The best part of this private day is the mix of real fishing time and Icelandic scenery. You leave Reykjavik around 08:00, drive through Thingvellir National Park, then spend roughly five to six hours trying for brown trout and Arctic char in a river or lake. Guides including Reynir, Kristinn, Gummi, and Freddy have all helped anglers with different levels of experience.

I like the one-to-one attention and the choice between spin fishing, fly fishing, and sometimes bait fishing. I also like that permits, gear, transport, and instruction are included. The main drawback is the $766 per-person price, which is a serious spend, and wind or rain can make a full day outdoors demanding.

Key points to know before booking

• Five to six hours of fishing: Most of the eight-hour outing is spent actively fishing rather than simply looking at scenery.
• Private guide and group: You get personal help with casting, spotting fish, and handling the rod.
• Lake and river options: Fishing has included River Holaa and Lake Laugarvatn, though the exact location can vary.
• Good for beginners: Your guide can teach fly-fishing technique and adjust help to your skill level.
• Brown trout and Arctic char: These are the main targets, with catch and release the normal approach.
• Bring serious weather gear: Warm clothing and a rain jacket are essential, even in summer.

From Reykjavik to Thingvellir and the fishing grounds

Your day begins with pickup at your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse at about 08:00. Transport is included, so you do not need to arrange a rental car, find a meeting point, or work out how to reach the fishing area yourself.

The drive takes you through Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This is not just a filler stop on the way to the water. It gives you a chance to see one of Iceland’s most important natural and cultural areas while your guide explains the route and the setting.

The exact fishing location is not fixed in the information provided, and that is worth understanding before you book. One outing used River Holaa and Lake Laugarvatn, giving the day both moving water and still water. Another may focus on a different river or lake in southern Iceland, depending on conditions and the fishing plan.

That flexibility can be useful. A guide can choose a place suited to the day, the target fish, and the group’s fishing style. The tradeoff is that you should not book expecting one guaranteed named river or a fixed menu of stops.

Five to six hours with a rod in your hands

After the drive, you gear up and prepare to fish. The day allows around five to six hours on the water, which is enough time to get past the first awkward casts and settle into the rhythm of Icelandic fishing.

You can choose a spin rod or a fly rod. Bait fishing may also be possible, but it is not guaranteed, so ask about it when booking if that method matters to you. The guide supplies the fishing equipment and permits, which keeps the day simple for visitors who did not bring gear to Iceland.

If you already fish, you can use the time to work on technique and target fish in a new setting. If you are new to fishing, the guide can help you learn how to cast, where to place the lure or fly, and how to respond when a fish takes. The experience is private, so you do not have to learn while a large group waits behind you.

For beginners, the fly-fishing option is especially useful. You are not expected to arrive with a perfect cast. The guide is prepared to teach the basic technique, and the day gives you plenty of time to practice rather than rushing through a short demonstration.

Brown trout and Arctic char in Icelandic water

The main targets are brown trout and Arctic char. Both give the day a clear purpose, but the fishing remains an outdoor experience rather than a guaranteed catch package.

One reported outing produced two good-sized brown trout and an Arctic char, even with very strong wind. Another outing near Lake Laugarvatn and River Holaa involved repeated chances at Arctic char and brown trout. A separate day produced five Arctic char, several long-distance releases, and many missed strikes. Those details show the range you might find: some days bring steady action, while others may test your patience.

A guide can point out fish in the water and help you react when one follows or takes your lure. That kind of help matters more than simply being handed a rod. It can turn a missed fish into a useful lesson, especially if you have never fished Iceland before.

The normal practice is catch and release. You are allowed to take up to two fish from the day, but you should not assume that keeping fish is the main purpose. If you want to keep a catch, confirm the current rules and practical arrangements with the operator before setting out.

What the private format adds

The private format is the strongest reason to consider this tour instead of trying to fish independently. Your guide can spend time with you and your companions, rather than dividing attention among a busload of people.

That matters for a mixed-skill pair. One person may already know how to cast while the other is holding a fly rod for the first time. A guide can give the beginner extra instruction without making the experienced angler wait through a group lesson.

The guides also add value during the drive. Kristinn has been praised for sharing information about the area on the way to the river. Reynir has helped less experienced anglers in windy conditions and provided food and drinks during the day. Freddy helped an angler spot fish and land a first Icelandic Arctic char. Gummi was also singled out for helping an angler’s husband catch several fish.

Guide assignments can change, so you should not assume one specific person will lead your trip. Still, these examples give you a useful idea of the service: practical help, local information, and active coaching rather than a simple vehicle transfer.

Wind, rain, and the Iceland factor

Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and a fishing day leaves you exposed for hours. The operator specifically asks you to bring warm clothing and a rain jacket. Take that advice seriously.

Wind is not a minor nuisance when you are casting. It can make fly fishing harder, complicate line control, and leave you cold during quiet periods. One fishing day was described as extremely windy, yet the group still caught brown trout and Arctic char. That is encouraging, but it also shows why clothing matters.

You should dress for standing outdoors, not for the temperature you see outside your Reykjavik hotel at breakfast. Layered warm clothes and waterproof protection will make it easier to concentrate on the fishing. Comfortable outdoor clothing also helps during the drive and any time spent moving between fishing areas.

The weather is the biggest part of the day you cannot control. If you want a guaranteed calm, sunny outing, this is not the right kind of activity. If you accept that the weather is part of Iceland’s character, the changing conditions can make the day feel more like an actual fishing trip than a staged excursion.

Food, drinks, and the practical day plan

Food is not listed as a standard inclusion, but one guide brought sandwiches, snacks, and several drinks. You should not rely on that for every departure unless the operator confirms it directly.

The planned shape of the day is simple:

• Pickup in Reykjavik at about 08:00
• Drive through Thingvellir National Park
• Continue to the selected river or lake
• Get fishing equipment and permits organized
• Fish for about five to six hours
• Drive back to Reykjavik

The total duration is eight hours. That leaves enough room for the drive, preparation, fishing, and return, but it is still a full day. You will not have much spare time for another major activity afterward.

This schedule works well if you want one serious outdoor day during a Reykjavik stay. It is less suitable if you prefer a short activity that leaves your afternoon open for museums, pools, or city sightseeing.

Is $766 per person a fair price?

At $766 per person, this is expensive. You are paying much more than you would for a shared sightseeing excursion or a simple fishing permit.

The value comes from what is bundled into the private day: hotel pickup, transport, fishing permits, equipment, an English-speaking guide, instruction, and five to six hours of fishing. You also avoid the cost and effort of arranging a car, buying or renting equipment, finding legal fishing access, and learning the local setup on your own.

For two people who want a dedicated fishing day, the price may make sense. You get a private outing with room for different skill levels, and the guide can focus on your casting and fish handling. It is also a practical choice for visitors who want to fish but do not want to bring rods and outdoor equipment across the Atlantic.

The value is weaker if you are only mildly interested in fishing or mainly want a scenic drive. In that case, much of the price is tied to the long fishing block, and you may not feel you received enough from the activity. Fishing success is not promised, either. Even skilled anglers can face wind, missed strikes, and slow periods.

Who will enjoy this day most?

This tour is a good match for:

• Couples or friends with different fishing abilities
• Beginners who want private fly-fishing instruction
• Experienced anglers seeking brown trout and Arctic char
• Visitors without a rental car or fishing equipment
• Anyone who wants a full day outdoors in southern Iceland
• Anglers who prefer catch and release

You should think twice if you dislike cold or wet weather, have no interest in spending several hours fishing, or need a strict sightseeing schedule. The private format is helpful, but it does not change the basic fact that you are outdoors with a rod for much of the day.

Families may need to consider the skill and attention level of younger children. The provided information does not specify a minimum age, child pricing, or family equipment, so ask the operator before booking with children.

Booking details that matter

Pickup is included from hotels or guesthouses in the Reykjavik area, normally at around 08:00. The activity is private, and the guide speaks English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while planning an Iceland trip. Check availability for the exact starting time because departure details can vary.

The operator is Anglers.is, Fishing in Iceland. Equipment and permits are included, but warm clothing and a rain jacket are your responsibility. Since bait fishing is only sometimes possible, contact the operator if you have a strong preference for that method.

Should you book this fishing tour?

Book it if fishing is a real priority during your Iceland visit. You receive a private guide, proper equipment, permits, transport, and enough time to learn or fish seriously. The chance to cast for brown trout and Arctic char after driving through Thingvellir gives the day more substance than a basic city excursion.

The strongest case is for a pair with mixed experience. A beginner can learn fly fishing while an experienced angler keeps fishing, and the guide can help both without the pressure of a shared group.

Skip it if you only want a scenic outing or if $766 feels too high for a day with no guaranteed catch. Iceland’s weather can be rough, and even an excellent guide cannot control the wind or make fish bite. For committed anglers, though, this is a well-equipped and personal way to spend a full day in southern Iceland.

FAQ

Where does this fishing tour depart from?

Pickup is included from your hotel or guesthouse in the Reykjavik area. Departure is around 08:00.

How long does the tour last?

The full activity lasts eight hours, including transport to and from the fishing area.

How much time do I spend fishing?

You fish for approximately five to six hours.

Which fish can I catch?

The main targets are brown trout and Arctic char.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners, and the guide can teach you how to use a fly rod and improve your fishing technique.

Which fishing methods are available?

You can fish with a spin rod or fly rod. Bait fishing is sometimes possible, but it is not guaranteed.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing equipment, fishing permits, transport, and a fishing guide are included.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

You may take up to two fish from the day, although catch and release is the standard practice.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and a rain jacket. These are important because you may spend five to six hours outdoors and conditions can be windy or wet.