Iceland is a wonderful country famous for its volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, Ponies and of course, salmon fishing.

I have travelled extensively over Iceland over the past 12 years and been privileged enough to fish on a number of its famous rivers from the Ranga in the south right up to the Big Laxa in the North.

Most of Iceland’s rivers are small, easy to cover, clear streams and they can be very productive provided you are there at the right time. A lot of the fish are wild but many of Iceland’s rivers are also boosted by hatcheries and smolt releasing programs. The other joy of fishing in Iceland apart from the Scenery which is spectacular, is that there are no mosquitos at all.

On the caution side, the wind in Iceland can be pretty strong and on some of the Rivers weed can be a serious nuisance at certain times of year.

But if you want safe, reliable fishing in a beautiful country with charming people to guide you, Iceland has to be near the top of your to do list.

But it all comes at a price. Iceland is one of the most expensive countries in the World and because the fishing is so reliable and it does not necessitate dangerous wading, being eaten alive, or flying out in helicopters to remote locations, you must expect to pay for it!

This year (2010) I am planning to return to the West Ranga in the south of the island.

RETURN TO RANGA – Wednesday 4th – Monday 9th August 2010

Iceland is a wonderful country with volcanoes glaciers and hot springs and Ranga is one of its top Salmon rivers. I fished the Ranga for many years but gave it a break when the costs went silly. With the drop in the value of the Krona, prices have come back into line and several of my regulars have suggested we return in 2010. The plan is to go for just a short break, fishing three full days spread over four, i.e. start in the afternoon on day one, fish full days on days two and three and the morning only on day four. We would also have a stopover in Reykjavic at the beginning and end of the trip and be able to enjoy a good night out without all the rushing and early starts.

For anyone new to Ranga, this is as reliable as Salmon fishing ever gets and the catch expectation generally about 5 fish per rod per day. Another advantage is that there are no mosquitoes or anything else that bites or stings! Each pair of rods has an experienced guide with them at all times and a four-wheel drive vehicle to take you to the pools.

The weather can be unpredictable and weed can be a nuisance but there is very little danger of losing fishing because of too much or too little water, the West Ranga is spring fed from the lava flows and always runs at a constant level. Accommodation is clean and comfortable and the food is usually outstanding.

ITINERARY

Wednesday 4th August – London Heathrow to Reykjavik, overnight stay at the Holt Hotel

Thursday 5th August – Transfer to the West Ranga Lodge, half days fishing on the West Ranga River

Friday 6th & Saturday 7th August - Two full days fishing on the West Ranga River

Sunday 8th August – Morning’s fishing on the West Ranga, transfer back to the Holt Hotel for overnight stay

Monday 9th August – Relaxing morning in Reykjavic and return to London Heathrow on the 1610 flight