Sog River, Iceland

Flowing out of Lake Thingvallavatn, the Sog or Sogid is Iceland’s largest clearwater river. It is a reasonably priced river known for large multi-winter salmon and plentiful char.

The average annual catch of salmon on the Sog is approximately 400 fish including specimens of over 20 pounds. However, the river also offers good fishing for arctic char of up to 3 kilos in size. One of the big advantages that the Sog has over many Icelandic salmon rivers is that it never suffers problems with water levels as it is fed by the largest lake in Iceland. It is thus immune from the low water problems that come with periodic droughts that wreak havoc from time to time on the fishing on other Icelandic rivers.

Fishing on the Sog is divided into 6 beats, Alvidra, Asgardur, Bildsfell,  Sydri-Bru, Tannastadir y Thrastarlundur, taking a total of  up to 13 rods at a time. With the exceptions of Sydri-Bru and Tanastadir, each of the beats has an excellent private lodge accommodating up to 6 fishermen which is included with the fishing. The most productive of the six beats are the first three mentioned. Asgardur is usually the best of the three beats during the four weeks beginning around July 10th and normally Bildsfeld becomes productive around the 10th of August on. Fishing at Alvidra is dependent upon the tides during the better part of the season but is usually best after mid-August.

The Sog is definitely a spey rod river. In some places it may be 150 meters wide. Its currents and irregular rock bottom can be treacherous, thus it is highly recommended that fishermen new to the river contract a guide. A life vest and a wading staff are essential. Fly fishing is usually the most effective technique on the Sog, however, fishing with spinners is also permitted.