Litlá River, Iceland
Located in the far north eastern corner of Icland, the LItlá River is Seatrout Paradise. It also a great river to fish for resident brown trout and char. The Litlá is born out of the cold waters of Lake Skálftavatn which mix with thermal spring waters giving it an average temperature of 12 degree celcius – perfect to maintain its trout active during the entire year. Fishing is limited to five rods on the river and another two on the lake.
Peak months for seatrout are April- May and September and October. During these months sea-run brown trout can be found in significant numbers. During the spring the seatrout will preparing to return to the sea having spawned during the winter. The fishing for seatrout can remain good until June. Unlike what one might see in other seatrout rivers, in the spring, seatrout which have spawned will be fat and healthy. Due to the warm thermal waters that feed the river, water temperatures remain optimal all winter long and trout continue to feed on the abundant aquatic insects.
The average size of Lila Seatrout is around 50 cm. However, fish in sizes of up to 80 cm are common. The record for the river is a 10 kilo seatrout. During the month of June and July fishermen will focus on the resident brown trout and arctic char which offer excellent opportunities for dry fly fishing. Towards the end of the summer, there are even possibilities of catching Atlantic salmon.
In Icelandic terms, the Litlá is a relatviely small river. The majority of the river can be fished comfortably with a one hand five or six weight rod. However, the lower section of river widens significantly and here a 13 or 14 foot two hand rod would be the instrument of choice. By and large the Litlá is easy to walk and wader with comfortable access from a dirt road that borders it.
Guests are accommodated in a comfortable self-service lodge located near the top of the river.
One hand five or seven weight rods with floating lines or short intermediate sink tips for the upper part of the river. Two hand 12 to 14 foot rods for the lower river.
Flies: Dry flies: Sedges and Black Gnats on size 14 hooks. For Seatrout: Tube flies, especially in combinations of black, blue, silver, red and black frances’, sun ray shadows, collie dogs, in hook sizes from 4 to 12, Intruders on Nº 4 or 6 hooks. Streamers in combinations of black, white, pink or red on size 4 to 8 hooks. A variety of nymphs including bead head Princes, Hare’s Ears, and Pheasant Tails in sizes 8 to 12 may also be effective.
Guests are accommodated at Keldunes Lodge, a fully equipped self-service lodge. The lodge offers a comfortable lounge and dining room with an open kitchen, six double rooms, bathrooms with showers and laundry room with washing machine. After fishing guests may relax in a jacuzzi on the porch of lodge while enjoying the view of Lake Skálftavatn.
To get to the lodge guests may fly into Akureyri on a 50 minute regional flight from Reykjavik. The lodge is located about an hour and 40 minutes to the east on Highway 1.
Location: The Litlá River is located in northern Iceland about two hours away from the town of Akureyri by road
Season: 1 de April to 10 October
Best dates: April – May and September – October
Nº of rods allowed: 5 on the river + 2 on the lake
Methods allowed: Fly
Species present: Sea-run and resident brown trout and arctic char
Note: Fishermen should be aware the Icelandic authorities require that any fishing equipment brought into the country be sterilized appropriately with a proper veterinary’s certification. Sterilization of equipment may also be done at the airport.
In order to travel to Iceland, you should have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after the planned return date. A visa is not required for EU or US citizens.
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