Iceland 2020 Salmon Catch Statistics: Ranking of the Top 25 Rivers

The 2020 salmon season in Iceland was one of the strangest in recent memory, not only as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic but also because of the fishing itself. Even taking into account that without the normal influx of foreign anglers many rivers were extremely under fished, in general catch numbers were well below what would be expected. The biggest exception was the East Rangá which came in with record catch numbers. We assume that the main reason has been primarily the exceptional effectiveness of the massive smolt release programs of recent years. With the change in river management which took place this past year, we will have to wait and see if the success is maintained in coming years. In the case of the West Rangá which cahnged management several years ago, the catch numbers were quite disappointing in relation to those of prior seasons. On the other hand, the Affall River which also depends on a smolt release program also had an exceptinal season. With only 4 rods this river acheived the third spot in the Icelandic salmon catch ranking for the season.  As for natural salmon rivers, the Midfjardará continues to be the most productive salmon river with completely natural reproduction in Iceland.  Although its catch numbers were also well below average, its results continue to be the envy of almost any toher 8 rod river in Iceland.  Links to more information of some of the rivers listed are embedded in the table below. However, feel free to enquire about any of the rivers listed. More information on our Atlantic Salmon and Trout Fishing offering in Iceland can also be found on the following link: ICELAND FISHING