From Reykjavik: Lake and River Fishing Tour

Iceland gives you a fine reason to swap the usual sightseeing bus for a fishing rod. This private day takes you through Thingvellir National Park to a river or lake where brown trout and Arctic char are the main prizes. I like the mix of quiet fishing and grand scenery, and I like that beginners can learn fly fishing instead of simply being handed a rod. The main drawback is the price: at $766 per person, this is a serious splurge, especially for solo anglers.

The day also feels personal. You fish with your own guide rather than being folded into a large group, and guides such as Reynir, Kristinn, Gummi, and Freddy have helped guests with everything from basic technique to spotting fish in the water. Just pack warm clothes and a rain jacket. Icelandic wind can make a beautiful fishing day feel very brisk.

Key points to know before booking

• You fish for 5 to 6 hours: The full outing lasts about eight hours, including hotel pickup, driving, preparation, and the return to Reykjavik.
• Thingvellir is part of the day: The drive passes through the UNESCO-listed national park and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• Beginners are welcome: Choose a spin rod, fly rod, or sometimes bait fishing, with instruction available for first-time fly fishers.
• Brown trout and Arctic char are the targets: Fish may be kept within the two-fish limit, but catch and release is the normal approach.
• The group is private: You get direct help from an English-speaking guide, rather than sharing the day with strangers.
• Food and drinks may be provided: Guide Reynir brought sandwiches, snacks, and several drinks on one outing, but this should not replace bringing your own water and food unless confirmed when booking.

Leaving Reykjavik at 08:00 for Icelandic fishing country

Your day begins with pickup at your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse at around 08:00. Transport is included, which matters here. You do not need to rent a car, find a fishing permit, or work out where to access the water.

The drive is part of the experience, not dead time between hotel and river. You pass through Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The area is one of Iceland’s most important natural and cultural places, and it gives you a strong start to the day before the fishing even begins.

I like this setup because it lets you see more of southern Iceland without adding another separate sightseeing excursion. Your guide can also point out places and share local facts along the way. Kristinn, for example, was praised for explaining the area during the drive to the river.

The exact fishing location can vary. One successful outing used River Holaa and Lake Laugarvatn, giving the group both moving and still water in one day. That variety is useful: if conditions or fish activity are better in one place, your guide has more than one setting to work with.

Preparing for the water and choosing your rod

Once you reach the fishing area, you gear up and prepare for roughly five to six hours of fishing. Fishing permits, equipment, transport, and a fishing guide are included in the price.

You can choose between spin fishing and fly fishing. Bait fishing is sometimes possible too, but it should not be treated as guaranteed. If you have never held a fly rod, your guide can teach you the basic technique and help you get started.

This flexibility makes the tour suitable for mixed-ability pairs. One person can use a method they already know while the other learns something new. If you are an experienced angler, you are not limited to a simple beginner session. If you are new to fishing, you get direct help rather than having to figure out the cast alone.

The equipment is another practical advantage. You do not have to pack rods and tackle across the Atlantic or buy gear for a single day. A strong outing also depends on clothing, though. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket. The Icelandic weather can change quickly, and wind can make casting harder and standing beside the water much colder than expected.

Five to six hours after brown trout and Arctic char

The central part of the day is unhurried fishing in Icelandic scenery. The main targets are brown trout and Arctic char, two fish that give the day a clear local purpose rather than making it feel like generic recreational fishing.

Arctic char can provide plenty of action when conditions are right. Freddy helped one angler spot fish in the water and land a first Icelandic Arctic char. That same day produced five char, several long-distance releases, and many missed strikes. The numbers will vary, of course, but the account gives you a useful idea of what an active session can feel like.

Brown trout are also part of the target. Another outing produced two good-sized browns and an Arctic char while fishing River Holaa and Lake Laugarvatn. You can keep up to two fish from the day, although catch and release is standard practice.

That rule gives you a choice without making the trip about filling a cooler. If keeping fish matters to you, confirm current regulations and handling details with the operator before you go. If you prefer catch and release, the normal practice matches that approach.

Your guide’s help is especially valuable when fish are difficult to see or conditions turn rough. One guest had less experience than a fishing partner and faced very strong wind, yet guide Reynir provided patient help throughout the day. That kind of hands-on support is more important than fancy equipment when you are learning to cast, detect a bite, or land a fish.

Why a private group changes the day

This is a private tour, so the pace can suit your group. You are not waiting for a busload of people to finish taking pictures or packing away their equipment. The guide can spend time with the person who needs more instruction, then give an experienced angler room to fish independently.

Private also means the day can work well for a couple or small group with different goals. One person may want to learn fly fishing, while another may already know exactly how they want to fish. The guide can support both without turning the outing into a formal class.

I would still keep expectations sensible. Private guiding improves your access to help, but it cannot control weather, fish behavior, or the number of strikes you get. A good day might mean landing several fish. It might also mean learning a new cast, seeing Arctic char in clear water, and enjoying several hours away from Reykjavik.

The high rating of 4.9 from 18 bookings reflects a very consistent set of strengths: guides are friendly and attentive, equipment is considered good, and the day combines active fishing with scenic driving. The praise is not limited to one guide. Reynir, Kristinn, Gummi, and Freddy are all named positively for their help and attitude.

What the scenery adds to the fishing

Iceland’s scenery is not just a backdrop for photographs. The drive through Thingvellir and the time beside the river or lake give the day a calm rhythm that you do not get from a quick stop at a viewpoint.

You may spend long stretches watching the water, changing position, or waiting for a strike. That is part of fishing, and the surroundings make those pauses worthwhile. The trip also lets you see more of the Southern Region while doing an activity rather than simply looking out of a coach window.

The exact scenery depends on the fishing area selected for your outing. River Holaa and Lake Laugarvatn appeared together on one trip, while the general plan allows for a river or lake fishing location. You should ask the provider which water is planned for your date if the setting matters to you.

This is not a tour for someone who wants a packed schedule of famous stops. The fishing takes up most of the day, and the scenic value comes from the drive and the setting around the water. If you want a full sightseeing circuit, choose a dedicated Golden Circle or South Coast excursion instead.

Food, drinks, and the small comforts

Basic food is not clearly listed as an included feature, so bring your own snacks and water unless the operator confirms otherwise. On one outing, Reynir supplied sandwiches, snacks, and several drinks, which made the long fishing session easier. That was a thoughtful touch, but I would not assume every departure includes the same refreshments.

The more important comfort item is clothing. Wear warm layers and bring a rain jacket. You will be outside for five to six hours, and wind can affect both comfort and casting. Good footwear is also sensible, although the supplied information does not specify a required type.

Because transport is included, you can return to Reykjavik without driving tired after a full day beside the water. The planned return follows the fishing session, giving you a simple start and finish at your accommodation.

Is $766 per person good value?

At $766 per person, this tour is expensive. The price makes the most sense when you are comparing it with the cost of arranging a private fishing day yourself, rather than with the price of a standard group excursion.

You are paying for private transport from Reykjavik, fishing permits, equipment, an English-speaking guide, and a full day that includes five to six hours on the water. You also avoid the work of finding a suitable river or lake, sorting out local permission, and carrying gear from home.

For two people who specifically want a guided Iceland fishing experience, the convenience can justify the cost. The value is stronger if one of you is a beginner and needs patient instruction, or if you want a private day with a guide who can adjust the fishing method and pace.

The calculation is less favorable if you are only curious about fishing and would be happy with a short introduction. You may also find the price hard to justify if catching a fish is your only goal. No guide can promise a catch, even though several outings produced brown trout and Arctic char in good numbers.

I see this as a special-interest tour rather than a budget activity. It suits someone who has already decided that fishing is a priority during an Iceland visit. The scenery and sightseeing are valuable extras, but the rod and the water are the reason to book.

Who will enjoy this private fishing day?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples or friends who want a private outdoor day
• Experienced anglers seeking brown trout and Arctic char
• Beginners who want to learn fly-fishing technique with direct instruction
• Mixed-ability groups where one person fishes often and another is just starting
• Visitors who want Icelandic scenery without spending the whole day on a sightseeing route

It may not suit you if you dislike standing outdoors for several hours, are unwilling to dress for cold and rain, or want a guaranteed catch. The day is active but not rushed, and patience remains part of fishing.

The private format also makes it a better choice for people who value quiet time and personal attention. You get a guide who can help with casting, fish spotting, and technique. That is more useful than a large group lesson if you want to improve quickly.

Booking details and practical expectations

The tour lasts about eight hours, with pickup at around 08:00 from a hotel or guesthouse in the Reykjavik area. Starting times should be checked for your date, since availability can vary.

The guide speaks English, and the group is private. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep plans flexible.

You can take up to two fish with you, while catch and release remains the usual practice. Ask about the planned river or lake, fishing method, food, and current regulations before departure if any of those details are important to you.

The strongest practical tip is simple: bring warm clothes and a rain jacket. Wind was a real factor during one outing, and even an enthusiastic beginner can lose comfort quickly without proper layers.

Should you book this Iceland fishing tour?

Book it if you want fishing to be one of the main events of your Iceland trip, not just a quick add-on. The private guide, included equipment and permits, scenic drive through Thingvellir, and chance to fish for brown trout and Arctic char create a full day with a clear purpose.

I would be more cautious if $766 feels high or if you need a guaranteed catch. The price is justified by the private service and all-day format, but it remains a luxury purchase. For keen anglers, couples, and beginners who want patient instruction, it is a strong choice. For everyone else, spend the money on a shorter activity or a regular sightseeing day.

FAQ

How long does the fishing tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours in total. You fish for around five to six hours, with the rest of the time used for pickup, driving, preparation, and returning to Reykjavik.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup takes place at around 08:00 from your hotel or guesthouse in the Reykjavik area. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

Is transport from Reykjavik included?

Yes. Transport from your Reykjavik-area accommodation to the fishing location and back is included.

What fish can I catch?

The main targets are brown trout and Arctic char. The exact catch depends on the conditions and the fishing location.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced anglers. Your English-speaking guide can teach you how to use a fly rod, including the basic technique.

What fishing methods are available?

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

Can I keep the fish I catch?

You may take up to two fish from the day with you. Catch and release is the standard practice.