© Salmon Club Iceland

The Breiddalsa river

The opening period in early July 2005 gave 18 salmon between 8 and 16 lbs, so the prospects looked good. The water level was excellent, but temperatures were low and the run of fish was moving slowly up the river, so the upper beats were suffering. Beat 1, on the lower river, was holding most of the fish, but by early August it was clear that something was wrong - few fish running, and most of those were seal-marked.

By mid-August the growing seal population was dispersed and kept away from the estuary for the rest of the season. This gave excellent results with good catches recorded in late August and early September; many days saw double figure catches. It was a mixed bag of grilse and 2SW salmon over the season.

The total for 2005 was 963 salmon and grilse for the short season - 1 July to late September - fished by 6 to 8 rods per day. That is approximately a 55% increase from the previous year ,and it is clear that the smolt releasing, started 1997, is greatly improving the numbers. These developments are making Breiddalsa one of Iceland´s most interesting options for salmon fishing, along with the attraction of its surroundings, facilities and prices.

First-class accommodation is found at the comfortable lodge connected to Hotel Bláfell, in the village near the river mouth. Every bedroom has en-suite shower and w.c., along with some facilities not usually found in Icelandic salmon lodges. The standard of comfort is very good.

If anglers want good variety of fishing, knowledgeable guides and a high standard of accommodation, Breiddalsa has to be top of the list. There are activities for non-anglers, from good bird watching locally to sight-seeing trips farther afield.

WIDE VARIETY OF FISHING

Breiddalsa has excellent Arctic char fishing and over 1,000 (up to 7 lbs) were caught in 2002. Char fishing begins a month earlier, on 1 June, than the salmon and is mainly in the lowest part of the river and estuary for the first two months. The fish are mostly 1 to 4 lbs, but bigger fish are often caught. It is very exciting to cast over the incoming run of fresh char from the sea. Many anglers have had one of their best fishing experiences at the Bridge Pool at the estuary. Salmon anglers are also given the option to fish there later in the season. By that time char are found right up to the foss.

Brown trout fishing is becoming more popular and new pools holding trout are discovered every year. Fishing is concentrated mainly at the top of the Breiddalsa and the tributary Nordurdalsa. Last season produced the largest trout for many years, an 8-pounder for a Spanish angler in late August. Anglers will also be offered trout fishing in nearby lakes which hold good numbers of wild browns from 1 to 3 lbs.
 

SUPERB ACCOMMODATION
 

© Salmon Club Iceland