The Vididalsa River

Welcome to Vididalsa River

The Vididalsa river, and its tributary Fitja, is one of Iceland's best known and most productive salmon river systems, with close to 1200 salmon caught on average every year. For more information please contact styrmir@starir.is

General Information

The Vididalsa river, and its tributary Fitja, run approximately 25 km from the estuary of the Vididalsa up to the beautiful but unpassable Kolufoss waterfall in the dramatic and scenic Kolugljufur canyon. Although smaller and lesser in volume, the salmon can run almost as high up the Fitja or until it reaches the unpassable Bjarnafoss waterfall.

The average weight of salmon in the Vididalsa is among the highest in Iceland. Every year several salmon of 100 cm or more – 20 pounds and over – are caught. Average catch is approximately 1200 salmon to the eight rods during the season. On average an angler can expect just under two salmon per rod per day with the numbers reaching an average of three to four salmon landed during the prime weeks.

There are over 100 named pools on the Vididalsa that offer anglers a wide variety in fishing, from fast moving runs to slow meadow pools, where the river flows quietly along flourishing fields. Most of the beats are easily accessible, with no trees to hinder casting.

Fishing is permitted for up to 11 hours each day, with fishing hours from 8 am to 1 pm and 4 to 10 pm; from 15th August, the afternoon fishing hours are from 3 to 9 pm. The river is fly only and cach-and-release, even though anglers can take one grilse per rod per day.

FISHING SEASON
Middle of June until the end of September.

PRIME TIME
Early to mid July until mid August.

RODS
Eight rods which rotate on four separate beats.

RECOMMENDED FLIES
Green Brahan, Colburn Special, Collie Dog, Sunray Shadow, Hitch Tubes, Madeline.

RECOMMENDED TACKLE
Single handed and small double handed rods. Floating line is the norm but good to bring sink tip if the water rises.

Vididalsa River History

Fly fishing for salmon has been practiced on the Vididalsa since the late 19´th century. As was the case with many Icelandic salmon rivers the English were the first anglers to visit and fish the Vididalsa river.

In these early days of fishing the English reserved their fishing weeks through personal relationship with local farmers and landowners. The anglers who embarked on the strenuous travel to Iceland in those early years were indeed the pioneers of angling in Iceland.

During WWII the number of guests declined considerably but after the war years the number of anglers increased steadily and have done so ever since. To meet the increasing demand the angling association of Vididalsa decided to built the first lodge on the river which opened for business in 1952. The lodge is still in service but has undergone numerous renovations the last one being in 2011. Today the lodge offers its guests luxurious accommodation set in lovely scenery in the heart of the Vididalsa valley.

Vididalsa Lodge

At Vididalsa anglers stay in a newly renovated, luxurious lodge by the river. The lodge offers an attractive living room, dining room and terrace with good views of the surroundings. We offer 14 rooms to the eight rods, all twin-bedded with a private bathroom and shower. Private rooms can be arranged for rod sharers.

There is an outdoor Jacuzzi on the terrace and a sauna where one can relax after a day's fishing. Later one can enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by our renowned team of award-winning chefs.

Our Master Chef Will Take Care of You

At Vididalsa lodge we focus on providing our guests with the best there is in Icelandic cuisine and offer a distinguished selection of wines from around the world.

In the early morning our anglers will enjoy a continental breakfast before heading out to fish. Lunch and dinner are prepared by our renowned team of award-winning chefs coming from some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik. All our meals are prepared using only the freshest ingredients.

We can cater for special needs with advanced notice.

Our Knowledgeable Team of Guides

Our knowledgeable team of guides is headed by Jóhann Hafnfjörd, one of the leaseholder at Vididalsa. He has been guiding anglers fishing the Vididalsa for decades. All the guides have been fishing the river for many years and will do their very best to assist anglers in every way during their stay. They have a passion for fly fishing and for the river they hold dear.

All our guides are English speaking and provide our guests with four-wheel-drive vehicles for transport along the river. Each guide is normally shared by two anglers, but a private guide can be provided upon request.