From Reykjavik: Lake and River Fishing Tour

This private fishing day takes you from Reykjavik into Iceland’s open countryside, where the main prize is not only a fish but the quiet rhythm of casting beside a river or lake. You’ll fish for brown trout and Arctic char, with the chance to use a spinning rod, fly rod, or sometimes bait.

I like the small private-group format, which lets your guide adjust the day to your ability. I also like that the drive through Thingvellir National Park is part of the outing, not just a transfer. The main caution is the price: at $766 per person, this is a serious splurge, and strong wind or poor fishing conditions can affect the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Five to six hours of fishing: The actual time beside the water is substantial, not just a quick casting lesson.
• Private guide and transport: Pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse is included, along with permits and fishing equipment.
• Good for mixed abilities: Beginners can learn spin or fly fishing while experienced anglers get time to work on technique.
• A scenic route through Thingvellir: The drive adds one of Iceland’s most important natural and cultural sites to the day.
• Brown trout and Arctic char: You may catch either species, and up to two fish may be taken home, although catch and release is standard.
• Food and drinks may be provided: Guide Reynir brought sandwiches, snacks, and several drinks for one group, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed inclusion.

Leaving Reykjavik for Thingvellir and the fishing grounds

Pickup is set for around 08:00 at your hotel or guesthouse in the Reykjavik area. From there, you travel by vehicle toward Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Thingvellir matters for two reasons. It is a striking natural setting, and it is tied to Iceland’s early national history. On this tour, you may not stop for a full park visit, but driving through the area gives the day a better sense of place than a simple ride straight to the water.

The route also helps you settle into the slower pace of a fishing day. Instead of spending the morning in a city, you watch Iceland’s scenery open up around you while your guide explains the area. Kristinn was praised for sharing information about the region on the drive to the river, and that kind of local context is useful when you want more than a rod and a ride.

The exact fishing location can vary. One outing used River Holaa and Lake Laugarvatn, while the general plan allows for fishing at a river or lake. That flexibility is practical because conditions, fish activity, and permits can shape the best choice for the day.

Five to six hours beside an Icelandic river or lake

Once you reach the fishing area, you’ll get your equipment and prepare to fish. Permits, rods, and other fishing equipment are included, so you do not need to build your own kit before arriving in Iceland.

The fishing portion lasts around five to six hours. That is the core value of the outing. Many sightseeing activities give you a short taste of an outdoor pursuit, but this one gives you most of a day to settle into it. You can spend time reading the water, changing technique, and trying again after a missed strike.

You can choose between spin fishing and fly fishing. If you already fly fish, you can focus on your cast and presentation. If you are new to it, your guide can teach you the basic technique. The tour is also suitable for beginners using a spinning rod, and bait fishing may sometimes be possible.

That last point is worth keeping in perspective. Bait fishing is not presented as a guaranteed option, so you should expect the main choices to be spin or fly fishing. If using bait is essential to you, ask about it before booking.

The fishing itself targets brown trout and Arctic char. The species are different, but both suit an outing where patience matters. You might see fish without hooking them, and the result can vary from a quiet day to a busy one. Freddy’s group saw dozens of Arctic char and a couple of brown trout, with several fish landed and many more missed or released at a distance.

That account also gives you a realistic idea of how active the day can feel. One angler landed five Arctic char, had six long-distance releases, and missed many other hits. You should not treat those numbers as a promise, but they show why careful attention matters once the fish begin moving.

Learning to fly fish with patient instruction

The guide is not only a driver. Instruction is part of the experience, especially for anyone who wants to learn fly fishing.

You can expect help with the basic technique, and the private format means the guide can spend time correcting your approach rather than giving a general talk to a large group. That is particularly helpful if one person in your party has more experience than the other.

Maddie’s day with Reynir shows why this matters. She was less experienced than her partner, and the conditions were extremely windy. Reynir helped her through the difficult parts and kept the mood relaxed. Wind is a real factor in Iceland, so having someone nearby who can adjust your technique is more useful than simply being handed a rod.

The guide may also point out fish in the water and help you respond when one takes the lure or fly. Freddy was noted for spotting fish and cheering on a first Icelandic Arctic char catch. That sort of attention can make the difference between watching the water and understanding what you are looking for.

Experienced anglers should not assume the day will feel like a private specialist expedition. The trip is designed for mixed ability levels, so some time may go toward teaching. For a pair with different levels of experience, that is a strength. For a highly experienced angler wanting a technical, single-purpose session, it is worth checking the exact fishing plan in advance.

Brown trout, Arctic char, and catch and release

The target species are brown trout and Arctic char. You are allowed to take up to two fish from the day, but catch and release is the normal practice.

That rule gives the outing a lighter footprint and keeps the focus on the fishing itself. If you catch a fish, you can enjoy the moment without assuming you need to bring home a meal. If you do want to keep fish, confirm the current handling arrangements with your guide during the trip.

The experience can produce different kinds of action. Brown trout may be the main goal for some anglers, while Arctic char can provide repeated opportunities when fish are active. The reports from this tour include two good-sized brown trout and an Arctic char on one day, several fish on another, and plenty of missed strikes on a particularly active outing.

Do not book this as a guaranteed catch. Fishing is affected by weather, water conditions, and fish behavior. The honest appeal is the chance to spend a long day in good fishing country with equipment, permits, and guidance already handled.

What the private format adds

This is a private group experience rather than a shared bus outing. That matters when you want the day shaped around your own pace.

A beginner can ask for more help without holding up a large group. An experienced angler can spend longer working a promising stretch of water. Two partners can use different methods, with one choosing a spinning rod and the other trying fly fishing.

The private setup also makes the drive more useful. Your guide can talk about the route and the fishing area in a direct way. Kristinn, Gummi, Reynir, and Freddy are among the guides associated with highly rated outings, and the feedback points to a consistent strength: guides who work hard to help people fish rather than simply dropping them beside the water.

That personal attention is one of the clearest reasons to consider the tour. Equipment alone would not justify the cost. The value comes from combining transport, permits, local guidance, instruction, and a full fishing day.

Wind, clothing, and the practical side of the day

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and wind can make casting harder. You are specifically advised to wear warm clothes and bring a rain jacket. Take that advice seriously even if the morning in Reykjavik looks calm.

Dress for standing outdoors for several hours. Warm layers are more useful than one heavy item because you can adjust as the day changes. A rain jacket also helps with wind, not just rain.

The tour does not list meals as an included feature. Reynir brought sandwiches, snacks, and several drinks for one group, which is a thoughtful touch, but you should not assume every departure includes the same food. Ask what is provided or bring something suitable for a full day outside.

The early pickup and eight-hour duration make this a full-day commitment. You return to Reykjavik after fishing, but the schedule leaves little room for another major activity that day. That is fine if fishing is your main plan, less convenient if you are trying to pack several tours into one day.

Is $766 per person good value?

At $766 per person, this is expensive. The price makes sense only if you value the private setup and plan to fish for much of the day.

The fee includes transport, fishing permits, equipment, and a guide. If you had to arrange each part separately, the planning would be more complicated, especially if you are visiting Iceland with no local fishing contacts. The private vehicle and guide also save you from working out where you are allowed to fish and what equipment you need.

The price is easier to justify for two people with different skill levels. A guide can teach one person while helping the other refine technique. It is also more appealing to anglers who would otherwise spend a large part of their Iceland trip trying to locate suitable water and arrange permits.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a scenic drive with a short fishing stop. You are paying for five to six hours of angling, so the tour suits someone who genuinely wants to fish. It is also not ideal for a budget-conscious visitor who would be happy with a brief introduction.

The high rating of 4.9 from 18 reviews reflects strong satisfaction, especially with the guides, equipment, scenic drive, and help catching fish. Still, the small review count cannot remove the normal uncertainty of weather and fishing. You are buying a well-supported opportunity, not a guaranteed catch.

Who should book this fishing tour?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Beginners who want personal help with casting or fly fishing
• Couples or friends with different levels of fishing experience
• Anglers who want brown trout and Arctic char in Icelandic scenery
• Visitors who prefer a private day over a shared group outing
• People willing to spend most of one day outdoors and on the water

It is less suitable if you dislike wind, do not want to spend several hours fishing, or are looking for a low-cost activity. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a guaranteed haul or a fully specified fishing location before departure.

The flexible river or lake plan is useful, but it means you may not know the exact setting until the day is arranged. For some people, that is part of the adventure. For others, especially anglers with a specific river in mind, it is a reason to ask questions before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a serious full-day fishing outing rather than a quick tourist activity. The combination of a private guide, included gear and permits, five to six hours of fishing, and the drive through Thingvellir gives you a strong day outdoors.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a beginner paired with an experienced angler. Reynir’s help in strong wind, Freddy’s close attention to fish and casting, and the praise for Kristinn and Gummi all point to guides who make the trip work for different ability levels.

Skip it if $766 feels too high for an activity with no guaranteed catch. But if catching an Icelandic Arctic char or brown trout is near the top of your wish list, this is a practical way to make it happen without arranging the gear, permits, transport, and instruction yourself. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which makes planning less rigid.

FAQ

Where does the fishing tour depart from?

Pickup is included from your hotel or guesthouse in the Reykjavik area at around 08:00.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours. You fish for approximately five to six hours.

What fish can I catch?

The tour targets brown trout and Arctic char.

Can beginners join the tour?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced anglers. Your guide can teach fishing techniques, including fly fishing.

Can I choose between spin fishing and fly fishing?

Yes. Anglers can choose a spinning rod or fly rod. Bait fishing may sometimes also be possible.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing equipment, fishing permits, transport, and a fishing guide are included.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

You may take up to two fish from the day, although catch and release is the standard practice.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothes and bring a rain jacket. The tour takes place outdoors for several hours, and conditions can be windy.