Heidarvatn

The fishing program is divided between the River Vatnsa and Lake Heidarvatn. The river is reserved for a maximum of two anglers staying at the Riverside Lodge, while the lake can accommodate up to six anglers staying at either accommodation. This arrangement keeps pressure low and gives anglers plenty of space to explore without competing for water.

The River Vatnsa flows for approximately eight kilometres from Lake Heidarvatn before joining the River Kerlingadalsa. It is a clear, medium-sized river with more than 100 pools, riffles, bends and holding areas. Much of the river can be comfortably waded and most sections can be reached by four-wheel-drive vehicle followed by a short walk. The clear water can create excellent sight-fishing, although anglers need to approach carefully and make controlled presentations.

Atlantic salmon and sea-run brown trout are the principal migratory species in the river. Salmon are usually targeted with swung flies using single-handed rods, while sea trout often respond to larger, brighter streamer patterns. Resident brown trout may be caught on dry flies, nymphs and streamers, particularly during spring and early summer.

Lake Heidarvatn covers approximately two square kilometres and provides a very different style of fishing. Arctic char are the most numerous species, with resident brown trout also present throughout the season. Sea-run brown trout may be found in the lake during spring before beginning their downstream migration.

Anglers can fish the lake from shore, by wading or from a selection of watercraft. Available options include inflatable belly boats, stand-up fishing kayaks and traditional wooden boats with electric trolling motors. Floating lines are used for much of the lake fishing, although intermediate and slow-sinking lines can be useful when fish are holding deeper.

All fishing is with single, barbless hooks. Anglers are encouraged to release fish carefully, avoid beaching them and keep handling and air exposure to a minimum. Nets are available to borrow. Fishing clothing and tackle that have previously been used outside Iceland must be disinfected before entering the water, and a disinfection station is available on site.

From May through mid-July, the main focus is resident brown trout and Arctic char. Spring can also produce sea-run brown trout in the lake before they migrate downstream. Resident brown trout fishing in the upper river is generally strongest during May and early June, with productive lake fishing continuing through late June and July.

The Atlantic salmon run normally begins around mid-July. Salmon numbers tend to build through the summer, with the peak usually occurring between mid-August and mid-September. Salmon can remain available until the season closes, although timing and river conditions vary from year to year.

Sea-run brown trout begin entering the River Vatnsa during August. Late August through mid-September normally provides the strongest combination of salmon and sea trout, with both species continuing into October when conditions allow.

Heidarvatn has two separate accommodation options: the Riverside Lodge and the Lakeside Lodge. Both provide comfortable shared living areas, modern kitchens and practical facilities for anglers, but access to the fishing differs between the two properties.

The Riverside Lodge is located beside the upper River Vatnsa, close to the outlet of Lake Heidarvatn. It is the only accommodation that includes access to both the river and the lake. The property has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a maximum capacity of seven anglers.

Completely renovated in 2022, the Riverside Lodge has two larger queen suites with private bathrooms. One queen bed can be divided into two singles. Three smaller bedrooms share the third bathroom. The lodge also has a large living room with panoramic views, a wood-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining table seating up to ten.

A heated equipment room provides space for drying waders, boots and outerwear. There is also a laundry room, Wi-Fi, an outdoor deck and a barbecue grill.

The Lakeside Lodge is set back from Lake Heidarvatn and is available for groups fishing the lake. Renovated in 2024, it has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a maximum capacity of eight anglers.

Three bedrooms have queen beds and ensuite bathrooms, while a smaller fourth bedroom uses a shared bathroom. The property includes an open living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining table seating up to ten, a mudroom for wet fishing equipment, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a deck and a barbecue grill.

Both properties are well suited to self-catering groups. Anglers should plan to purchase food and supplies before arrival unless a different catering arrangement has been confirmed.

Heidarvatn is located in southern Iceland, a few minutes from Vík and a short distance from the Ring Road. The valley is close to the region’s black-sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls and other well-known natural attractions.

International anglers fly into Keflavík International Airport, outside Reykjavík. From the airport, Heidarvatn is approximately a three-hour drive east along Route 1. Anglers normally rent a vehicle at the airport and drive directly to the property.

The entrance to Heidarvatn is shortly before Vík, just beyond the turn towards Reynishverfi. Detailed directions are provided before travel. Anglers should allow additional driving time during poor weather and should check current road conditions before setting out.

Vík has grocery shops, fuel, cafés and restaurants, making it the most convenient place to purchase food and supplies. Anglers planning a self-catering stay should shop before arriving at the lodge, particularly when arriving late in the day.

Rates:
Starting from €1,350 per day

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrival and Half-Day Fishing
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport, collect a rental vehicle and drive approximately three hours to Heidarvatn. After checking into the selected accommodation, anglers can prepare their equipment and enjoy an afternoon or evening fishing session.

Days 2 to 5: Fishing Days
Anglers have full days to explore the River Vatnsa, Lake Heidarvatn or both, depending on the accommodation and fishing package booked. River anglers move between pools, riffles and bends on foot, while lake anglers can fish from shore, wade or use the available boats and personal watercraft. Guiding can be arranged according to the needs and experience of the group.

Day 6: Final Fishing and Departure
Anglers can enjoy a final half-day of fishing before checking out and driving back towards Reykjavík or Keflavík. An additional night near the airport may be useful when the international departure is scheduled early the following morning.

Which accommodation should anglers choose?
Anglers who want to fish both the River Vatnsa and Lake Heidarvatn should stay at the Riverside Lodge. The river is limited to two anglers and is only available to those staying there. The Lakeside Lodge provides access to the lake and is better suited to larger groups, families or anglers primarily interested in trout and char fishing.

What level of fishing experience is required?
Heidarvatn can accommodate a range of experience levels. Arctic char and resident trout fishing on the lake can be suitable for less-experienced anglers, while sight-fishing for salmon and sea trout in the clear river is more technical. Anglers should be comfortable walking over uneven ground and wading in moving water if they intend to fish the river.

What fishing equipment should anglers bring?
Single-handed rods between nine and nine-and-a-half feet are suitable for most of the fishing. A 4 or 5-weight is appropriate for resident trout and Arctic char, while a 7 or 8-weight is recommended for salmon and sea-run brown trout. Floating lines are used most often, although intermediate or slow-sinking lines can be useful on the lake. Anglers should bring their own rods, reels, flies, leaders and terminal tackle.

Does fishing equipment need to be disinfected?
Yes. Fishing tackle, waders, boots and other equipment that have been used outside Iceland must be cleaned and disinfected before entering Icelandic water. A disinfection station is available at Heidarvatn, although equipment can also be disinfected before travel with the correct documentation.

Are meals included?
The accommodation is designed for self-catering, with fully equipped kitchens and dining areas in both properties. Anglers should confirm whether any catering has been added to their booking and otherwise purchase groceries before reaching the lodge.

Is guiding included?
Guided and self-guided arrangements may be available. The exact level of guiding should be confirmed when booking, particularly for anglers visiting the fishery for the first time. A guide can be especially useful for understanding river access, fish movements and the different lake-fishing options.

What clothing should anglers bring?
Icelandic weather can change quickly, with wind, rain, sun and cold temperatures possible during the same day. Anglers should bring breathable waders, studded rubber-soled boots, dependable waterproof clothing, warm base and mid-layers, gloves and a hat. Daytime temperatures during the fishing season are commonly between approximately 35°F and 60°F.