Battle Hill Lodge – Sea Trout & Salmon — Iceland

Nicolas TrochineIceland, Salmon, Sea trout

General Description

Battle Hill Lodge is a renovated farmhouse set on a historic farm in the Southeast of Iceland, in the Skaftafellssýsla region. For thousands of years, native sea trout have lived in these rivers, surviving volcanic eruptions and lava flows — making them a uniquely resilient and hard-fighting fish. For decades, these rivers were in the hands of local fishing clubs and closed to outside anglers. That has now changed with a new lease between Fish Partner and the landowners, opening Iceland’s best sea trout fisheries to international anglers for the first time.

The lodge sits roughly 1 km from Ring Road No. 1 — easily accessible, yet completely isolated. Directly from the front door, you can see the Brúna Hraun lava field, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, and beyond it, Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. The land is called Orustuhóll — “Battle Hill” in Icelandic — after a Viking Chieftain, Hróars Tungugoði, who was slain on this hill in the 10th century.

Overview

Target species: Sea-run brown trout · Arctic char · Atlantic salmon

Fishing styles: Walk & wade · Wading with single and double-handed rods · Euro nymphing

Rivers fished:

Vatnamót — One of Iceland’s finest sea trout fisheries, a junction where several rivers converge before flowing into the Skaftá. Home to the largest sea trout of the season. Also holds arctic char and salmon. Sandy, ever-changing riverbed. Lower section accessible by vehicle; upper section requires wading — reminiscent of saltwater flats fishing.

Geirlandsá — 22 km river flowing through the valley of Síða. Features two stunning waterfalls, Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. Known for abundant sea-run brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Accessible with single or double-handed rods. The hike to Hagafoss rewards those in good shape with breathtaking scenery.

Fossálar — Flows through a lava field created by the Laki super-eruption of 1783 — partially a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for sizable sea-run brown trout over roughly 15 km of diverse pools and landscapes. A guide favorite for its incredible variety and challenging waters.

Seasons:

  • Fall Season (Mid-August – October 20) — Sea trout begin running in late July and fish through the last day of the season. All three rivers are fished. Early bookings focus on Vatnamót, lower Geirlandsá, and Fossálar. Late autumn sees activity shift toward Geirlandsá and Fossálar.
  • Spring Season (Mid-April – Mid-May) — Fish have overwintered in the rivers and remain in good condition, actively feeding. Fishing limited to Vatnamót and Geirlandsá only. Trout are found in schools in the lower river sections.
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Amenities

Lodge — Renovated farmhouse accommodating up to 10 guests across four twin rooms and two single rooms, spread over two floors with two and a half bathrooms. Clean, modern interior with a large dining table and comfortable living area. Garden with views over the lava field and glacier.

Meals — All meals are included at the lodge. Breakfast at 8 am daily. Lunch served on the riverbank. Dinner at 8–9 pm, depending on daylight.

Transfers — Ground and water transfers to and from all fishing locations are included. Pickup in Reykjavík on Day 1; return drop-off in Reykjavík on Day 7.

Guiding — Full-time professional guides throughout the program.

Surroundings — Icelandic highlands, Vatnajökull glacier, Brúna Hraun lava field (UNESCO), iconic canyons, thundering waterfalls, and some of Iceland’s newest lava fields — all accessible from the lodge.

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Itinerary

6 full days of guided fishing. The trip runs for 7 days total, starting and ending on half days.

  • Day 1 — Pickup in Reykjavík at 10:00 am. Arrive at the lodge around 2 pm. Light lunch, then head out fishing. Dinner at 8–9 pm.
  • Days 2–6 — Breakfast at 8 am. Full day on the water. Lunch served at the riverbank. Dinner at 8–9 pm.
  • Day 7 — Breakfast at 8 am. Morning fishing session. Lunch at noon. Pack and depart for Reykjavík around 2 pm.

River rotation is done so that each angler fishes the beat the same number of times during the stay.

Rates

What’s included:

  • 6 full days of guided fishing
  • Ground and water transfers to and from all fishing locations
  • All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Accommodations at Battle Hill Lodge

What’s not included:

  • International and domestic flights
  • Transportation from Keflavík airport to Reykjavík or a hotel
  • Guide and staff gratuities (recommended 10–15%)
  • Fishing equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcohol

Travel notes:

  • A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay is required
  • U.S. citizens: no visa required for stays up to 90 days (Schengen Agreement)
  • Return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required at entry
  • Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), ~48 km from Reykjavík — Icelandair is the national carrier
  • Bring $800–$1,000 USD cash + ~$100 in small bills (~13,000 ISK) for tips and incidentals
FAQs

What gear should I bring?

  • Single-handed rods: 6 and 8-weight, 9–10 ft
  • Euro nymphing rod: 4-weight, 10–11 ft
  • Double-handed/Spey rods: 8 or 9-weight, 13–14 ft
  • Reels with powerful adjustable drag and 100+ yards of 20 lb backing
  • Spey lines: floating Skagit with 15-ft sink tips (floating, intermediate, Type 3, Type 6)
  • Single-hand lines: floating + intermediate
  • Tippet: fluorocarbon 3x to 0x · 8-ft knotless tapered fluorocarbon leaders in 0x

What flies should I bring? An assortment of tube flies, nymphs, streamers, and dry flies suited for sea trout. The guide will advise on specific patterns based on conditions.

What clothing should I pack? Waders · wading jacket · wading boots · thermal underlayer (top and bottom) · warm socks · cap and beanie · polarized sunglasses · fleece and heavy Primaloft jacket · wool or fishing gloves · fleece or Primaloft pants. Weather in Southeast Iceland can change rapidly — layering is essential.

Do I need prior fly fishing experience? Experience with spey or single-hand rods is helpful. The guide will assist you with euro nymphing techniques if you are unfamiliar with them. Can I explore the area beyond fishing? Yes — the lodge is surrounded by Vatnajökull National Park (UNESCO), lava fields, waterfalls, canyons, and highland scenery. The area is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland.