MIDFJARDARA PRE-TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Rods, lines & reels

    Rods: 9’ - 10’ Single handed rods for 6 - 8wt floating lines, 11’ switch rods can be useful with light 6-8 wt lines can be useful when conditions allow such as lower river pools in higher water  

    Reels: 6 – 8wt reel, with good drag system and 150-200m of 30lb+ backing  

    Lines: Full floating weight forward lines are best on Midfjardara. It’s best to avoid too short a taper as this can reduce delicacy in presentation. Being able to control a hitch at distance and turn a long leader over are important so dont under weight the rod

    Leader / Tippet: Tapered Leaders: 9’ & 12’ tapered to 15lbs and 20lbs, Spools of tippet material 8lb / 12lb / 15lb / 20lb Be prepared to cast long light leaders

    Consider a range of 7-10ft polyleaders (slow and fast sink) in case of high water

    Flies

    Range of Hitch flies such as: Langa Fancy, Blue Charm, Silver Sheep, Green Butt, Mini Sunray, Nagli, Haugur, Avril Lavigne in 1/4’ and 1'/2’ micro tubing

    Surface flies: Larger Tubes ¾ - 1“ tube, Sunray Shadow and Collie for higher water

    Double and Trebles: Sizes 12 - 18 tied in Frances (Red and Black), Zelda, Nagli, MP, Green Brahan, Undertaker, Haugur etc. When water is clear and low we often fish flies down to size 18

    Cone Heads: The smallest cone heads you can find are about as big as you’ll go. 1/4” with a gold cone and Francis body or collie/sunray with a size 16 treble behind

    Hooks / Tube Hooks: Single sizes 12 - 16 Double / treble sizes 12 – 18  

    Clothing & Useful Gear

    Wading: Waders (breathable or neoprene for cold water), Wading boots (rubber or felt, with or without studs), Wading jacket, Wading Belt, Wading Stick (ideally collapsible) 

    Clothing: Cap / hat, Sun Gloves, Polarised Sunglasses (essential), Buff, Multiple thin layers of underclothing, Fleece / “Puffer” jacket, Warm socks, Casual clothing for mealtimes / evenings

    Useful Extras: Forceps / Pliers / Fishing ‘Tool’, Measuring Tape, Waterproof Bag / Backpack / Fishing Bag, Camera (water resistant / waterproof), SPF lotion

  • Perched above one of Iceland’s most iconic salmon rivers, the Midfjardará Lodge enjoys an elevated position overlooking the upper reaches of the Midfjardará system, offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, heathland, and distant highlands. To the north, the river winds through volcanic hills toward the Arctic Ocean, while to the south the rugged terrain rises toward the remote interior of northwest Iceland.

    The lodge is thoughtfully laid out creating a warm and welcoming modern fishing lodge. At its heart is a central lounge and dining room with a deck that enjoys views of the river and hills beyond.

    Guests stay in well-appointed twin rooms, each with a private bathroom, comfortable furnishings, and views of the surrounding landscape. The accommodation is modern but understated, designed for both comfort and practicality during the fishing season.

    The main building features a bright, open-plan dining area where exquisite Icelandic and international dishes are served. A comfortable sitting room adjoins the dining area, furnished with leather armchairs and sofas, and complete with a bar and fireplace — the perfect place to relax with a drink after fishing. Large windows frame the ever-changing light and landscape outside.

    Additional facilities include a drying room for waders and outerwear. There is a barbecue area for outdoor dining on fine evenings, and a small tackle offering for essentials like flies, and day to day advice.

    Guides and guests typically gather at the guide bench at the front of the lodge before each session to receive beat assignments and river updates.

    Electrical sockets are standard 240v European type (two round pins).

    Contact: +354 824 6460

  • Midfjardara Lodge offer a transfer service from Reykjavik on change over days. This means an overnight both ends of the trip and does not suit every rod.

    Transfers in Iceland are comparatively more expensive than in other parts of the world. On account of many people coming from different origins we do not offer set transfers but instead quote for parties and individuals. For example a return Transfer Keflavik - East Ranga Keflavik is around 120,400ISK (1-4 people).

    With that in mind many fishers choose to rent cars, especially in smaller groups or individuals. Below are directions to use if self driving:

    MIDFJARDARA LODGE ON GOOGLE MAPS

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    The route to get there is easy with  route 1 out of Reykjavik North. You will go through a tunnel under the Fjord and continuing north will find yourself in Borgarnes. Keep going on route one through the middle of Iceland. (You will be alongside Nordura for what feels like hours) When you come out you will cross a river and then skirt a fjord with the water on your left. Keep going and the road crosses in land and the next valley you come to is Midfjardara. Before you cross the river there is a turning to the right. The sign says 704 Midfjordur. You follow this road past the church along the gravel track for what feels like too far and after you cross the tributary it’s down to the left. Cant really go wrong with sat nav or google maps but it does feel like you have gone too far as it’s further than it looks.

  • We are often asked for tipping recommendations by departing guests and suggest the folowing as a guideline:

    £40/€40per person per day for the house staff to be put in wooden box beside reception.

    £50/€50per rod per day paid directly to your guide.

    These are of course guidelines and if you feel that you have had exceptional service feel free to show appreciation.

  • Strictly fly only and catch and release.

    Guides will often not use a net to avoid damaging scales and will grab the leader in the shallows to safely release the fish in the water. Discuss this with your guide so you know what might happen in each beat.

    Shared rods share a room