What flies do we recommend for Lónsá?

Lónsá is a small, clear river on the Langanes Peninsula with excellent fishing for sea-run Arctic char, sea-run brown trout, and resident trout. Because the river is shallow and extremely clear, fly choice and presentation matter a lot. Below is a simple overview of the best flies for Lónsá throughout the main season.

Recommended Nymphs (Sizes #12–20)

These have worked really well for sea-run char and sea-run browns in spring and early summer.

• Pheasant Tail (#12–20)

• Beykir (#12–18) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Perdigons (#12–16)

• Zebra Midge (#16–22)

• Blowtorch (#12–16)

• Krókurinn (#12–16) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Hrafna (#12–16) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Sexy Walt’s (#12–16)

• Scuds/Gammarus (#12–16) – very effective in the estuary

• Bloodworm (#12–18)

Tip: Bright colors (orange, pink, yellow) work best early; smaller natural nymphs are key later in summer.

Recommended Dry Flies (Sizes #10–20)

Dry fly fishing improves as summer progresses.

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14–10)

• Parachute Adams (#18–14)

• Klinkhammer (#18–12)

• Griffiths Gnat (#20–14)

• Galdralöpp (#14–10) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• F-Fly (#20–14)

• Black Gnat (#12–18)

• Small midge patterns (#22–16)

Recommended Streamers (Sizes #6–12)

Effective in the estuary and again in September when trout migrate upriver.

• Black Ghost (#10–6)

• Rektor (#10–6) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Dentist (#10–8)

• Grettir (#10–6) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Gray Ghost (#10–6)

• Nobbler (pink/orange/white) (#12–6) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Dýrbítur black, orange, white, pink (#10–6) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Strympa (#10–6) (Classic Icelandic pattern)

• Small Zonkers, Wooly Buggers, and Pink Streamers

Seasonal Guidelines

Mid-May – July (Prime Char Runs)

• Sea-run char and trout enter daily

• Bright attractor nymphs work best early 

• Big char arrive in early

Late July – August

• Char become more selective → use small natural nymphs (#14–20)

• Good dry fly action when the weather allows.

• delicate presentations and stealth are important

September

• Brown trout migrate upriver

• Streamers become the most effective choice

• A big portion of the char continue far into the highland section

Starter Fly Box for Lónsá

• Nymphs: PT, Sexy Walt’s, Blowtorch, Scuds (#12–18)

• Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, F-Fly, Klinkhammer (#12–20)

• Streamers: Black Ghost, Rektor, Wooly Bugger, small pink streamers (#6–10)

Full Fly List & Detailed Guide

For photos, full descriptions, and season-by-season tactics, see the full blog article here