Recommended Fly Fishing Gear for Reykjadalsá

Question: What gear do you recommend for fly fishing in Reykjadalsá River, Iceland?

Answer:

Reykjadalsá is ideal for both brown trout and summer salmon fishing. Choosing the right gear ensures both comfort and success. Here’s what we recommend:

Rod Recommendations

Selecting the right rod depends on target species, presentation, and river conditions:

Trout fishing:

• 9–10' rods are ideal,

• For windy days, 9 or 9’6 ft rods make casting easier.

• Line weight: #4–5 for dry flies, #5–6 for nymphs, #6–7 for streamers or windy conditions.:

• 10–11 ft #3–4 euro nymphing rods can be effective, though not essential.

Salmon fishing (mid-July onwards):

• Stronger rods: #7–8 for fighting large Atlantic salmon (up to ~25 lbs).

• Lower river sections are calmer and may allow a #6 rod for delicate presentations.

Rod combos depending on number of rods brought (trout focus):

• 2 rods: #5 and #6

• 3 rods: #4, #6, #7

• 1 rod: #6

Salmon-specific combos:

• 3 rods: #6, #7, #8

• 2 rods: #6 (can double as dry fly rod) + #8

• 1 rod: #7

Tip: A lighter rod can also be handy for casting to rising trout near salmon pools.

Leaders & Tippets

• Trout: 9 ft tapered mono leader, 3–5X tippet. 1x - 15 pound tippet for streamers

• Salmon: 9 ft tapered mono leader ending in 18 pounds. 15–20 lb tippet

• Mono is sufficient for most of our fishing; fluorocarbon optional for nymphing rigs.

Waders & Boots

• Chest waders, breathable (Gore-Tex preferred)

• Studded rubber sole will provide the best all around grip on Reykjadalsá

• Felt soles are good for slippery rocks but will be slippery on muddy bottom and grassy banks.

• Warm wading socks

Clothing & Accessories

• Waterproof jacket with hood

• Fleece or warm mid-layer, thermal underwear

• Light gloves, windbreaker, sun hat / peaked cap

• Polarized sunglasses (+ spare)

• Nippers, forceps, floatant, drying powder

• Optional: bug net (late June–early August), folding wading staff

Starter Pack (Essential Gear)

• 9–10 ft trout rod (#5–6)

• Salmon rod (#7–8) if fishing mid-summer

• Robust reel with smooth drag

• WF floating line + optional short sink tip

• 9 ft tapered leader + appropriate tippet

• Chest waders + studded/coarse boots

• Clothing layers + waterproof jacket

• Polarized sunglasses + sun hat

• Nippers, forceps, floatant, drying powder

This starter pack prepares you for most conditions on Reykjadalsá, from calm trout pools to faster salmon sections.