Iceland: Where Geysers Meet Giants

I stepped out of the camper just as daylight started to break over the volcanic ridges. Steam drifted from a geyser in the distance, and a light mist hung above the river near camp. The water was cold and clear, winding through jagged lava fields — proper wild stuff.
This is fishing in Iceland.  Iceland is the land of 356 shades of grey, and behind every turn in the road, the landscape changes.
Just over the ridge lies Þjingvallavatn (Thingvallavatn), Iceland’s largest natural lake and home to an almost mythic strain of brown trout. These are not your average fish; these are monsters, some push past 22 lbs. I had the privilege of fishing it myself, and nothing prepares you for the vastness and how clear this water is.  You can watch the full experience here: My Fishing Trip to Þjingvallavatn

Fishing Dreams & Epic Landscapes

Iceland’s not just beautiful — it’s surreal. I remember casting into this clear, icy lake with a snowy volcano in the background, thinking, “This doesn’t feel real.” It’s a proper bucket-list spot for any angler chasing something wild.

But even if you’re not fishing all day, the place blows you away. Geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers — it changes constantly, and every turn is worth pulling over for.

It’s no secret Iceland is pricey. Food, fuel, and accommodation add up fast. That’s why a campervan is easily the most cost-effective way to travel. It’s your bed, kitchen, and transport in one — and it parks you right next to some of the best water in Europe.

You can chase trout in the morning, cook dinner next to a crater, and fall asleep to the sound of a glacial stream. It just works. Watch our Iceland journey here: Iceland Fishing & Adventure Part 1

Clean Gear & Clear Waters

 

Iceland takes ecosystem protection seriously. Before heading over, I found out all fishing gear has to be disinfected — Iceland doesn’t mess around when it comes to protecting its waters. You also need a signed certificate from a vet to prove it’s been done.

I rang my local vet a couple of weeks before flying out and explained what I was doing. They were happy for me to disinfect everything at home. I used Virkon S, which is DEFRA-approved and often recommended for angling kit. At the appointment, they checked over the gear, noted the product I’d used, and signed and stamped the paperwork — just a normal consultation charge.

Don’t leave this to the last minute — it must be done before you fly, or you’ll have to pay for disinfection at the airport.
🔗 Official Disinfection Certificate & Info

The Fishing Card: Your Access to All Lakes Pass

If you’re blending fishing with sightseeing, the Fishing Card is a fantastic option.I bought the card online before the trip so I’d have the option to fish wherever we ended up. Turned out, most of the lakes we camped at had pitches right by the water. So after sorting the van and making a brew, I’d grab the X5 and wander down for a few casts — fly or spin, depending on the conditions.
I brought only a small fishing kit with me, ideal for campervan travel. You can see exactly what I packed here: Compact Fishing Gear for Iceland

The Veiðikortið (Fishing Card) is a great-value ticket to over 30 lakes across the country. For about £77–£85, you’ll gain access to some of the most scenic wild fishing in Europe.

Season: Most lakes around May 1st to Sept 15th, with some exceptions.

Featured Lakes:
Þjingvallavatn – Trophy brown trout (10–20+ lbs)
Villingavatn – Peaceful char water (2–5 lbs)
Hraunsfjörður – Remote with varied fish sizes
Hítavatn – Known for solid trout averaging 3–6 lbs

 

 

Lake	Region	Species	Season	Campsite Nearby	Fishing Style	Campsite Details
Þingvallavatn	Southwest	Brown Trout	May 1 – Sept 15	Yes	Fly, Spin	Þingvellir National Park Campground nearby
Villingavatn	Southwest	Arctic Char	May 1 – Sept 15	Yes	Fly, Spin	Þingvellir National Park Campground nearby
Hraunsfjörður	Westfjords	Char, Trout	May 1 – Sept 15	No	Fly, Spin	No designated campsite, remote location
Hítavatn	Southwest	Brown Trout	May 15 – Sept 10	Yes	Fly, Spin	Basic campsite near lake shore
Úlfljótsvatn	South	Brown Trout, Arctic Char	May – September	Yes	Fly, Spin, Bait	Úlfljótsvatn Scout Centre with full facilities
Elliðavatn	Reykjavik	Brown Trout, Char	May – August	Yes	Fly, Spin	Heiðmörk campsite or city camping options nearby
Frostastaðavatn	Highlands	Brown Trout, Char	June – August	Yes	Fly, Spin	Highland camping, basic facilities, 4x4 access
Apavatn	South	Brown Trout	May – September	Yes	Fly, Spin	Campsite in Laugarvatn town nearby
Ljósavatn	North	Char	May – September	Yes	Fly, Spin	Basic campsite in Ljósavatn area

 

🔗 Get the Fishing Card

River Permits & Fly Fishing Royalty

Iceland’s rivers offer some of the best fly fishing in the world. Permits vary in price depending on location and species.

River	Species	Permit Price (Day, GBP)	Fish Size	Notes
Laxá in Aðaldalur	Brown Trout	£60–£130	3–6 lbs	Dry-fly dream water
Hólsá	Arctic Char, Trout	£50–£85	2–7 lbs	Consistent and scenic
Rangá (East/West)	Atlantic Salmon	£255–£850+	8–20 lbs+	Elite-level salmon waters
Vatnsdalsá	Salmon, Sea Trout	£425–£1,000+	10–25 lbs+	High-end, guided-only access

 

Sea Fishing: Salt, Swell, and Massive Cod!

You don’t need a permit for sea fishing in Iceland, just a strong rod and the guts for open water. Cod, haddock, wolffish, and halibut are all in play.
Hotspots: Reykjavík, Ólafsvík, Húsavík

Gear:

 

 

S-Max – Perfect for hauling up double-figure cod and handling strong tides
X5 – Ideal for travel and lighter setups, equally good on trout and light coastal work

Final Cast

Fishing in Iceland sticks with you. One day I was waist-deep in freezing water hanging onto a trout that felt like it could tow the camper. That evening, I was by a volcano with a brew, still grinning about the one that snapped me clean off. It’s a place that’ll test your gear, your patience — and then pay off in ways you didn’t expect.

 

 

Iceland isn’t just about landing a big one (though that happens). It’s the full package: wild fish, wild views, and proper stories by the end of it. If you’re up for something that’s as much about the journey as the catch, you won’t regret it.

About the Author

Martin Grove: I’m an angler, traveller, and storyteller — chasing wild fish and wilder landscapes from the backcountry of Sweden to Iceland’s volcanic rivers. I film it all, pack light, and share it with people looking for something real. If you’re into fishing, hiking, packrafting, and travel that’s a bit rough around the edges, this is for you.
🎥 Watch My Fishing & Travel Films