2013 Iceland Report
Our annual pilgrimage to Iceland started under a cloudless sky with daytime temperatures soaring well into the 20s. Blessed with light winds, dry fly fishing on the mighty Lax equalled that of anywhere in the World. Huge trout, poking their noses through a calm surface to meet tiny midge is a spectacle in itself which I’d urge everyone to sample at least once. Thankfully the long, hard winter had made these fish hungry, so they weren’t too choosy when it came to taking our flies. Although the naturals were best copied on a size 18 hook, fish seemed more than happy to snaffle our size 14 imitations. Hooking them is only half the battle though as Iceland’s trout are extremely tenacious and defiant. Yes, fish “smoked” us on submerged lava, but plenty were landed too and what trout, fat, strong specimens that contradicted their harsh environment!
Phase 2 of our adventure took us to the delightful Reykjadalsa, a modest sized stream set in a more fertile valley. Considering its size this river produced some thumping trout with plenty of fish in the 2-4lb bracket. Those long, flat glides were best tackled with fine leaders and small shuttlecock type patterns. Where the pace quickened, we found obliging trout, which eagerly lifted to an elk hair caddis. With Stjani Ben at the helm, as you’d expect our trip ran like clockwork. Talking of which, given 24 hours of daylight, burning the candle at both ends can’t be helped. Admittedly the wind did its worst to deter us, but our whole group of Bob, James Ian, Pat and Rob enjoyed an action packed visit with dry fly tactics winning the day.
Paul Procter July 2013
www.flyodyssey.co.uk
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