Species:

There are five species of freshwater fish in Iceland, three of which are targeted by fly fishermen. Those three are all part of the salmon family (Salmonidae); the Atlantic salmon, the Arctic char and the brown trout.

Brown Trout
If you are reading these lines, you most likely have heard of the brown trout. This favorite of so many anglers can be found swimming wild in countless streams and lakes in Iceland. Iceland is known for its incredibly large brown trout, mainly the "ice age" trout of Lake Thingvallavatn, which got landlocked there during the last ice age. Common size for brown trout in Iceland is 2-5 lbs., while the "ice age" trout can reach over 30 lbs. and average 8 lbs.

Arctic Char
Arctic char is the most widespread freshwater fish species found in Iceland. Common size for char is 1-4 lbs. The Highland rivers of Kaldakvísl and Tungnaá are full of these strong fighting fish with an average size of 3 lbs.

Atlantic Salmon
Iceland has been known for its world-class Atlantic salmon fishing. Fish Partner focuses its tours on brown trout and Arctic char, but salmon fishing can be arranged.

Season:

The fishing season in Iceland runs April 1st through October 31. However, each river or lake has a different season and waters are simply closed for the off-season. Prime-time differs quite a bit between waters and species. For example, the prime time for the big ice age trout of lake Thingvallavatn is April-June and September, while the prime time for the Highland rivers of Kaldakvísl and Tungnaá is June-August.

Region/Terrain:

The Highlands are the true heart of Iceland. With its uncanny beauty and epic scenery, the Highlands offer you an experience unlike any other. Here, you can truly become one with nature, as the Highlands are completely untouched and uninhabited by humans. The vast wilderness—mountains, deserts, canyons, lakes and rivers—bears witness to the powerful forces of fire and ice which have shaped the landscape on this volcanic island over centuries. The geological extremes are unlike those found anywhere else. Alongside black sands, one can find bright glowing green moss, red rocks or boiling water. Amidst all this beauty, there is are big trout and arctic char, peacefully cruising the gin-clear streams of the Highlands, as it has been since the Ice Age.

Typical Weather:

You can expect any weather in Iceland. However, the summer months of June-August are generally rather mild. The saying "if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes" is very true about Iceland and therefore good or bad weather usually does not last for days. In the south, the average high temperature is 42°F in April and 55°F in July-August, with the average low being 32°F and 46°F respectively.

An all-inclusive day for two anglers sharing a room and a guide starts at $850 per person. Note that prices are USD can fluctuate slightly due to currency exchange rates.

Additional Activities:

Fish Partner can arrange a number of other activities for guests such as horseback riding, whale watching, river rafting, hiking, snowmobiling and more.

Reservations, Deposits & Payments

The deposit is 50% of the trip price unless stated differently in the trip proposal and materials (trip planner and confirmation email). In some cases, deposits are non-refundable, this depends on the destination and will be clearly noted in the trip proposal and materials as well. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure, except where specified differently on individual itineraries. The balance will be charged automatically to the credit card used for the deposit, unless otherwise specified. Any changes made to the method of payment after the final balance has been collected are subject to processing fees.

A reservation form and release are required prior to departure.

All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another.

Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Adventures reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure.

Planning information

When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Although cancellation fees may be higher for some trips (stated in the trip proposal and materials), the following minimum cancellation fees will apply:

For trips that include an Orvis gift card or Orvis merchandise, the retail value of the gift card or merchandise is non-refundable upon delivery. Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather.

We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement.

Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees.

Cancellation Insurance

Your planning information includes information for travel insurance covering cancel for any reason, cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage.

Share policies

Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip.

Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived.

Passports and documents

International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions.

Arrival and Departure

Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day.

Equipment & Clothing

You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information.

Airline reservations

The land cost of your trip does not include airfare.

Limitation of liability

This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully.

Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them.

All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as shooting or fishing, or travel through remote places by vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a condition of participation.

Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.

Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation.