Arnarvatnsheiði - Brown trout and Arctic char heaven
The Icelandic highlands have many unknown lakes and streams. Arnarvatnsheiði is a whole area of water for Arctic Char and Brown Trout that you can just buy a normal fishing license and go fish! This is quite unique for Iceland which has a lot of private waters with limited access. For summer 2024 I had my first visit to this area and I was blown away by the vast areas that you can explore on your own. The landscape is flat with shallow lakes and volcanic fields and with an impressive backdrop of Eriíksjökull and Langjökull glacier.
The Lakes
When coming to Arnarvatnsheiði you can expect some great lake fishing opportunities. Many areas are great to fish from shore or wading out a little bit in the water. Note that a lot that is described in text and videos about this place says that it is all shallow and soft bottom in the lakes. It is for the most part true but some lakes are deeper as well. There is a lot to explore, some of the waters I am sure see no one fishing in a whole year.
The Streams
The streams are in general very small. Faster water with pocket water and slower channels connecting the lakes. It is such a treat to fish it. You can find big fish in streams so small that you think would be completely lifeless.
Recommended gear
When I fish Arnarvatnsheiði I use singlehand rods 4-7 wt.
Lighter for dry fly and nymph fishing and heavier for streamer fishing. For streamer fishing, I use for the most part floating line but I also bring an intermediate and a sink 3 line for some of the lakes.
Flies we use are everything from small dries and nymphs all the way up to large streamers. Black with fluorecent orange has been a favorite color combination for me that works great if the water becomes a bit colored. That can happen in shallow waters during heavy rain or strong wind.
Accommodation
Over the area, Fish Partner rents out several basic cabins in different sizes. It is also possible to do camping when you are here fishing. The cabins are basic but charming, often with fishing water within walking distance.
Transportation
Finding Arnarvatnsheiði on your own is quite simple. It is a large road going north from Reykjavik until you have about 1 hour left to the fishing area. The last part goes over this vast and flat land on gravel roads. When I drove here for the first time I didn't have the correct directions using Google Maps to the cabin. It took me to the area but then using the old road crossing through the river Norðlingafljót. I don't recommend you do this without experience and it is not necessary. Just a little bit further away there is a new bridge built to drive over the river instead.
You will need a 4x4 car to get here and to reach some waters you need to walk or have a modified 4x4 car. Be sure to walk and check the road if it looks bad before driving it.
If you want to visit this area please reach out and I will help you with your questions
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