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Overview
The Blandá river is located in the North West of Iceland and runs through the beautiful valley of Refsá. The river offers a huge variety of fishing from the top most beats down to the famous Blandá 1 beat. The upper beats begin in the Refsá canyons which offers a much more intermit experience due to the narrower river. As you move further downstream the river opens out onto typical Icelandic meadows and meanders its way down to the coast. If you love to cast a long line swinging bigger flies this is the place for you. The Blandá river is a milky blue in colour with its tributaries all being crystal clear.
The runs of fish are good with some of Iceland’s biggest salmon and one of Iceland’s highest proportions of multi-sea winter fish. There is also the Svartá tributary which is clear water and can be added to your week or taken separately. It is a three-rod beat. Above the salmon beats is a wonderful, clearwater trout and freshwater char beat.
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Fishing
The water is a pleasure to fish with classic salmon pools, which makes for very satisfying fishing, but there is also a huge variety of water mixed between 4 large beats. Whether you are after deep canyons or wide-open meadows, the Blandá has it all.
The riffled hitch and skated sunray shadow are the standard flies and techniques which speak well for a river known for big fish. Watching a fresh 17 pound salmon rising to your skated sunray is every salmon anglers dream. The upper beats of the river begin in a deep canyon, which requires a more technical approach to the fishing, with smaller rods and more precise casting. The river then opens out onto the flood plains of the Blandá valley. The river is wider here, giving anglers the opportunity to fish with larger rods, longer lines and big fly swings. Beat 2 has the famous Svartá river running into the Blandá, creating a productive junction pool. This is a real bonus to add. The ability to fish the tributary is also there.
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Accommodation
The Blandá Lodge is one of Iceland’s top lodges in terms of food and accommodation, and is located only meters from the river itself.
The lodging is comfortable and modern, boasting 12 rooms meaning each guest has their own room even when rod sharing.
The lodge offers fantastic food, a welcoming and efficient team on staff.
Facilities include hot tubs, a sauna and open decking bbq area for those who enjoy a drink outside while watching the river trickle past.
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Food & Cuisine
Three meals per day are provided for all guests, with an open bar in the evenings. Breakfast and evening meals are excellent, and 5* with a slightly more basic lunch each day. Tea, coffee and snacks will be taken down to the river by your guide.
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Example itinerary
Day 1 – Home City to Reykjavik
- Fly from home city to Keflavik International Airport
- Taxi from Keflavik International to Reykjavik City. Approx 1hrs ($80)
- Check-in to hotel and overnight
- Please contact us if you require advice on hotels
Day 2 – Reykjavik to Blandá lodge
- 9 am pick up from your chosen hotel
- Transfer from Reykjavik to Blandá Lodge. Approx 3hrs
- Arrive at Blandá Lodge for lunch and commence afternoon fishing at 4 pm
- Continue to overnight at the Lodge
Day 3 & 4 – Continued Fishing
- Continued fishing and overnight stay at Blandá lodge and river
Day 5 – Morning fishing continue home
- You will fish the morning on Blandá River with your guide and head back to the lodge after the morning session on the river
- The transfer will take you directly to Keflavik Airport
- Fly to home city
- Continue with your own arrangements.
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Specifics
Included:
- Full board accommodation
- 1 Guide between 2 fisherman
- Fishing for three days includes 2 half days
- Transfer from hotel to Lodge
Excluded:
- Transfers from airport to hotel in Reykjavik
- Gratuities
- Flights
- Any extra hotel in Iceland outside of the Lodge
Blandá River
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Location
FAQ
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Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland?
You do not need a visa to travel to Iceland if you are a British Citizen. You will be granted 90 days free of charge upon arrival.
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Do I need a hire car?
You do not need a hire car. We can organise transfer drivers to collect you from the lodge and hotels. Although if you would like more freedom, you may hire a car. All lodges have good road access.
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What else can I do in Iceland?
Iceland has various activities to do, from visiting the Blue Lagoon, the Geysir or walking on glaciers. If you would like to add a variety of activities to your fishing trip, please contact us now.
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Will the mosquito's be bad?
Iceland is one of the few northern hemisphere salmon fishing destinations with a massive lack of biting insects. No Mozi’s or Midgies, don’t worry!
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Why choose LOOP Travel?
Loop Travel has extensive teams worldwide, all working to give you the best possible advice when travelling the world in seeking top-class fly fishing. Our advice is totally free to you and booking with us comes at no extra cost.
Our years of experience between the teams and plethora of knowledge is second to known. Our team members know destinations backwards, having spent many years guiding, managing or fishing these lodges.
We only sell what we know and what we know; we know better than anyone.
Suitable gear
The Blanda River is a big one in comparison to other Icelandic rivers. For the most part, you will need a 14ft rod. When the river is warming up in the summer months, a 13ft or switch rod is useful for stripping sunray shadows or other surface flies.
The upper beat and the Blandá’s tributary (Svartá) are both much narrower pieces of water. A single-handed rod can be useful in many situations.
We recommend you take rods to cover all eventualities. If you do not want to travel with rods, we can organise to borrow lodge rods.
When it comes to conditions, a famous saying in Iceland is “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes”. This statement can be very true, and the weather in any northern territories can be extremely temperamental. Having the correct clothing can make or break the trip. Cold winds and heavy rain are unlikely in the summer months, but very possible.
The Torne jacket is perfect for those windy evenings on the river or when you get caught in a rainstorm out on the river.
A dry pack is perfect for those who like to carry a camera or keep a spare jumper on them at all times. The Dry Backpack will keep anything dry and protected even through Iceland’s wettest days.
A reel with a good drag system is essential when fishing the Blandá. The fish are big, and currents can be strong.
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