Salmon fishing in Blanda is some of the best available. Blanda is one of Iceland’s longest and most powerful rivers.
The river is known for her powerful and big salmon. Blanda is divided into 4 beats and has one major tributary – Svartá.
Beat 1
Beat 1 is a relatively short beat that holds 4 rods, 2 on each bank.
The beat opens in early June and leads the charts throughout June and sometimes July in salmons caught per rod.
Catch Numbers:
In recent years Blanda has gone from strength to strength, especially beat 1.
Here are the numbers from the last five years:
2009 – 2413 salmon
2010 – 2777 salmon
2011 – 2032 salmon
2012 – 832 salmon
2013 – 2611 salmon
2014 – 1931 salmon
2015 – 4829 salmon
2016 – 2386 salmon
2017 – 1433 salmon
2018 – 870 salmon
Ten year average = 2215 salmon
It should be kept in mind that beat 1 is usually only fished for about 60 days. Needless to say beat 1 is the most productive beat of the river.
Big Salmon!
Blanda – The Early Season River!
Blanda is an early season river, opening on June 5th every year and with the absolute prime being from late June until late July.
For those looking for a serious fight with serious salmon, June is the right time. The salmon are fewer in June – but they are nearly all multi-winter fish.
Only later is June the grilse start arriving.
Large Volume River
As stated before, Blanda is a large volume river, no drought problems here! This also means hard currents that a hooked salmon will use to its advantage.
Every summer we hear stories from anglers that hooked a monster salmon, but never really stood a chance of landing it.
Fortunately, we also hear from those who manage to get them on the bank as well.
The Crazy river
Other rivers near Blanda include Svartá, Laxá in Asum and Hallá – all within an hour’s drive (some of them just minutes away). An ideal combination would be with Svartá also known for big salmon. Blanda is an ideal destination for those who are looking for serious salmon fishing, both in regards to the size of each salmon and in regards to the quantity of salmon caught.
Location And Directions:
North Iceland about 300 km from Reykjavik. Take Highway 1 North towards Borgarnes. Drive through Borgarnes towards Blönduós. Drive through Blönduós towards Akureyri.
About 20 km From Blönduós is a sign on your right hand side that says: Blanda Hólahvarf Veiðihús.
Turn right at that sign and drive a few hundred meters and you are there
General info
Fishing season: June 5th to September 5th.
Prime time: July 10th to August 10th
Average catch: 10 year average 2215 salmon (whole river)
Average size of fish: 7-8 lbs.
Fishing hours:
June 5th –August 19th 07:00-13:00 & 16:00-22:00
August 20th – September 15th 07:00-13:00 & 15:00-21:00
Guide: One per two rods
Lodge: Full service lodge, private room with bathroom to each rod, living room, dining room, bar, Jacuzzi, wader drying room.
Tackle: Double handed rods 13 – 15′, weight 9-11, sink tip lines recommended.
Best flies:
Blanda is cold and murky and fishes best with tubes, ¼ – 1 inch. Sink tips are a must but sometimes smaller tubes and/or regular flies can be the most effective. The best flies for Blanda are:
Bismo (light tube – Local Fly)
SunRay Shadow (1 inch)
Snaelda (¼ – ½ inch)
Black & Blue (½ inch, cone head)
Collie Dog (½ – 1 inch)
As in other autumn rivers, as temperature drops the tubes get bigger/heavier. The same patterns applies, just a little heavier.
Map: Blanda I
Blanda lodge
The Blanda lodge is a new and beautiful lodge, about 19 km from Blönduós. It was built in 2006.
The lodge has spacious 12 twin rooms, all with bath and shower. The living room is big and comfortable and the dining room also. It is a full service lodge with two Jacuzzi’s, sauna and veranda.
Food of top restaurant standard is provided in the lodge during your stay, two course lunch and a three course dinner. Fresh local ingredients are preferred when available.
Phone number at the lodge: +354 451 4070 (During the summer)
