The Elliðaár salmon river runs through Reykjavík; Veiðiheimar lists its salmon season as 21 June–15 September, flies only, catch-and-release. The waters with mapped locations lie 10 km to 39 km from the city centre. Iceland: rod fishing for salmon and trout needs a permit from the angling club, landowner or leaseholder.
Where to fish
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Elliðaár
river
Fished for: Atlantic salmon, brown trout.
About 6 km from Lake Elliðavatn to the sea; owned by the City of Reykjavík; fishing run by the Reykjavík Angling Club (SVFR).
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Elliðavatn
lake10 km from the city centre
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Þingvallavatn (Þingvellir National Park)
lake39 km from the city centre
Fished for: Arctic char (four morphs), brown trout.
Largest natural lake in Iceland, 84 km².
Getting there: Elliðaárdalur valley is a 15-minute bus ride from central Reykjavík (Visit Reykjavík).
What you can catch, and when
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic salmon | Elliðaár: 21 June–15 September | Flies only; catch-and-release; morning 07:00–13:00 and evening 15:00–21:00 shifts (Veiðiheimar). The 2025 season opened 20 June (City of Reykjavík). |
| Brown trout | Elliðaár upper area: 1 May–5 June (flies only, up to 2 rods). Þingvallavatn: 20 April–15 September | Þingvallavatn: all brown trout must be released 20 April–31 May; park advises against eating brown trout over 60 cm (mercury). |
| Arctic char | Þingvallavatn: 20 April–15 September | Ólafsdráttur closed 1 July–1 September for char spawning. |
Best time: June–September (salmon season) · May–early June (Elliðaár brown trout)
Do you need a permit?
Iceland: rod fishing for salmon and trout needs a permit from the angling club, landowner or leaseholder. Many lakes are covered by the Veiðikortið fishing card. Salmon, sea trout and char may not be fished in the sea; recreational sea angling is limited to fish for own consumption. Imported, previously used freshwater gear must be disinfected before entering Iceland, with a certificate.
Cost: Veiðikortið: ISK 9,900 (Ísland.is, year not stated). Þingvellir day permit: ISK 2,500 per rod (park website, year not stated; fishing map labelled 2025). Gear disinfection at Leirar service centre: ISK 5,000.
Authority: Ísland.is (Government of Iceland); Þingvellir National Park — island.is
Good to know
- Elliðaár access: Visit Reykjavík says permits require joining the Reykjavík Angling Club and an annual lottery, while Veiðiheimar lists half-day rods for sale — confirm with the club.
- Þingvellir: fly only 20 April–31 May; shore and islets only, no boats or nets; every catch logged; Öxará and the area south of its estuary closed; permits do not cover Kárastaðir.
- Elliðaár trout area: no fishing within 50 m of the Elliðavatn dam.
Places to stay around Reykjavik
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Hotels in Þingvallavatn
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Frequently asked
Do you need a fishing permit near Reykjavik?
Iceland: rod fishing for salmon and trout needs a permit from the angling club, landowner or leaseholder. Many lakes are covered by the Veiðikortið fishing card. Salmon, sea trout and char may not be fished in the sea; recreational sea angling is limited to fish for own consumption. Imported, previously used freshwater gear must be disinfected before entering Iceland, with a certificate.
What can you catch near Reykjavik?
Atlantic salmon, Brown trout, Arctic char. Seasons and limits differ by species — see the table on this page.
When is the best time for fishing near Reykjavik?
June–September (salmon season); May–early June (Elliðaár brown trout).
How far are the waters from Reykjavik?
Elliðavatn: 10 km; Þingvallavatn (Þingvellir National Park): 39 km (straight-line distance from the city centre).
Where to stay in Reykjavik
Sources
- Ísland.is (Government of Iceland) — Permit system, Veiðikortið price, sea fishing bans for salmon/sea trout/char
- Þingvellir National Park — Seasons, fly-only period, species, permits, mercury advice, closures, disinfection
- Veiðiheimar (permit marketplace) — Elliðaár salmon season, fly only, catch-and-release, rods, shifts
- Veiðiheimar (permit marketplace) — Elliðaár brown trout area season and rules
- City of Reykjavík — 2025 opening date, SVFR, mayors open the river since 1960
- Visit Reykjavík (official tourism) — 15-minute bus ride; permits via club membership and lottery
- Go Fishing Iceland — River ~6 km from Elliðavatn to estuary; owned by the city
- Wikipedia — Þingvallavatn coordinates and size
- Wikipedia — Elliðavatn coordinates
- ReasonStay methodology — how facts are researched and checked