The Hofsá River

The Noble sister

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Daily Catches

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Season 2025
River Information
Fishing guidelines
River map
Historical Season Catch
Hofsá lodge

A Gateway to Paradise

The Hofsá River offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to its faster-flowing sister, the Selá. Stretching 27 km through the Icelandic landscape, its clear, wide waters are home to 83 well-defined pools. Known for its strong runs of Multi Sea Winter (MSW) salmon, the river has seen a rise in catch numbers in recent years.

The pools are varied and easily accessible, mostly set over gravel beds—providing a gentler contrast to the boulder-strewn terrain of the Selá. Hofsá is divided into six fishing beats, including the top beat, often referred to as the gateway to paradise for its beauty and productivity. Combining excellent fishing with a tranquil setting, the Hofsá is a favorite for anglers seeking a more relaxed experience in East Iceland.

Plan Your Fly-Fishing Adventure

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or planning your first fishing trip, our team is here to make it unforgettable.

Guest Enquiry

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Daily catches

0

Season 2025

83

Pools

6

Rods

27km

Fishable river length

Location

North East Iceland
Fishing Pressure
Egg Planting
Reforestation
Research
Salmon Ladders
Tagging
Symposium

From rolling hills and medows to scenic canyon – The Hofsá offers a great variaety of pools, and with a long history of local and foreign salmon fishermen traveling incredible distances and hurdles to visit the banks of this river. Very few places in the world will you find 15-20 lbs salmon resting in 2-3 feet of water, adding a nerve breaking thrilling experience, casting a small hitch tube to a spotted fish. If someone created a river for fly fishing... this would definetely be on top of the list

Klaus Frimor

Fishing Guidelines

Arrival and Departure

Anglers are welcome at Árhvammur Lodge starting at 3 PM on the day of arrival. On the last fishing day, we kindly ask that anglers depart the lodge by 1:30 PM. Please adhere to this schedule to help us maintain smooth operations.

Daily Fishing Hours

Daily fishing hours are from 9 AM to 1 PM and from 4 PM to 8 PM. Anglers are permitted a maximum of two 4-hour sessions on the river each day. On the departure date, fishing will conclude at 12 PM.

Fly Fishing Only

All of our rivers are designated as fly fishing only. Other types of equipment, such as spinning rods, are not permitted. We fish with floating lines exclusively, and the use of sinking tips, sinking lines, weighted flies, and weighted tubes is prohibited. Two people may share a single rod, but they must stay together on the river while fishing. All catches must be recorded in the logbook at the lodge.

Catch and Release

All salmon must be released. Injured salmon will be given the benefit of the doubt, unless your guide advises otherwise. If a salmon cannot be saved, it should be brought to the lodge and given to the kitchen.

Catch Limits

The maximum catch per rod is two salmon per pool and four salmon per session.

Atlantic Salmon in the Hofsá River

Hofsá River Guide: Explore all the key locations, including fishing pools, the lodge and the bridge

Download map

Fishing Lodge

Bridge

Bridge

Bridge

Bridge

Bridge

Bridge

The Skua

Odin’s Bank

The New Brod Helgi

The Corran

Long Calm

The Unexpected

Cambusmore II

Cambusmore I

Ferry Pool

Old Ferry Pool

Cartwheels

Bone Marrow

Captains Run

Island Pool

“46”

Pastures Wide

The Meadow

Charcoal Burners

Wood Pool

Sub Specific

Ranga

Sphinx

Green Pool

The Pot

Mystery

Bridge Pool

Arctic Tern

Radish’s Telegraph

New Pool

Minihaha

The Bubble

Black Ban

Wilson’s Run

Simon’s Island

The Pot

Colonel’s Pool

Netpool

Falcon’s Run

Obvious Place

The Klap

Phalarope

Tungla

Lower Boulders

Green Deep

Lindin

Laxi Telegraph

The Ford

The Terraces

High Bank

The Frank

Junction

Erik’s Run

Fence

The Turf

Upper Boulders

The Wall

Birches

Tunga

Troglodyte

Sentry

Triangle

Helgi

Beetles

The Rock

Cambus

Sheephouses

Step B

Step A

Furrows

Lhasa

Great Expectations

Foss 2

Foss 1

Waterfall

Lodge

Bridge

Pool

Fish ladder

Trails

Main Road

Selá River

Historical Season Catch

1088
2023
1211
2022
601
2021
546
2020
711
2019
697
2018

Fish species

Atlantic Salmon

Somateria mollisima
Family
Anatidae
Order
Anseriformes
Class
Aves
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia

Arctic Char

Salvelinus Alpinus
Family
Anatidae
Order
Anseriformes
Class
Aves
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia

Sea Trout

Salmo Trutta
Family
Anatidae
Order
Anseriformes
Class
Aves
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia

Hofsá Lodge: A Unique Retreat by the Hofsá River.

The Hofsá Lodge was constructed in the 1970s, with Prince Charles being one of its earliest regular guests. This cozy, fully catered lodge features seven double rooms and two single rooms, all with en suite bathrooms.

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Comfortable Rooms

The lodge offers spacious rooms with beautiful views, ensuring a restful stay.

Gourmet Meals

Savor delicious, locally sourced meals expertly crafted by skilled chefs, highlighting the rich flavors and ingredients of Icelandic cuisine.

Guided Fishing

Experienced, English-speaking guides are available to help you make the most of your fly fishing experience.

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