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Beat 3 in Blanda is in many ways similar to beat 2 but has slightly less volume of water (the tributary Svartá converges with Blanda between beats 2 and 3) especially the lower part of the beat. The upper part of beat 3 is more demanding, there the river runs through a canyon and pools are more diverse. Most of the best pools are accessible by car (4x4) but there are some that require a bit of walking. As with beat 2, beat 3 is not known for the volume of salmon but the size and strength. Annual catches range from 100 – 200 salmon with a steady increase in recent years.
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| Plenty of space for each rod |
And some very beautiful pools to fish |
Blanda is a glacial river and even though it has changed drastically, due to the hydro-electric power plant situated at the top of the river, the water is rarely gin-clear. But during June, July and the beginning of August the water is relatively clear. Most of the glacial silt sinks to the bottom of the reservoir before the water is channeled through the turbines at Blanda power station. This means that the visibility below the surface is measured in yards, so more than enough to fish. In mid- and late August the water usually becomes gradually darker until it becomes virtually unfishable. Even though most local anglers curse this every year, the side effect is that this way the river automatically protects its stock of salmon.
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| The upper part is extremely peaceful and quiet |
Very relaxing and refreshing fishing |
Blanda also holds a good deal of brown trout, sea trout and arctic char as well as salmon. As stated before it’s a large beat in a big river, so hiring a guide – at least for one or two days – is a very good idea. The best flies/tubes for this beat are; Red Frances & Black Frances, German Snaelda, SunRay Shadow, Black Sheep and Silver Sheep. Although heavy tubes (¼ - 1,5 inch) brass or cone heads are very effective some lighter variations should also be brought along (aluminum and plastic tubes) as well as regular flies and hitch tubes. Bring strong leaders, everything under 12 pounds breaking strength is considered a trout leader in Blanda.
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| A fresh fighter |
The full service Blanda lodge is optional. |
The self catering lodge for Blanda 3 is very basic, but has all anglers need – but not much beyond that. For those who seek a higher standard of lodging we point out that there’s usually vacancy at the full service lodge for beat 1. Those who are looking for less service and more privacy there are several other options. There are some B&B’s in the area as well as cottages for up 10 people – all on the banks of Blanda.
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