West Ranga

West Ranga, is one of the best known salmon river in Iceland.  Not only for its beauty and great variety of fishing pools, but also for the high volume of salmon caught there every year. West Rangá usually ends as the most productive salmon river in Iceland.

Stability is why the West Rangá produces such high numbers of salmon per rod/day. It is never low in water. It is seldom, if ever colored due to flooding and heavy rains.

The only enemy could be high winds, but there is always the opposite bank….right?

The headwaters of West Rangá are near the foot of the spectacular Mt. Hekla, one of the country’s active volcanoes.

This entirely spring-fed source is responsible for both the consistent water temperature and flow.

Weekly catch

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W. 283024187168401025523293804205
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W. 30240387527464215249293128726701668
W. 31326626656546355334331155730766717
W. 325028121004575471457470190833650594
W. 335491287891525519461548309926803865
W. 345581314912481449384636303735411472
W. 3510531333944467492351605307722431364
W. 366671257141686873834453726597811191006
W. 375581270965488465575727168601538491
W. 383571122713248269186256188544413447
W. 39395710518171266194195379357343309
W. 4015747744599211235299218297213263
W. 41144640306129218130110114190191194
W. 4254425128568533570120205149158

Location

South of Iceland, about 90 km from Reykjavik.

Take Highway 1 South towards Selfoss. Drive through Selfoss towards Hella. A few hundred meters before Hella there is a sign on your right that says Þykkvibær.

Turn right at that sign and drive about 2 km and then you see the lodge at your left hand side.

The lodge is located at the riverside;  3 cottages with 6 rooms each and a spacious sitting and dining room.

Fishing season: June 24th to October 10th

Prime time: July 5th to August 20th.

Number of rods: 24th June – 2nd July:14 rods

2nd-10th July: 16 rods 10th-24th July: 18 rods 24th July-20th Oct: 20 rods

Fishing hours:  June 24th – September 20th  – 07:00-13:00 & 15:00-21:00 

Average size of fish: 7 lbs.

Guide: One per two rods

Lodge: Full service fishing lodge. A brand new lodge was recently built on the bank of the river overlooking the home pool.

There are comfortable twin/double rooms. The lodge has a dinner hall and a nice area to sit and chat about the days adventures.

Tackle: Double handed rods 13-15.

Best flies:

Similar to many large rivers, as long as your sink tip is fast sinking enough – there is no need to use too large or too heavy tubes as well.

Usually ¼ – 1 inch tubes are enough – with and without cones.  Regular flies can also do the trick.

The best patterns for West Rangá usually include black and blue colors and silver ribbing.

The best flies for West Rangá are: Black & Blue (¼ – 1 inch, with and without a cone). Collie Dog (¼ – 1 inch).

German Snaelda (¼ – 1 inch, with and without a cone). Black Snaelda (¼ – 1 inch, with and without a cone).

Blue Snaelda (¼ – 1 inch, with and without a cone). Skógá, blue (¼ – 1 inch, with and without a cone). SunRay Shadow (½ – 2 inches).

Autumn fishing in West Rangá is the same as anywhere else in Iceland, on cold days the fly/tube needs to practically scrape the bottom.

Same fly patterns apply as in summer fishing; just bring a little heavier selection.

Map:

West Ranga 1 ; West Ranga 2

Clothing:

In spite of the relatively mild climate, you should bring warm clothing and, most importantly, quality rain wear and a windcheater.

Please check out the average temperature table here below. Chest waders and wading shoes. Nicer clothes to wear for dinner.

Tackle disinfection: 

Iceland has always been free of diseases like UDN and Gyrodactylus salaris and we intend to keep it that way. There is a strict policy of visiting anglers having their tackle sterilized before coming to Iceland.

This should be done in a 2% formaldehyde solution for 10 minutes and performed by a veterinary surgeon. Tackle sterilized in Virkon S is also acceptable.

A signed inventory of what has been sterilized should be provided by the vet for presentation to the customs officers at Keflavik airport.

The most important items to be treated are: rods, reel/line, waders and flies. The process can be carried out by staff at Keflavik airport. The office is located at the far side of the baggage reclaim hall, downstairs in the airport.

Just notify one of the personnel in the area that you need your tackle disinfected and they will have a member of the staff come and complete the process. The price for one fishing set is around 4.500 Icelandic krona.

Flights:  There are many airlines that offer a scheduled flights to Iceland. Icelandic based airline is: Icelandair: www.icelandair.is

Documentation & Visas: Citizens from the European Economic Area (comprising the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein), US and Canada need only a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of arrival to enter Iceland for up to three months.

Currency: Icelandic Krona. Visa and Mastercard credit cards and Maestro and Visa Electron are accepted widely.

Language: Icelandic, but most Icelanders speak English as well.

Electricity. Most facilities operate on 220-volt, 50-cycle system. A Converter will be necessary for any electrical items that require a 110-volt, 60-cycle system.

In case of an emergency dial 112: Guide and lodge staff will be in assistance with any problems that might occur.

Equipment hire: 

If you want to hire fishing equipment, please send us the name and the shoe-size for each individual.

And please let us know if a single or double handed rod is preferred.

Please note that fly casting instruction can be arranged by your guide: please let us know to give him advance time.


Location

 In West Ranga we offer accommodation in a brand new luxury lodge set with stunning views on the bank of the river.

All bedrooms have new comfortable twin or double beds providing a good rest after an eventful day at the river. All rooms have ensuite facilities.  On the veranda you will find Jacuzzi’s with magnificent views over the river. Ease your sore casting muscles in the soothing hot tub, watching the salmon jump in the river if you are lucky.

Fine dining experience is provided by a renowned top chef. Our three course meal is made of the best ingredients available, local produce is preferred.