The East Ranga is one of Iceland’s most sought after rivers and renowned for its high numbers of large multi-sea-winter fish. The river is broad and gentle by many standards, very well suited to Spey fishing and produces an average of 2500 landed salmon each year, with an average weight of 10- to 14-pounds. The river is also known for exceedingly steady flows of cold clear water making for a long highly productive season. Anglers stay at the full-service Aurora Lodge Hotel overlooking the river. Located in the middle of the river’s nine beats, it is an extremely comfortable base where guest share double occupancy rooms with attached baths, a full bar, fireplace and superb meals served in the main dining area.

Each day two guests will depart the lodge with their guide in 4x4 vehicles to access their allotted beat. All fishing will be done on foot either while wading or from the bank. Most pools are easy to reach and easy to fish for anglers of all physical abilities. The river is divided into nine beats spanning 22 kilometers. The river is broad and open by Icelandic standards and while it is a favorite for Spey anglers is it is also a pleasure for single-hand casters. The East Ranga is a very cold river with low rates of natural reproduction. This is the case in several famous Icelandic rivers and Iceland has become a leader in specialized hatchery programs where they release large cold-water tolerant smolt, most of which tend to return large after several winters at sea. With a large, impassible falls located at the upper end of their beats, the fish are a somewhat captive audience meaning that there is a good chance that all the pools you fish will be holding fish and some will holding a great many. Note that the harvest of fish is popular here and since these are not wild fish, it is in no way frowned upon. All fish over 70 cm will be placed in live boxes unharmed and used for hatchery propagation. Before Aug 20th, all fishing is catch and release only. Anglers tend to average 3-5 fish per person per day over the course of their season.  Guides are expert anglers and most speak excellent English.

Guide days are split into a morning and an evening session. Packages are based around four days of fishing with an evening session upon arrival, three full days, and a morning session on your day of departure.

Guests stay at the full-service Aurora Lodge Hotel which is a dedicated fishing lodge during salmon season and a sought-after small hotel renowned for its gorgeous views the rest of the year. The lodge complex is comprised of 10 buildings, all linked by a wooden walkway and veranda. There are two hot tubs as well as a small sauna. Guests are accommodated in compact, fully furnished rooms each with either twin or double bed and private bathrooms.

The main lodge building houses the kitchen and spacious dining and a living room filled with comfy leather chairs and sofas, and a full-service bar. The central hall has a tackle shop, reception, quieter seating and a fireplace with armchairs and a perfect view of the river and mountain vista. There is also a heated drying room for waders and coats etc, a full-service fish cleaning and storage facility, a barbecue area, and a fishing office where rods and guides meet before each fishing session.

Meals are served in the main dining area and are of the highest quality.

Day 1: Arrive Keflavik Airport, Iceland and overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 2: At 1 PM transfer approximately 1.5-hours by vehicle to the lodge, settle in, draw your beat and fish a guided evening session.

Days 3-5: Full days of fishing with morning and evening sessions.

Day 6: Morning session of guided fishing followed by lunch then transfer to Keflavik Airport for a departing flight or to Reykjavik for an overnight.

2024 Rates: Per person based on single occupancy (full rod)

4 night/4 day package: £6,000 - £9,950

Included: Accommodations and meals at Aurora Lodge Hotel, transfers to/from Reykjavik to the lodge, fishing permit for one rod, guiding (one guide to every 2 full rods), house wine and tap beer.

Not Included: Airfare, hotels and meals in Reykjavik, gratuities, flies and tackle

Species: Atlantic salmon

Season: June - September

Capacity: 12 anglers