General Description
Battle Hill Lodge is a renovated farmhouse set on a historic farm in the Southeast of Iceland, in the Skaftafellssýsla region. For thousands of years, native sea trout have lived in these rivers, surviving volcanic eruptions and lava flows — making them a uniquely resilient and hard-fighting fish. For decades, these rivers were in the hands of local fishing clubs and closed to outside anglers. That has now changed with a new lease between Fish Partner and the landowners, opening Iceland’s best sea trout fisheries to international anglers for the first time.
The lodge sits roughly 1 km from Ring Road No. 1 — easily accessible, yet completely isolated. Directly from the front door, you can see the Brúna Hraun lava field, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, and beyond it, Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. The land is called Orustuhóll — “Battle Hill” in Icelandic — after a Viking Chieftain, Hróars Tungugoði, who was slain on this hill in the 10th century.
Overview
Target species: Sea-run brown trout · Arctic char · Atlantic salmon
Fishing styles: Walk & wade · Wading with single and double-handed rods · Euro nymphing
Rivers fished:
- Vatnamót — One of Iceland’s finest sea trout fisheries, a junction where several rivers converge before flowing into the Skaftá. Home to the largest sea trout of the season. Also holds arctic char and salmon. Sandy, ever-changing riverbed. Lower section accessible by vehicle; upper section requires wading — reminiscent of saltwater flats fishing.
- Geirlandsá — 22 km river flowing through the valley of Síða. Features two stunning waterfalls, Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. Known for abundant sea-run brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Accessible with single or double-handed rods. The hike to Hagafoss rewards those in good shape with breathtaking scenery.
- Fossálar — Flows through a lava field created by the Laki super-eruption of 1783 — partially a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for sizable sea-run brown trout over roughly 15 km of diverse pools and landscapes. A guide favorite for its incredible variety and challenging waters.
Seasons:
- Fall Season (Mid-August – October 20) — Sea trout begin running in late July and fish through the last day of the season. All three rivers are fished. Early bookings focus on Vatnamót, lower Geirlandsá, and Fossálar. Late autumn sees activity shift toward Geirlandsá and Fossálar.
- Spring Season (Mid-April – Mid-May) — Fish have overwintered in the rivers and remain in good condition, actively feeding. Fishing limited to Vatnamót and Geirlandsá only. Trout found in schools in the lower river sections.
