Iceland, Battle Hill Lodge, Vatnamót River and more.
From Battle Hill Lodge, anglers can access three remarkable rivers—the Vatnamót, Fossálar, and Geirlandsa, all tributaries of the mighty Skaftá. These waters hold some of the world’s largest sea-run brown trout, with fish topping 20 pounds. For decades, these rivers were managed exclusively by local fishing clubs and closed to visiting anglers.
Thanks to a lease between Fish Partner—our Orvis-Endorsed outfitter and winner of the 2025 Orvis-Endorsed International Destination of the Year—and the landowners, these legendary fisheries are finally open to international guests. Combined with Iceland’s breathtaking volcanic landscapes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue trophy trout in a setting unlike any other..
Quick Facts - Battle Hill
2026 Rates: Start at $7,245 p.p. for 6 nights / 6 days fishing
Location: Southern Iceland, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Outfitter: Fish Partner - Iceland’s 1st and only Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Outfitter
Species: Sea-run browns, resident browns, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon
Methods: Fly fishing only; wading—no boats used
Season: Prime months May through September
Access: All fishing rights leased; daily rod limits ensure uncrowded waters
Guides: Professional English-speaking guides
Lodging: Battle Hill Lodge has river views, comfortable rooms, great meals
The Battle Hill Fishery
Vatnamot means junction in Icelandic. Vatnamot is where the Fossalar, Geirlandsa, and Horgsa rivers meet the mighty Skafta. Each year, catch rates average 1,500 sea trout, one of the highest catch rates of sea-run browns anywhere in the world.
The Vatnamot fishery is mainly made up of sea trout, and the fish are famous for their size. Fish of 20 pounds and more are not uncommon. You’ll also target healthy numbers of Arctic char and salmon. The area is easily accessible for the most part, and it’s possible to drive right down to the river in the lowest section and fish from the bank. In the Upper part, you’ll need to wade; it is not easy wading but very exciting. It’s comparable to saltwater flats fishing as it is shallow with new daily pockets.
The Fishing Program
Two Seasons: The Lodge has both a Spring and Fall season.
Spring Season: April 15 - May 15. Sea-run browns remain strong after feeding in the rivers all winter. Fishing is on the Vatnamót and Geirlandsa rivers only.
Fall Season: August 27 - October 21. Sea-runs begin arriving in late July and continue through the close of the season.
Guides: Experienced, English-speaking guides. Two anglers per guide.
Fly Fishing Only: Streamers and nymphs are effective. Both single- and double-handed rods are welcome, with opportunities to swing flies or nymph classic pools. Catch-and-release only.
Equipment: No equipment or flies are supplied. A daily rental fee of $100 tp $120 per person includes a rod, reel, line, waders, and boots. Anglers must disinfect any used equipment before fishing, but there is no fee for disinfecting at the Lodge. If anglers choose to disinfect their equipment at the airport, a fee may apply. All flies must either be new or unused.
Fishing License: Included in your package.
Environment: Rivers flow through volcanic landscapes of glaciers, lava fields, and black sands. Anglers should use caution on wet sand and always wear a life vest.
Andy Chaffey with Geirlandsa Sea-Run Brown
Andy Chaffey with 34-inch sea-run brown from the Geirlandsa in 2023.
Guided Fishing Days
All fishing at Battle Hill Lodge is done while wading, and no boats are used. Anglers will spend their days on foot, casting into crystal-clear pools, runs, and river junctions that hold trophy sea-run browns, char, and salmon. The rivers are intimate and highly wadeable, allowing for precise presentations with single- or double-handed rods. Hiking across lava fields, black sand, and gravel bars is part of the experience, and guides ensure anglers rotate through prime beats each day. This walk-and-wade approach provides an immersive and traditional style of fly fishing, where stealth, careful casting, and reading the water are key to success.
The Geirlandsa River
Geirlandsa River: Believed to be the main spawning tributary of the Skaftá River, the Geirlandsa is often called the most beautiful sea trout river in Iceland. The river is roughly 14 miles (22 km) long and is home to two spectacular waterfalls—Fagrifoss and Hagafoss. There are good numbers of large sea-run browns, and Geirlandsa is also home to a decent number of Atlantic salmon.
The Fossalar River
Fossalar River is extremely beautiful and has diverse pools. It is about 15 km of water and is fished with 5 rods max. Fish the Fossolar with double-handed rods, swing flies, and nymphs.
Part of the Fossalar River is on UNESCO’s natural heritage list and is a beautiful landscape. The roughly 9.5-mile (15 km)) long fishery offers an amazing variety of pools and landscapes. The Fossalar is a challenging river and hard to read, which is why the guides love to fish it and guide it.
Battle Hill Lodge
About the Lodge
Battle Hill Lodge is a remodeled farmhouse with views of the Fossolar River, Brunahraun lava fields, and the Vatnajökull Glacier—Europe’s largest icecap, covering 8% of Iceland. The two-story lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in four double-occupancy and two single-occupancy rooms, with 2.5 shared bathrooms. The farmhouse is named for Viking Chief Hróars Tungugoði, who was killed nearby in the 10th century.
Meals: Meals are served in the main dining room. Buffet-style breakfasts feature eggs, meats, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, and muesli. Lunches are taken to the river, typically sandwiches, soup, fruit, and snacks. Evenings bring three-course dinners of hearty Icelandic fare—fresh seafood, lamb, produce, and homemade desserts.
Alcohol: Alcohol is not included in the package. However, during the drive from the airport to the Lodge, your guide will stop so you can purchase the beverages you’d like for the trip. You may also buy duty-free alcohol upon arrival at Keflavik Airport.
Getting to Battle Hill Farmhouse:
You’ll fly to Reykjavik (pronounced Ray-ka-vick), the country’s capital and largest city. A guide will pick you up in Reykjavik at 10:00 a.m. The drive to Battle Hill Farmhouse is 260 km., about 160 miles. The rivers are about 10 minutes east of the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur (referred to locally as Klaustur), with a population of 500.
Sample Itinerary
Anglers will rotate equally between the waters during the week.
Day 1: At 10:00 a.m., you’ll take a four-hour shuttle from the hotel in Reykjavik to Battle Hill Lodge, a memorable drive filled with breathtaking scenery. You’ll arrive around 2:00 p.m. After a light lunch, you’ll head out for a half-day of guided fishing. Depending on the light and what time you leave the river, you’ll have dinner at the Lodge at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.
Day 2-6: Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Head out fishing and have lunch midday on the river. You’ll return to the Lodge between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. to freshen up before dinner at 8:00.
Day 6: Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. Fish in the morning. Lunch at noon. Pack and head back to Reykjavík around 2:00 p.m.
2026 USD Rates:
All packages are 6-nights / 6-days guided fishing
(5 full days plus 2 half-days of guided fishing)
Two anglers per room and guide
Spring Season:
• April 15 - May 15:
$7,245 per person
Fall Season:
• Aug. 27 - Sept. 2:
$8,400 per person
• Sept. 2 - 8:
$8,600 per person
• Sept. 8-14, Sept. 14-20, Sept. 20-26, and Sept. 26 - Oct 2:
$9,975 per person
• Oct. 2-8, Oct. 8-14, and Oct. 14 - 21:
$8,715 per person
The Packages Include:
• Roundtrip ground transfers between Reykjavik and the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Fishing license
• 6-nights accommodations at the Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• VAT (Value Added Tax)
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Reykjavik, Iceland
• Tackle disinfection upon arrival ($50 to $100)
• Optional lodging, meals, and ground transfers in Reykjavik
• Fishing equipment
• Optional equipment rental of $100-$120 per day
(Includes rod, reel, line, waders, and boots)
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Alcoholic beverages
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.