Eldvatn in Medalland

A big sea trout from Eldvatn in 2008.

Eldvatn is a south coast river. It is one of Icelands best known sea trout rivers and lies on the western border of the sea trout realm of Vestur Skaftafellssysla. It is a big river and has a mystical look to it as it meanders through a haunting lava landscape. Eldvatn is translated Fire water, due to the volcanic surroundings.

Eldvatn used to be partially glacial but some road building diverted the glacial water and Eldvatn took on a clear facade. It is clearly a more fun river to fish than when it was coloured. Eldvatn is fished with six daily rods and two more are situated on a branch of the nearby Steinsmyrarvotn. All the rods share the new lodge that is being built on the banks of Eldvatn.

Playing a big one on a good looking Eldvatn pool.

Eldvatn has a beautiful stock of sea trout, much the same as most of the rivers in the area. These are wild ice age brown trout with the sea going tendancy. The grow very old and very big. 10 to 20 pound sea trout are never out of the ordinary in this river. There are also quite a lot of big sea and stationary char, stationary brown trout and usually a few dozen salmon as well. Most of them though are not of Eldvatn origin, rather being fish from smolt releases on nearby rivers. They make the fishing more interesting but due to their origin, they are free game. The sea trout on the other hand are caught and released and there is a strict fly only regulation on the river. Anglers are allowed to take their char home with them if they so choose.

As said, the new Eldvatn outfitter will open a new lodge for the coming season. It is well placed in beautiful surroundings. The river will be run on a self catering basis but upon request guides and/or cooks can be provided