Gljufura in Hunavatnssyslu
Pool at the lower fish lader. It is quite often full of fish. Photo Ásdís Guðmundsdóttir.
This small northern river is a keen favorite of many who like to have their river to themselves. It has some distinguished neighbors that rate among the elite in Icelandic rivers, yet Gljúfurá has long had a low profile. Probably due to the fact that its clients do not wish to give it to much coverage and outward attention.
Hilly countryside and some falls are the trademark of the lower part of the river. Photo gg.
Most of the river is in variously deep canyons and while the 4x4 path is never to far off the river, accessing many of the pools involves walking up and down steep grassy hills. It is great exercise. Another aspect of this river is its ability to hide its salmon. You may end your shift having landed several salmon yet never seen other fish than the ones you landed. This is due to the fact that most of the pools are short and their deepest spots are directly under the white water were the river froths into the pool.
The bottom part of the river often has good sea char runs. Photo gg.
There are two fish ladders in the river both around the main highway. Salmon may often be seen piling up in the huge pool beneath the lower ladder, as there is a great vantage point at the top of a cliff overlooking the pool. Hereabouts the river is still in canyons and there are several lesser falls as the river winds on down to the plain. Down there, close to the estuary to the huge lake Hópið, you’ll find the excellent self catering lodge. The river fishes three rods and often one of them will be hunting for sea char that enter the cut bank pools just above the lake.
