east rangá
THE EAST RANGA IS ONE OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE ATLANTIC SALMON RIVERS IN THE WORLD. 9070 SALMON WERE LANDED IN THE 2020 SEASON AND WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL CATCH OF OVER 4,000 SALMON THE RIVER IS QUITE EXceptional, EVEN BY HIGH ICELANDIC STANDARDS.
EXTRAORDINARY SALMON RIVER IN ICELAND
The East Ranga is famously productive, but also offers decent numbers of multi sea winter salmon averaging around 14lbs. The majority of salmon are around the 5-8lbs mark, but these smaller salmon are particularly notable for their impressive strength:size ratio.
The river is fished over approximately 22 km from an impassable waterfall at the head of Beat 9 down to the junction with the Thvera on Beat 1. Along this length of river, the pools variously sit under high bluffs, curve from cut bank to cut bank or gently ease up to purple lupin lined banks, each beat offering a variety of characteristics and at the same time maintaining enviably attractive fly water.
The river is characterised by a very consistent flow, and consequently the fly swings well over ledges, rocks, channels and other holding areas that proliferate each beat. Despite a good current, the smooth volcanic sand riverbed means wading is easy and indeed many pools can be fished from the dry bank.
FISHING EXPERIENCE
The river averages 15-25 metres wide and remains cold throughout the summer, therefore the ideal set up is a 13-14ft 8-9wt rod with a modern spey multi-tip or sink tip line, or sinking leader and small copper / brass tube flies. Fishers should also not forget their Sunray Shadow or Collie Dog tube flies or other attractor patterns that can cause explosive sport in certain pools and conditions.
A reasonable expectation might be for fishers to average 3-6 fish landed per day with many more lost on the way, of course this varies according to conditions, individual skills and experience.
The East Ranga guides are experienced, friendly, attentive and eager for you to succeed.
AURORA LODGE
At the mid point of the East Ranga River, the Aurora Lodge resides in view of the stunning snow-capped Mount Hekla. Guests are accommodated in fully furnished rooms each with either twin or double bed and private bathroom.
The main lodge building houses the kitchen and spacious dining area and the living room filled with comfy leather chairs and sofas, and a full service bar.
In the central hall a tackle shop, reception, quieter seating and at the end a double height glazed wall with fire and armchairs and a perfect view of the river and mountain vista.
Migration
Consistently cold water and volcanic sand inhibit natural spawning in the East Ranga. This has led to the development of a smolt release program unparalleled in any other system.
Suitable brood fish are carefully transported to the hatchery to produce the next generation of East Ranga Salmon. After careful nurture to the smolting stage these fish take on the perilous journey through the North Atlantic and Arctic to feed before returning either the following summer or for the larger fish a year later.
This extensive and effective program has made East Ranga the go-to destination for reliable Salmon catches.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in the south west corner of Iceland about 1hr 15mins drive from the capital Reykjavik, the East Ranga and Aurora Lodge occupy a beautiful and verdant valley. Close to the famous Mount Hekla and Eyjarfjallajokull glacier it’s easy to see why so many fishers return year after year.
The summer season is short in Iceland and under the bewitching midnight sun a whole host of birds begin their own breeding program from snipe to dunlin, curlew and godwits, there is a good chance you will see many more species as you make your way through the river beats. It’s not just the fishing; it’s the overall experience.