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Fishing in
Iceland 2026.

Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview

🌙Fishing Times 2026
Simple license

Best fishing times

·Iceland

64.96°, -19.02°

Trip types in Island

01

Fishing License & Permit

License required?
Yes
Where to apply?
Online at veidikortid.is or on site
Cost
20-50 EUR for inland waters; up to 1,000 EUR for salmon licenses
Validity
Depending on duration; annual permit for approx. 30 lakes and rivers
Available online?
Yes

Rod fishing maximum 12 hours per day from 7:00 AM to sunset permitted. Bait fishing, fly fishing and spin fishing on lakes allowed.

Buy License Online

Buy fishing license for Iceland online

Official authority website

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Fishing tours

Book fishing tours in Iceland

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

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02

Rules & Regulations

Closed seasons
Trout/char: May to end of September; Salmon: mid-June to end of August (best time: last two weeks of July and first two weeks of August); some trout rivers from April
Catch limits
No specific catch limits stated
Prohibited methods
Spin fishing on salmon rivers and trout rivers not permitted
Catch & Release
Not stated

Mandatory disinfection of all fishing gear upon entry! Prevents introduction of diseases. Gear must be certified as disinfected.

03

Waters & Fish Species

Top waters

  • Laxa i Myvatnsveit (Trout)
  • Veidivötn (Lake Area, ca. 30 km nordöstlich Landmannalaugar)
  • Vatnsdalsá (Salmon)
  • Nordurá (Salmon)
  • Westfjorde - Flateyri and Sudureyri (Sea fishing)
Best seasonMay to end of September for trout; June to August for salmon; July and August best salmon season

Freshwater

Lakes and rivers with trout, char, salmon, eels and sticklebacks

Saltwater

Westfjords and northern Iceland with cod, catfish, haddock and halibut

Book a fishing trip & guide in Iceland

Not stated

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: May to end of September for trout; June to August for salmon; July and August best salmon season

04

Practical Information

Equipment
Sea fishing: Heavy jigs 350-700 grams, jig heads 300-600 grams with soft plastics and twister tails, 30 lb rod, high-quality multiplier reel
Fishing guides
No specific details
Transport
Boat license required since 2012 in Icelandic territorial waters
Safety
Disinfection requirement for fishing gear at home or for a fee upon arrival; boots and waders must also be disinfected
Customs & taking fish home
Fishing gear must be disinfected; boat license required for boat fishing

05

Cost Overview

License fees

20-50 EUR for annual inland fishing permit; up to 1,000 EUR for daily salmon fishing licenses

Guide prices

Not stated

Daily budget

Daily fishing on inland waters: approx. 20-50 EUR; Salmon fishing: up to 1,000 EUR per day

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Detailed guide: Fishing in Iceland

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: March 26, 2026

All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: March 26, 2026

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