When Icelanders talk about fishing in the autumn, they usually are referencing September and October. This is the time when the sea trout starts to run and in Iceland, there is a handful of amazing sea trout Rivers available. Sea trouts have been spending the last 6 months growing fat in the sea and are getting ready for a spawning migration. Of all game fishes in Iceland, I personally thing that sea trout fishing is the greatest fascination of all fishes you can catch in Iceland. Sea trout has the greatest challenge of all game fish and they are amazing fighters. You can catch up to 20 lbs. sea trout during this period.
It varies when the first sea trout start to run, but it depends on each river. In the north of Iceland, sea trout’s run almost all summer while in the south of Iceland they start to run later or around September and October. In recent years, the prime time has been around October or when you have the first storm and rainfalls.
Sea trout is not the only trout you can catch in the autumn, arctic char and brown trout are also around, but this is the time when they start to prepare their spawning grounds. Arctic char is still running in most rivers, but it can be more difficult to hook since they are starting the mating season. They will become beautiful during this period and the color of the belly will turn from silver to orange.
Lake fishing is usually open until the end of Sept and Oct depending on the lake. Highlands waters usually close late August and you should check the weather forecast if you are thinking about going above 1000m. Autumn weathers can be quite harsh in Iceland and can change without any warning.
What tactics should be used when fishing for trout in the autumn
Sea trout is mostly caught in a river although occasionally you might try to hook some in lakes. Autumn is the time of extreme weathers where you could get 20° c, sunny and calm day but the day after you could be standing in over 20 m/s and snow while trying to cast the fly. Only positive thing during this time is that there are no trees that bothers you while casting your fly.
You should always pick your gear depending on the weathers. 9 feet rod and 10 - 15 lbs. leader are the normal setup, but it can vary depending on the river, fly and condition. During this period rivers get colored easily so you should choose your flies and rods depending on the water level and color. Fishing in the autumn the water level is usually high and water is colored. You need to focus on controlling the depth and speed of the fly by using a sinking line. Choosing the correct line sink rate can be difficult but I personally use lines between intermediate to type 2 sinking rate lines. Another approach is to use a sink tip or a sinking tip line.
Like in other countries, the best time is early morning or late evening when you have a bit of a darkness. Remember that if the water level is high and the river is running fast, sea trout’s tend to shelter in the calmer areas of the river. Don’t start by focusing on the deeper areas of the pools, start in the calm area and work your way into the pool.
For fishing in lakes, the same tactic as for summer fishing can be used. Hooking fish in lakes during this period is more challenging but not impossible.
What flies to use in the autumn
When fishing for sea trout you should try to select a fly that is easily spotted by the fish and always try to present it at the correct depth and speed. If the river is shallow try to use a floating line, intermediate line or a sinking tip with different sink rate. When picking a fly I always try to use lightly dressed flies and I usually use streamers. Recent years I have been using tubes more frequently with a good result, but I try to use light tubes and flies so the fly will be presented more natural.
In a colored water, I try to pick more bright flies with shiny bodies and wings. If the water is clear and calm I go for smaller sizes and flies which are not so shiny. I normally take with me a lot of Nobbler flies and white, orange and black are my favorites. Conehead tubes in sizes 1/2" are also something I carry with me all the time in orange and gold colors.
Before you go fishing...
Remember that weather conditions can change rapidly from nice sunny weather too windy or even snow. Therefore, you should always prepare for rapid changes and always dress accordingly. Warm clothing, rainwear, and a windproof jacket. And most importantly, please remember to disinfect your tackle before or upon your arrival in Iceland.
Tight lines and safe releases.