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Iceland offers some of the finest Atlantic salmon fishing in the world. Clear rivers, strong runs and varied conditions make fly selection a crucial part of success. To help you prepare, here are ten of the most trusted salmon flies used across Iceland, with notes on why they work, the conditions where they excel, and the best sizes to carry.

1. Frances (Red & Black)

Why it works: The most iconic Icelandic fly. Its shrimp like profile teases salmon from deep lies.
Best conditions: Cloudy days, slightly higher water or when fish are lying on the bottom.
Sizes: 6 to 12, down to micro 14 to 16.

2. Sunray Shadow

Why it works: Slim baitfish imitation that draws savage takes when stripped fast.
Best conditions: Early season, high water or when salmon are running aggressively.
Sizes: Small to long tubes, scaled to river size.

3. Collie Dog

Why it works: A pulsing black streamer, brilliant for active fish.
Best conditions: Bright days with fast water or when fish need to be stirred into action.
Sizes: Tubes or micro coneheads.

4. Green Butt

Why it works: Subtle but eye catching, perfect for Iceland’s clear rivers.
Best conditions: Sunny, low water days when salmon are spooky.
Sizes: 12 to 16 trebles or micro coneheads.

5. Snaelda (various colours)

Why it works: Buggy and heavy, excellent for getting down quickly.
Best conditions: High water or deep fast runs.
Sizes: Standard and conehead tubes, 6 to 12.

6. Black & Blue

Why it works: Slim and elegant, excellent in gin clear conditions.
Best conditions: Bright sunny afternoons or very low water.
Sizes: 8 to 14 trebles or doubles.

7. Blue Charm

Why it works: A classic wet fly that comes alive on a hitch.
Best conditions: Calm evenings, clear pools and surface happy salmon.
Sizes: 12 to 16, hitch tubes or light trebles.

8. Hitch or Riffle Tube Patterns

Why it works: Creates irresistible surface wakes, a deadly Icelandic trick.
Best conditions: Warm calm days and evenings, especially mid summer.
Sizes: Micro tubes, 12 to 16.

9. Micro Trebles and Coneheads

Why it works: Tiny flies often outfish bigger ones in clear Icelandic rivers.
Best conditions: Late summer, low water, sunny afternoons.
Sizes: 14 to 18 trebles, micro coneheads.

10. Black Sheep

Why it works: Slim dark and versatile, with just enough flash.
Best conditions: A reliable all rounder for variable weather.
Sizes: 8 to 12 tubes or doubles.

Iceland’s Salmon Rivers

Iceland is not only defined by its fly patterns but also by the richness of its rivers. In 2023, the top 25 rivers produced 23,721 salmon to rods. That was down from 27,484 in 2022, yet it still reflects the country’s enviable productivity. Several rivers stand out both for numbers and quality of fishing.

• West Rangá – one of the most productive rivers, producing 3,587 salmon in 2023
• East Rangá – neighbouring West Rangá, with 2,602 salmon in 2023
• Miðfjarðará – yielded 1,334 salmon in 2023 and is prized for its wild character
• Selá and Hófsá – smaller but famous for high catch rates per rod
• Blanda – averages around 1,100 salmon a season, with peak years near 2,000
• Mýrarkvísl – historically averages around 190 salmon per year, but reached 406 in 2024

This mix of large, powerful rivers and small, crystal clear streams means anglers need to be prepared with a wide range of flies, line setups and techniques.

Final Thoughts

Salmon fishing in Iceland is all about adaptability. Conditions change quickly, what worked in the morning may fail by the afternoon. Carry these ten proven flies in a range of sizes and fish them according to the conditions. Combine them with an understanding of Iceland’s most productive rivers and you will be ready for anything, from explosive takes on a stripped Sunray to delicate sips on a riffling hitch.