Surprise Package:

Our Viking leader-Stjani Ben led us further north still, into what seemed like a microclimate where incredibly, little, if any snow existed?  Here a cluster of rivers flowing as clear as gin spill into the North Atlantic.  Sea run arctic char find their way inland and the best part is they continue feeding as they head up a river system.  Armed with tiny nymphs we were treated to stint of first class sight fishing.  Even more surprising was the sheer size and tenacity of these saline powerhouses..talk about “pack a punch”. 

 

 

 

~A white leading edge to their fins and splash of orange make male char the most handsome of fish~

 

 

 

~Icelandic char like this lump pull like trains when hooked, making for memorable sport on light tackle and small nymphs~ 

Up, up and away:

Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, nestles on the southern coastline where surrounding fields resemble those close to home.  Here, we boarded a plane destined for Akureyri the final leg of our northbound journey.  The flight may have only lasted some 40 minutes, yet it’s amazing how the climate can change in such a short time..

 

 

 

 

~Departing Reykjavik, plenty of lush greenery is evident from my window seat~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~Our approach to Akureyri lived up to its reputation of “The Frozen North”

The Frozen North:

Perhaps best known for its prehistoric landscape of volcanoes and geysers, Iceland is home to a family of salmonids that thrive in frigid waters.  Naturally, salmon head the bill, but late June is the height of summer here and given 24 hours of daylight sufficient warmth drives enough flylife to get the trout going.  A small group of us (Team Fly Odyssey) headed north to the fringes of the Arctic Circle and with settled weather forecast things look a lot more promising than they do back home just now.

Paul~  

 

~Sheep might well be a feature of the Icelandic landscape, but the rivers here are packed with hefty inhabitants like this beauty from my last visit~

Unchartered Waters…

The quest for trophy trout takes us to many places, often the more well trodden paths of known “big fish” rivers.  Sadly these haunts endure an inordinate amount of pressure making their inhabitants increasingly edgy.  Last week was spent searching unchartered waters, trying to sniff out mythical beasts.  Naturally, some rivers drew a blank, but every now and again a real gem turns up, which produces specimens beyond your wildest dreams.  We found such a place that yielded a brace of thumpers over 4lb including this beauty of 5lb 6oz.  Fish like this are an achievement anywhere, but taken from a tiny, unassuming stream makes their capture that bit sweeter.

 

~5lb 6oz of spotted muscle-well worth the long walk~

Wild Trout Trust:

The great and the good gathered in Appleby, Cumbria last weekend to attend the WTT AGM.  Obviously, most discussions centred around habitat improvement, insects and trout recruitment.  Thankfully there was also room for more light hearted, informal talks.  Along with Stuart Crofts, I earned my supper by giving such a presentation.  Sadly, Stuart couldn’t sign off until his after dinner speech which was well received.  It was then down to some serious banter over a beer or three!  Despite any number of opinions on how best to winkle out trout, all agreed that anyone pursuing them really ought to support the Trust: www.wildtrout.org

 

 

~Stuart Crofts gesticulating as only a Yorkshireman can~

 

 

 

 

 

The day before saw WTT Research Officer Peter Hayes (below) and myself pestering a few trout on nearby Eden.  The cruel easterly might well have kept fly hatches pinned back, but we found a few willing takers to dry flies'.  Like myself, Peter’s not shy when it comes to casting at fish-if that’s what you call “research” then count me in…