Nestled in Kolbeinsstaðahreppi, Hlíðarvatn is a generous and popular fishing lake. To reach this gem, drive into Snæfellsnes via Borgarnes and turn into Heydalsveg, a marked gravel road leading to Búðardalur. After driving approximately 10 km, you will find the lake on your right. Hlíðarvatn is roughly 130 km from Reykjavík, accessible via Hvalfjörður Tunnel, and 50 km from Borgarnes.
Hlíðarvatn in Hnappadal is characterized by its changing water levels over the summer, and the fishing spots amidst the lava fields vary significantly from month to month. Covering an area of approximately 4 km2, the lake reaches a maximum depth of around 20m and stands at an elevation of about 75m above sea level.
Purchase your day licenses to access several lakes in the area.
Anglers are allowed to fish in the western part of the lake, known as Hraunholt. The fishing boundaries are marked from Svartaskúta in the south to Hermannsholts in the north. Popular spots include Hraunið, Rif, and Víkin. Please note that the Fishing Card is valid only in the Hraunholt area.
Camping by the lake is allowed free of charge, space permitting, with an emphasis on maintaining cleanliness. Adequate sanitation facilities are available at the lakeside. Additionally, the Stangveiðfélag Borgarness offers a well-maintained guesthouse named Jónsbúð by the lake, available for rent. It accommodates 6-7 people, featuring a kitchen and a dining room, although there is no electricity. For reservations, contact svfbjonsbud@gmail.com, with a nightly rental fee of kr. 10,000.
Hlíðarvatn yields both trout and char, ranging from small to large specimens.
Anglers can use a variety of baits, including flies, worms, peas, and lures.
The best fishing typically occurs in the early summer, though fishing remains consistently good throughout the season. As water levels change, new fishing spots open up, accessible by walking across the lava fields.