Situated in Heiðmörk, an outdoor recreational area on the outskirts of Reykjavík and Kópavogur, Elliðavatn stands as the most popular fishing lake in the capital area, offering abundant fishing opportunities.
Elliðavatn is under the jurisdiction of both Reykjavík and Kópavogur. Access the lake by taking Heiðmerkurafleggur road and passing through Kópavogur to reach Vatnsendalur. For Hólmsá, you can turn north just east of Heiðmerkurafleggur towards Gunnarshólar.
A conservation project is in place to protect the salmon population within Elliðavatn's water system. Anglers are encouraged to release caught salmon if possible.
Elliðavatn, covering approximately 1.8 km2, stands at an elevation of about 73 meters above sea level. While its maximum depth is around 2 meters, the average depth is approximately 1 meter. Fed by Bugða and Suðurá, Elliðavatn is connected to Hólmsá, known as the upper part of the river before it branches into Bugða and Suðurá.
Fishing with a fly is permitted exclusively in Hólmsá, with a strict prohibition on catching any other fish in this area. It's crucial to refrain from fishing in Suðurá, which flows into Helluvatn.
The fishing zone encompasses Elliðavatn, Vatnsendalur, Hólmsár, and Nátthagavatn. Fishing is prohibited within 50 meters of the Elliðavatn dam.
Accommodations and meals can be arranged at Kríunes in Vatnsendalur and Gunnarshólmi near Hólmsá. No organized campsites are available in the area, but Reykjavík is nearby for essential services.
Elliðavatn boasts a diverse aquatic population, including char, trout, salmon, and occasional sea trout. Char has historically dominated the lake, but in recent decades, trout has become more prevalent.
Permitted baits include flies, worms, and lures. Only fly fishing is allowed in Hólmsá. Various effective fly patterns, such as Tailor, Mobutu, Peter Ross, Peacock, and Watson's Fancy, are recommended. During summer evenings when fish are active, dry flies can yield excellent results.
While Elliðavatn offers consistent fishing throughout the season, May, June, and July are particularly fruitful. The late evenings and early hours of the day are prime times for catching char.
Purchase day licenses for Elliðavatn to enjoy a memorable fishing experience.
Visitors are kindly urged to maintain cleanliness and not leave any waste behind. Anglers should carry garbage bags to dispose of any litter encountered. Avoid off-road driving. All boating activities on the lake require landowner permission, with boat rentals available at Kríunes in Vatnsendalur.
Anglers are requested to report any caught fish marked with tags as part of ongoing research on the lake. Tags may be simple metal or electronic markers. Reports should be submitted to Laxfiskar ehf.
Anglers holding Veiðikort (Fishing Card) must display it along with identification when requested. If the cardholder is in a vehicle, the card should be visible on the vehicle's dashboard.
For a detailed guide to fishing in Elliðavatn, Geir Thorsteinsson has published an informative digital booklet.
Respect nature, follow regulations, and enjoy a rewarding fishing experience at Elliðavatn!
photo: ferlir.is
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