Location
- Coordinates: 64° 14.697'N, 21° 5.423'W
- Daily Fishing Hours: Allowed all day long
- Fishing Season: Fly fishing season from April 20th to June 1st. Other fishing starts on June 1st and lasts until September 15th.
Fly Fishing Season from April 20th to June 1st - Note!
- Only fly fishing with fly rods is allowed during the period from April 20th to June 1st.
Getting There from Reykjavík
Þingvallavatn is approximately 50 km away from Reykjavík.
About the Lake
- Elevation: The lake is about 100 meters above sea level.
- Size: It covers an area of approximately 84 km².
- Maximum Depth: The maximum depth of the lake is around 114 meters.
- Description: Þingvallavatn is one of the most popular fishing lakes in the country, attracting a large group of dedicated anglers. The lake is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. There are deep crevices in the lake, and facilities have been set up for anglers and campers at Vatnskot. The area has small cabins with amenities and cooking facilities, providing information about the lake and its ecosystem. Accessibility is good for people with mobility challenges at Vatnskot, where there are piers.
Day Licenses
Individual day licenses for fishing in Þingvallavatn can be purchased.
Fishing Area
Holders of the Fishing Card are allowed to fish in the national park area from Arnarfell to and including Leirutá. All fishing in Öxará is prohibited. Maps of the fishing area are available when anglers register at the service center. Main fishing spots include Lambhagi, Vatnskot, Vörðuvík, Öfugsnáða, Lambhaga, Nautatangi, and Hallvík. Fishing is prohibited in Ólafsdráttir from July 1st to August 31st due to the spawning of Arctic char.
Accommodation
Camping permits can be purchased at the service center. Camping is only allowed at designated campsites. The use of camper trailers or motorhomes at Vatnskot camping site is prohibited.
Fish Species and Bait
- Fish: Four types of Arctic char and a famous population of brown trout. Common size of Arctic char ranges from half a pound to 4 pounds. Char species include Arctic char, Arctic char hybrids, whitefish, and Gjámurta. These char species have evolved in the lake over the last 10,000 years.
- Bait: Only fly fishing, worms, and spinners are allowed. In April and May, only fly fishing with fly rods is permitted, and all Arctic char must be released.
Best Fishing Times
Fishing in the lake is consistently good. Excellent Arctic char fishing is experienced in May, June, and July. The best chances of catching Arctic char are in the late evening.
Rules and Regulations
- Only fly fishing is allowed from April 20th to May 31st, and all Arctic char must be released during this period. From June 1st, general fishing season begins, allowing fly fishing, spinners, and worms.
- Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are requested to tread carefully and not leave litter behind. Driving off-road is prohibited. The Þingvallanefnd reserve the right to restrict access to the lake if necessary.
- The Fishing Card is valid only for the national park area, excluding the Kárastaðir area. The water is very cold, and visitors are advised to exercise caution. Boat fishing is strictly prohibited for Fishing Card holders. Children under 14 years old fish for free when accompanied by a cardholder.
- Due to research on Arctic char in Þingvallavatn, anglers are requested to check whether caught Arctic char are marked. Markings are located on the back of the char below the dorsal fin and can be simple tags or electronic tags. Before the spawning season ends, it is mandatory to release all char caught in the national park area. If marked char are landed (not released), anglers are asked to record information about the tag number. For further details and inquiries about marked char, contact the service center at Þingvellir or the research company Laxfisk.
Fishing Warden / Site Supervisor
The park wardens of Þingvallavatn oversee regulations and provide information. Contact can be made with park wardens at the Þingvellir service center in Leirum, and a warden is stationed by the lake with assistance at Vatnskot, overseeing the area.
