Vatnsdalsvatn

Location and Fishing Hours

• Coordinates: 65° 35.614'N, 23° 7.500'W
• Daily Fishing Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
• Fishing Season: June 1st to September 20th

‍

Getting There from Reykjavík and Nearby Settlements

Vatnsdalsvatn is located in Vatnsfjörður, Barðaströnd. It's approximately 340 km from Reykjavík and about 55 km west of Patreksfjörður. A more direct route from Reykjavík involves taking the Baldur ferry from Stykkishólmur to Brjánslækur, which is approximately 8 km from Vatnsdal.

‍

About the Lake

• Size: Covering an area of 2.2 km².
• Depth: Varies, with deeper sections to the west.
• Altitude: About 8 m above sea level, with a maximum depth of around 30 m.
• Dimensions: Approximately 2.6 km in length and 1 km at its widest point.

‍

Day Licenses

Individual day licenses for fishing in Vatnsdalsvatn can be purchased.

‍

Fishing Area and Best Spots

Fishing is permitted throughout the lake. The best fishing spots are near river mouths and outlets, particularly under Kálfahjalli, where the upper part of the river flows into the lake. Other notable fishing spots include Viteyri to the west in the middle of the lake and Kofanes, situated at the lake's forefront. Lambagilseyrar, located about a 30-minute walk to the east of the lake, also offers numerous fishing spots along its shoreline. Fishing in rivers connected to the lake is strictly prohibited, and the boundaries of the lake and the river are clearly marked.

‍

Accommodation

Camping near the lake is prohibited, as it is a nature reserve. However, there are camping facilities at Hótel Flókalund (2 km) and Brjánslækur (8 km). Additionally, farm accommodations are available in Rauðsdal (16 km) and Birkimel (24 km).

‍

Fish Species and Bait

• Fish: Predominantly Arctic char, sea char, and occasional salmon each year.
• Size: Most catches range from 1-3 pounds, with occasional larger char up to 6.5 pounds.
• Bait: Permitted baits include flies, spinners, and worms.

‍

Best Fishing Times

The best fishing times are from late June to mid-August.

‍

Rules and Regulations

• Vatnsfjörður is a nature reserve, and anglers are requested not to leave any remains or signs of their presence.
• Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
• Children under 14 years old fish for free under the supervision of cardholders.

‍

Fishing Warden

For fishing oversight, contact the Fishing Warden at Brjánslækur: 456-2055.

photo: veidiheimar.is