Iceland is one of the world’s top salmon fishing destinations. But one question comes up again and again: which flies actually work? In this guide, we break down the most effective salmon flies across different regions in Iceland, based on real catch data and experience.
When selecting flies for salmon fishing in Iceland it is important to pay attention to weather conditions and water levels, as these are often the most important factors affecting fishing success.
How can anglers be reasonably confident they have the right flies in their box? Much of it comes down to experience, but also to confidence in certain patterns. The ten flies listed here are generally reliable and tend to perform well under many different conditions.
Do flies really matter? In my opinion, yes. In general, the fly can make a significant difference. Some patterns are simply stronger than others.
When I talk about flies, I am often referring to small flies. By small flies I mean sizes #12 to #18, and sometimes #10, depending on the conditions.
Over the years, when tying flies for my own use or for sale, I might tie something like:
- 100 flies in size #10
- 200 flies in size #12
- 100 flies in size #14
Experience has shown that size #12 is usually the best-selling size, probably because it often works both as a slightly larger fly and as a smaller presentation depending on the situation.
The big question is always: Which flies should you carry in your box?
When discussing flies we are really talking about only a small selection from the enormous number of patterns available in all shapes and sizes.
Here is a list of ten very effective salmon flies (categories).
Sun Ray Shadow is probably the most widely used salmon fly today. Whether the wing is blue, yellow, or white makes little difference – it is essentially the same fly presented in different variations.
Frances, whether tied as a Hexagon, conehead, tube fly or hook fly, is almost always among the most effective patterns. I have often said that a black one-inch tube with a yellow head is one of the strongest designs ever created. One of the most effective search flies is a black Frances with a yellow head, tied on a #14 double hook or #14–#16 treble on a gold hook.
Hitch tubes (Riffeling Hitch) offer endless possibilities. They can range from a 1½-inch Sun Ray Shadow tube with a long nine-centimetre wing down to tiny micro tubes of only 10–15 mm plastic with a short wing and a body of 12–18 mm. Flies that have proven particularly effective in this style include:
Micro Sun Ray, Valgerður, Collie Dog, Haugur and several other micro-tube variations.
Silver Sheep is a remarkable fly, especially in smaller sizes such as #14 double and #14–#16 treble hooks. It often works best on silver hooks, although sometimes a black hook works well for doubles.
Flúð, designed by Hilli Hans, is an incredibly effective fly and works well in most conditions.
BóBó, also created by Hilli Hans, is another very strong pattern that has proven extremely effective in rivers such as Elliðaár and many others.
Collie Dog works well in all sizes. The ¾-inch aluminium tube version has proven especially strong in Hofsá and Selá in Vopnafjörður, but it works well in many rivers. As a small fly it performs best on a silver hook. With a red head, the fly becomes the Collie Campari, which is a fun and effective variation.
Sjáandinn, designed by Páll Garðar, is a very effective fly tied on a gold hook and has proven extremely productive.
Blue Boy, also from Páll’s tying bench, is another very good fly.
Haugur is quite possibly one of the most effective salmon flies ever created, whether tied on black, silver or gold hooks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Flies in Iceland
What are the best salmon flies for Iceland?
Many anglers rely on proven patterns such as Sun Ray Shadow, Frances, Collie Dog and Haugur. These flies have consistently produced fish in Icelandic rivers under a wide range of conditions.
What fly size is best for salmon fishing in Iceland?
Small flies are often very effective in Iceland. Sizes #12–#18 are commonly used, although larger flies such as #10 can work well depending on water levels and temperature.
Do fly patterns really matter when fishing for salmon?
Yes. While presentation and conditions are always important, certain fly patterns consistently perform better and give anglers more confidence.
When is the best time to fish for salmon in Iceland?
The main salmon fishing season in Iceland usually runs from June through September, with July and August often producing the highest catches depending on river conditions.
Salmon Flies by Region in Iceland
Explore the most effective salmon flies across different regions in Iceland, based on real catch data and river-specific patterns:
Southwest Iceland
A mix of proven patterns with strong consistency across multiple rivers.
Top 10 Salmon Flies in Southwest Iceland (2025)
West Iceland (Borgarfjörður & Snæfellsnes)
Shows a clear pattern where a small group of flies dominates the catch.
The 10 strongest flies in Borgarfjörður and on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
