Data from Angling IQ provides interesting insights into which salmon flies are producing the highest catch numbers in Icelandic rivers. When the catch records are analyzed river by river, a clear picture begins to emerge of which fly patterns consistently perform the best.
In this article we examine the rivers in Southwest Iceland that keep their catch records in the Angling IQ system:
- Elliðaár
- Laxá í Kjós
- Laxá í Leirársveit
Leirvogsá is not included in this analysis because it is difficult to determine how many of the fish were actually caught on fly.
For the purpose of this analysis, the Angling IQ database was filtered to include only salmon caught on fly.
Elliðaár
When examining the catch data for Elliðaár, it becomes clear that the ten most productive fly patterns account for nearly 38% of the total catch.
For anglers familiar with the river, this result comes as no surprise. A relatively small group of proven fly patterns has consistently produced fish in Elliðaár over the years.
Laxá í Kjós
In Laxá í Kjós, the results are even more pronounced. The ten most effective flies account for approximately 52% of the total catch.
This means that more than half of all salmon caught in the river are taken on a very small number of fly patterns, highlighting how important fly selection can be.
Laxá í Leirársveit
In Laxá í Leirársveit, the fly Haugur stands out as particularly successful.
The ten most productive fly patterns account for just over 45% of the total catch in the river.
A Clear Pattern Across Rivers
According to the available data, a relatively small number of fly patterns account for a large portion of the salmon caught in Southwest Iceland.
This pattern repeats itself across different rivers, although the exact ranking and percentages vary from one river to another.
For anglers, this reinforces an important lesson: having the right flies in your box can make a significant difference.
Looking for region-specific fly patterns? Explore our full breakdown of the best salmon flies across Iceland.
West Iceland (Borgarfjörður & Snæfellsnes)
Shows a clear pattern where a small group of flies dominates the catch.
For a detailed, data-driven breakdown of this region, see:
The strongest flies in Borgarfjörður and on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The 10 strongest flies in Borgarfjörður and on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
However, the fly patterns featured in this guide are not solely based on statistics, but on practical experience and what consistently works on the river.
Explore the full guide to the best salmon flies in Iceland
