Þórshöfn, Iceland
At the tip of norheast Iceland, Eleven Hölkná Cabins offer exclusive access to eight miles of remote Atlantic salmon waters. Two riverside cabins put anglers steps from the action, with expert guides and unpressured beats. With a prime run just 150 yards away and 4x4 access to the best spots, this is the chance to land the fish of a lifetime in untouched terrain.
Aptly named New and Old Hölkná, these two intimate cabins offer a remote yet comfortable fishing experience from July to September. Located in northeastern Iceland, 20 minutes from Thórshöfn and two hours from Húsavík, guests enjoy cozy beds, hot showers, heated floors, a kitchen, and a deck with breathtaking views.
You’ll spend your days exploring 22 fishable named pools and many other unnamed pools on the roughly eight miles of water over the next few days. You’ll target North Atlantic salmon alongside your guide who will show you the proper techniques for each specific fishery, along with ensuring that you’re consistently throwing the right flies and line. As you hone your skills sighting, casting for, and fighting these wild fish, don’t forget to soak up the remarkable scenery that surrounds you.
Regulated to limit pressure to only two anglers at a time, the Hölkná is a medium-sized river that gives guests access to an eight-mile stretch of gin-clear water. Anglers will fish 27 marked pools and a good number of unmarked pools. Most of the water can be fished well with a 9’ 7 single-hand rod. However, there is a benefit to having a smaller two-handed to cover more water effectively and efficiently. Casting distance averages 40 to 60 feet, and all swing techniques are used—riffle hitch, skated dry flies, tubes, micro tubes, and more. The salmon average 7 pounds, and the largest can be 20+ pounds. Our guides are world-class, extremely knowledgeable, and ready to share anything they know with you, from angling instruction to what life is like in Iceland.
We recommend purchasing flies from Veidihornid Tackle Shop in Reykjavík, the best fly shop in Iceland, as you won’t have access to shopping once you reach the remote Hölkná area. If you plan ahead, the following wet flies are recommended: Red Frances (#10-16) for early summer, Black Frances (#10-16) for the whole season, Collie Dog (#10- 16) for the whole season, and Green Highlander, Hairy Mary, and Night Hawk (#12-16) for late season fishing. Other effective options include the Silver Sheep (#12-16) and Sunray Shadow in all sizes, suitable for the whole season, as well as the Undertaker (#4-5) for year-round use.
Eleven’s highly trained, passionate guides make your Hölkná experience. We ensure that our guides deliver the highest level of safety, experience, and industry knowledge. Beyond their qualifications, their enthusiasm in getting to know your angling style and sharing the native resources make your trip not only dialed but also personal.
We provide all equipment, including industry-leading rods and reels, waders and boots, nets, and flies. Our fleet of gear includes LOOP fly rods, Simms waders and boots, and our guides’ custom-tied flies. If you’d like to bring your own gear, check out our packing list for recommendations.
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