CLUB MEETING
Matthias “Matti” Hakonarson
FLY FISHING ICELAND – TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
6:15 - 9:00 PM
Goleta Valley Library
500 North Fairview Avenue
Goleta, CA, 93117 (map)
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ICELAND - TRIP OF A LIFETIME
with Matthías “Matti” Hákonarson
Iceland makes it on to every bucket and 'places to go before you die' list and rightly so.
You have probably heard about how fantastic Iceland fly fishing is - a mecca for trout, salmon, sea trout, arctic char, and more.
The health of the fisheries is incredible, and the scenery is simply mind-blowing. With that comes a reputation for being too expensive for the average angler.
This month's presentation will explore fishing packages from exclusive to DIY, to turn your dream into reality. If you are a keen freshwater fly angler, Iceland needs to be at the top of your list.
The size and numbers of the fish in its rivers and lakes are nothing short of amazing. Throw in the scenery, the local culture, and the feeling of being in one of the most special places in the world (nature-wise), and you really can't beat it. It is one of the last reliable salmon fishing destinations. A seven hour flight from Seattle is the gateway to an unforgettable and surprisingly affordable trip of a lifetime.
ABOUT MATTI
Matthías Hákonarson, our May presenter, formed Iceland Fishing Guide in 2009 to host anglers from around the world to come to Iceland and make use of the experienced he has gained through his endless urge to explore new water in his home country.
Born in 1981, Matti hails from the picturesque town of Akureyri. He is a skilled guide who devotes a significant amount of time to river expeditions each year, surpassing the average person's fishing days in a decade.
With a great sense of humor and a love for fishing, this former hockey player continues to inspire and lead others on unforgettable outdoor adventures. The company has grown a lot over the years and is now the proud lease holder on various rivers and beats in Northern Iceland with Myrarkvisl at the top of the list. Bear in mind that the beats on Iceland's rivers are privately owned and leases must be arranged for river access.
Iceland Fishing Guide offers guided fishing tours to the premier lakes and rivers in Iceland. These work for beginners as well as experienced anglers, for individuals or groups. The guides are expert anglers and have extensive experience fishing in the area. They arrange the licenses needed for the fishing tour in advance and plan the tour itinerary.
The season kicks off on April 1st with the emphasis on large brown trout in any of the five rivers leased by IFG. Leave the nymph rod at home as dries, skated flies, soft hackles and streamers are the order of the day.
Later in the season the emphasis shifts to Atlantic salmon and several rivers offer the chance to fish these with traditional Spey technique. The long summer evenings allow late night sessions long after darkness has fallen on American rivers. The season ends in late September.
Iceland has much to offer the non-fishing spouse or travel companion. Horseback riding, hiking, volcanoes, thermal spas and of course the spectacular Northern Lights are but a few of the attractions. This is the first ever presentation on this exciting fishery - mark your calendars to attend this very special meeting.