Your own private salmon river
September 20th by Chad Shmukler
A RARE AND EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Many of Iceland’s most productive Atlantic salmon rivers have multi-year waiting lists. Scoring a rod on these coveted rivers, especially on Iceland’s north coast rivers — which are known for consistently producing the island nation’s largest returning salmon — can be a daunting task. But what about scoring an entire river?
Our newest destination is one of the most exclusive Atlantic salmon fishing experiences on the planet. Available only to groups of 2-4, anglers fishing the Hölkná enjoy unshared access to the entirety of the river’s 22 named pools. Spread out over 8 river miles, the Hölkná is punctuated by beautiful waterfalls and runs and is framed by stunning canyons, cliffs, and hillsides clad in wild blueberries.
One of the waterfalls on the the Hölkná
The Hölkná's translucent waters
CONSERVATION-MINDED
A conservation-minded management philosophy focused on healthy habitat and limiting pressure put on the Atlantic salmon making their way up the Hölkná to spawn have the river on an upward trajectory at a time when many salmon rivers all over the world are seeing diminishing returns.
A male in full spawning colors
A view of the lower river
TWO OR FOUR?
As a 2-rod river, no more than two anglers can actively fish on the Hölkná at any given time. So how does the river accommodate groups of four? By sharing a rod between two anglers. Though this may sound unusual to the uninitiated, it’s actually a common practice in Iceland and other countries with long, storied Atlantic salmon heritages. And, given Iceland’s long summer days in July and August that can offer nearly 24 hours of daylight, two anglers are able to comfortably split a rod and each enjoy 6+ hours of fishing during each day.
There are few rivers like the Hölkná on the planet — rivers where the fishing happens on your schedule, where the best pools (or the pools that are fishing best) are always available, where you don’t have to leave fish to find fish because it’s time to rotate beats, and where every single river mile is the sole domain of you and your fishing companions.
Signature under photo
A big Holkna River buck
THE CABINS
The fact that all of this is enjoyed from the stunningly well-appointed and luxurious Hölkná cabins only further enriches the experience. This pair of dueling cabins offers plenty of shared and private space for groups as large as four as well as indoor and outdoor perches from which to soak up views of the river and the surrounding landscapes. If you’re visiting in late August or September, you might even get treated to a northern lights show.
Signature under photo
Signature under photo
HOW TO BOOK
Due to its exclusive nature, Hölkná availability is inherently limited. However, at this time we still have prime July and August dates available for 2025.
WHAT: Hölkná River / Hölkná Cabins in northeast Iceland
WHEN: July - September, 2025
COST: $6,000 per night (between 2-4 anglers)
Rate includes all meals and snacks, all beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), daily guided fishing (2 highly experienced guides), and all equipment (rods, reels, lines, flies, waders and boots). Minimum 4-night stay.
If you’d like tie into a silverbrite Hölkná River salmon in 2025, we urge you to contact us ASAP to inquire about availability and make your next season booking. You can do so by sending us an inquiry through our website, replying to this email, or calling us at +1 (253)-780-1530. Or you can head here to learn more about the Holkna.
Your own private Atlantic salmon river
Norðurland eystra
Hölkná
The remote Hölkná River slices through the volcanic basalt that built the island nation of Iceland, interrupting the verdant countryside as it tumbles over cataracts and flows deep and green on its way to the sea. Every summer, dime-bright Atlantic salmon return to the river to complete a cycle that's eons old. Situated above the river rests a pair of quaint, yet perfectly appointed, off-the-grid cabins that put you right in the middle of eight miles Atlantic salmon river.
