Inside My Travel Pack: Fly Fishing Iceland’s Legendary Rivers
By MacKenna Stang
Iceland has easily become one of my favorite fisheries. The stunning landscapes paired with the opportunity to catch native brown trout, Arctic char, and Atlantic salmon make it a destination every angler should add to their bucket list.
We visited the northern part of Iceland at the end of August, prime time for targeting Atlantic salmon as they run up the pristine rivers that flow to the Atlantic Ocean. The trip begins by flying into Reykjavik, then continuing North to Akureyri. From there, we drove deeper into the countryside to fish the famous Mýrarkvísl and Reykjadalsá rivers, both renowned for their salmon runs.
The rivers were clear and cold, winding through endless stretches of moss-covered lava rock and grassy hills. We spent long days chasing salmon through fast seams and deep pools, constantly adjusting techniques and swapping flies until we found what worked. I fished from cliffs, through the winding canyon of the Mýrarkvísl, and knee-deep in the muck of the Reykjadalsá. I botched casts, lost fish mid-fight, and burned more energy than I care to admit hunting for these incredible fish. By the end of the trip, we’d landed a mix of powerful Atlantic salmon and brown trout, each one more rewarding than the last.
All that to say, chasing Atlantic salmon is no easy feat, and success starts with packing the proper equipment. Though August is technically summertime in Iceland, it’s not a place you want to show up without warm layers and waterproof clothing. You’ll also want to bring the right rods, reels, lines, and flies. There’s a lot to prepare before taking off for Reykjavik, and organization is key.
That’s where the Riversmith Convoy Travel Pack came in. It kept me organized and ready to rig as soon as we arrived. Here’s everything I managed to pack into it:
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Five 9ft rods
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6wt–7wt rods for trout and char
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8wt–9wt rods for Atlantic salmon
(We skipped spey rods since they weren’t necessary for these rivers.) -
Six reels set up with different variations of line
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Indicator line for trout
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Sink tip for streamers
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Floating single-hand line for salmon
(It might sound like overkill, but Iceland rewards preparation.) -
Six fly boxes between trout, salmon, and streamers
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Two fishing packs
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Two pairs of polarized sunglasses
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Plenty of tippet and leader
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Nippers and forceps
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Floatant
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Gloves, neck gaiters, and extra sun shirts
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Sunscreen
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Bug spray
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GoPro with charging chords and attachments
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Phone charger and outlet converter
That’s a lot of valuable gear to trust to one pack, right? And I’m someone who likes to keep my rods and reels close with eyes on them at all times when I travel. But when flying to Iceland, airlines require you to check your fishing equipment. Thankfully, the Convoy Travel Pack is built tough and purposefully designed for situations just like this.
Here are a few of my favorite features:
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The hard-shell exterior is built to protect rods and reels from impact, and water-resistant to keep cameras and other gear safe from the elements.
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It has seven zippered compartments on the inside, making for easy organization and quick access when you’re gearing up by the river.
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The lockable zippers provide peace of mind when you have to check your bags.
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The backpack straps are comfortable to carry through airports and down to the riverbank.
It’s safe to say the Travel Pack makes packing for any fishing trip easier. Whether you’re heading to Iceland, chasing tarpon in the Keys, or exploring your local waters, it’ll quickly become your go-to way to keep your gear organized, protected, and ready for whatever the day brings.
Iceland reminded me why I love fly fishing. The patience it demands, the way every river feels like a new puzzle to solve, and the quiet moments in between casts where time seems to slow down. It’s a place that humbles and inspires you all at once. And with the right preparation, it’s one you’ll never forget.
