West Ranga broke the Icelandic record for the most salmon caught in 2008 when 14,315 salmon were landed. West Ranga is Iceland's premier salmon river. The landowner's smolt releasing program has turned this river into something truly special. Almost every angler this season went home with a really good catch. This entirely spring-fed resource is responsible for both consistent water temperature and flow. It is seldom, if ever, coloured due to flooding or heavy rains.
When fishing West Ranga the angler should always start with the water closest to the river bank. The salmon often lie just a few metres from the river bank in the shallower water because the river is usually cold.
It is therefore always wise to start to fish the water closest to you and then begin to cast further out. It is also advisable to use double-handed rods with a fast sinking leader. Because of the cold water, anglers need to get the fly down to the salmon in order get the salmon to bite.
One of the world's leading fly casting experts, Henrik Mortensen, selected the dramatic vistas on the West Ranga as the setting for his newest instructional video on the art of the Swedish underhand cast.
West Ranga is divided amongst 14-18 rods depending on the time of season. One guide per two rods is recommended for best coverage of pools, knowledge of the river, appropriate tackle and best fly patterns. The average weight of the salmon is 7-8lbs.
The lodge on West Ranga offers 18 double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. The lounge, bar, sitting and dining room were recently refurnished.
