Table of Contents
- Experience Iceland’s Wild Beauty with Wildside Adventures
- Why Iceland Belongs on Every Angler’s Bucket List
- Life at Long Valley Lodge
- The 2026 Arctic Cast & Drift Schedule
- What Makes a Wildside Adventures Trip Different
- Beyond Fishing: Discovering Iceland’s Wonders
- Preparing for Your Iceland Fishing Adventure
- Contact Wildside Adventures For Your Fishing Trip To Iceland
- FAQs About the Long Valley Lodge Trip
Experience Iceland’s Wild Beauty with Wildside Adventures
Few places in the world offer a fishing experience as remote and breathtaking as Long Valley Lodge in northern Iceland. This exclusive adventure, hosted by Joe Rossi of Wildside Adventures, takes anglers deep into the Icelandic countryside where glaciers, volcanic peaks, and endless summer light meet pristine rivers filled with Atlantic salmon, Arctic char, brown trout, and sea-run browns.
The Arctic Cast & Drift – Blanda 2026 trip invites guests to spend 7 nights and 6 full days fishing the famed Blanda River, one of Iceland’s most productive fisheries. From luxury lodging and gourmet meals to expert guides and private river access, this trip captures everything Wildside Adventures is known for: authentic destinations, expert planning, and unforgettable fishing.
Joe Rossi has spent decades exploring the world’s most remarkable waters, hand-selecting lodges that combine comfort, culture, and adventure. For 2026, Long Valley Lodge joins his elite list of hosted destinations alongside Argentina’s Patagonia Fishing Expedition, South Africa’s Numzaan Safaris, and Idaho’s South Fork Lodge. Each destination offers a different kind of wild.
Why Iceland Belongs on Every Angler’s Bucket List
Iceland has become one of the most sought-after fly fishing destinations in the world, and for good reason. The island’s glacial rivers, unspoiled wilderness, and minimal fishing pressure make it ideal for anglers who crave solitude and uncharted adventure.
At Long Valley Lodge, the Blanda River system provides diverse fishing opportunities:
- Atlantic Salmon: Known for their size, strength, and acrobatic fights.
- Arctic Char: Brilliantly colored and powerful, found in crystal-clear pools.
- Brown Trout: Native, wild, and growing to impressive sizes in the river and nearby lakes.
- Sea-Run Browns: Offering the perfect blend of salt and freshwater challenge.
Unlike crowded destinations, Iceland’s lodges and rivers operate under strict conservation limits that ensure sustainable fishing. With small guest numbers and private beats, every cast feels personal, and every fish tells a story.
Life at Long Valley Lodge
Tucked in northern Iceland’s serene countryside, Long Valley Lodge offers a perfect balance of comfort, craftsmanship, and wilderness. Built specifically for anglers, the lodge blends natural wood finishes with modern amenities and wide panoramic windows that frame the sweeping river valley below. Each of the twelve double rooms features private en suite bathrooms and daily housekeeping, allowing guests to unwind in privacy after a rewarding day on the water.
Evenings at the lodge are a highlight of the experience. Anglers gather for cocktails in the lounge, where stories of the day’s catches fill the room before dinner is served. Meals are prepared by an in-house chef using local ingredients that capture the flavor of Iceland, from fresh-caught seafood to slow roasted lamb and garden-grown vegetables. The relaxed rhythm of dining together sets the tone for camaraderie and connection.
After dinner, guests can step outside to watch the sunset linger over the valley, slip into the outdoor hot tub, or enjoy the warmth of the traditional Icelandic sauna. The combination of world-class fishing, genuine hospitality, and quiet luxury makes Long Valley Lodge not just a base for adventure, but a destination in its own right.
The 2026 Arctic Cast & Drift Schedule
The Arctic Cast & Drift – Blanda 2026 itinerary runs from June 3 to June 11, 2026, during Iceland’s prime fishing season.
- June 3: Depart the United States for Reykjavik.
- une 4: Arrive in Reykjavik and spend the day exploring Iceland’s capital city.
- June 5: Transfer north through Iceland’s countryside to Long Valley Lodge. Begin fishing that afternoon.
- June 6–9: Four full days of guided fishing for Arctic char, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon.
- June 10: Half-day fishing session, followed by the return to Reykjavik for an evening in the city.
- June 11: Depart Iceland and return home with new stories and memories.
Trip Highlights
- Five full days of guided fishing and one half-day session
- Private river access with expert local guides
- Luxury accommodations at Long Valley Lodge
- All meals, transfers, and fishing permits included
- Onsite sauna, hot tub, and bar for evening relaxation
It’s the kind of adventure that combines wild fishing with quiet moments that feel timeless; the very essence of what Joe and Wildside Adventures deliver.
What Makes a Wildside Adventures Trip Different
Every Wildside Adventures experience is more than a booking, it’s a partnership. Joe personally researches, visits, and hosts many of the destinations offered through Wildside. That means every lodge, guide, and local partner is carefully chosen for their quality, reliability, and respect for nature.
Wildside Adventures Does It All:
- Trip Planning: Joe coordinates flights, transfers, lodging, and guides.
- Local Expertise: Long-standing relationships with top lodges and outfitters.
- Hosted Trips: Join Joe on select hosted adventures for added value and guidance.
- Custom Trips: Plan a private group adventure at any of Wildside’s worldwide destinations.
Each trip is designed to make international travel effortless, whether you’re heading to Iceland for salmon or to Patagonia for wild rainbow trout. You can explore more about Joe’s hosted adventures on his Itinerary page and learn what makes each journey unique.
Beyond Fishing: Discovering Iceland’s Wonders
Non-anglers and adventure lovers will find plenty to enjoy during the 2026 trip. Between fishing days, guests can explore Iceland’s natural wonders and culture.
Popular Add-On Activities:
- Waterfalls and Hot Springs: Visit the famous Godafoss Waterfall or unwind in geothermal baths.
- Cultural Tours: Explore Reykjavik’s museums, local art, and Icelandic cuisine.
- Sightseeing Drives: Experience Iceland’s volcanic valleys and dramatic fjords.
These side adventures add depth to the trip, allowing guests to see the country’s beauty from both river and road. For couples or groups with mixed interests, Joe helps design balanced itineraries that keep everyone engaged.
Preparing for Your Iceland Fishing Adventure
Planning a fishing trip abroad can feel overwhelming, but that’s where Joe’s experience shines. Wildside Adventures manages every detail so anglers can simply pack and go.
What’s Included:
- 7 nights lodging and 6 days guided fishing
- All meals, snacks, and beverages
- Ground transfers between Reykjavik and Long Valley Lodge
- Fishing licenses, permits, and local taxes
- Use of lodge amenities
What to Bring:
- Passport and travel documents
- Single-hand rods (6–7 weight)
- Quality rain gear and layered clothing
- Polarized sunglasses and waterproof packs
- Personal items for the lodge
If you need assistance with flights or insurance, Joe can recommend trusted partners and provide personalized travel guidance before departure.
Contact Wildside Adventures For Your Fishing Trip To Iceland
For anglers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Long Valley Lodge adventure captures everything Wildside stands for with unmatched scenery, incredible fishing, and worry-free travel.
Join Joe Rossi and Wildside Adventures for the Arctic Cast & Drift – Blanda 2026 trip and experience Iceland’s beauty through the eyes of a true sportsman and guide.
To start planning your adventure, reach out today to joe@wildsidejoe.com or visit Wildside Adventures website, wildsidejoe.com/contact
FAQs About the Long Valley Lodge Trip
The peak fishing season in Iceland runs from June through August. Early June offers prime conditions for Arctic char and sea-run browns, while salmon runs strengthen as the summer progresses.
Anglers can expect to target Arctic char, brown trout, sea-run browns, and Atlantic salmon. Each species offers its own unique challenge and is found in various sections of the Blanda River system.
Single-hand rods in the 6–7 weight range are ideal for most fishing at Long Valley. Floating lines and small streamers or nymphs are effective for trout and char, while salmon anglers use traditional Icelandic flies and light double-hand rods.
Yes. Guides provide one-on-one instruction and can tailor the experience to all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced fly fisher or new to the sport, the Blanda River offers ideal conditions to learn and grow.
You can join the June 2026 hosted week or arrange a private trip through Wildside Adventures. Joe Rossi handles all bookings, logistics, and coordination with the lodge to make your trip effortless.
