Wild fish. Wild places. | Ep 3: Iceland

Amid Iceland’s winds and waterfalls, Emilie Björkman chases wild Atlantic salmon – and discovers what’s at stake for one of their last untouched strongholds.

Guided by close friend Valli Ragnarsson, she explores the rivers Húseyjarkvísl and Miðfjarðará, perfect waters for the riffling hitch. Valli, who spends nearly every free day on the river and ties thousands of flies each year, shares his passion for the technique and helps Emilie attempt her first salmon on the surface.

But even here, wild salmon face growing threats. Open-pen farming and habitat loss are beginning to touch Iceland’s pristine systems. Emilie meets Elvar Örn Fridriksson of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) to learn how anglers and conservationists are working to protect these fish.

Her journey ends at Big Laxá and Aðaldal – the “Queen of Icelandic Rivers” – where she joins four young Icelandic guides – Andrea, Arndis, Alexandra, and Aslaug – to reflect on the future of fly fishing and the fight to keep Atlantic salmon wild.

Wild fish. Wild places. is a six-part Loop production blending lifestyle, culture, and poetic storytelling to celebrate the people, waters, and wild fish that inspire us – and the responsibility we share to protect them.

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