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Fly Fishing in Greenland
Arctic char. Untouched wilderness. The largest island on earth.
Greenland is the largest island on earth – and one of the last true wildernesses on the planet. Most of the country lies beneath an ice sheet kilometers thick. Only 60,000 people live here, there are almost no roads, and most water is reachable only by helicopter or boat. From July onwards tens of thousands of hard-fighting arctic char run out of the sea and into the rivers to spawn. In the fjords, cod, wolffish and halibut are waiting. Northern lights in the autumn sky, whales in the fjord, wild reindeer and musk oxen – Greenland is about as remarkable as a wilderness experience gets.
Along Greenland's south-west coast lie four first-class lodges and camps on private rivers with enormous char runs. From a comfortable lodge with full board to an adventurous tented camp on the river – we find the right option for you and organize your Greenland trip from start to finish.
Your options in Greenland
All lodges and camps sit on private rivers in south-west Greenland. We advise you personally on the best option. Inquire now
The lodges & camps
Erfalik Lodge – comfort on the west coast
Erfalik Lodge is the most comfortable option for fly fishers in Greenland. Since 2019 the lodge has stood right where the Erfalik river meets the sea. The home pool alone offers good chances at char on a rising tide. The river is lake-fed, which keeps the water gin-clear throughout. Beyond two lakes the beautiful upper river opens up, with around ten kilometers of fishable water. Days of 50 char or more per angler are no rarity here.
Kangia Lodge – a productive char river near Maniitsoq
Kangia Lodge lies on the Kangia river of the same name, close to Maniitsoq. Another first-class char river on the south-west coast, with an excellent run and a comfortable lodge as your base. Ideal for fly fishers who want to combine comfort with productive fishing.
Camp Napiarissat – a river of your own
Maximum exclusivity: Camp Napiarissat gives access to a river reserved entirely for your group. No other anglers on the water, no shared beat – just you and the char. For fly fishers looking for the ultimate wilderness experience with exclusive access.
Camp North – the largest char in Greenland
Half a kilometer from the mouth of the Eqalugsugssuit river stands the comfortable tented camp known as Camp North. The arctic char in the Eqalugsugssuit run larger and heavier than in many other Greenland rivers – averaging 55 cm, with the biggest over 5 kg. The run is continuous: every tide pushes fresh fish into the river. Later in the season your chances rise for the so-called "firetrucks" – scarlet males in full spawning colors.
The fishing in Greenland
Greenland's rivers offer fly fishing for sea-run arctic char at an intensity found in only a handful of places worldwide. From July the char move out of the fjords and into the rivers to spawn. The run continues throughout the season – every tide brings fresh fish. Average size runs 45–55 cm, with the largest over 5 kg and 70 cm. Later in the season the males turn spectacularly red – the famous "firetrucks".
Beyond that there is saltwater fishing in the fjord. From the boat you can take cod (some over a meter), wolffish and occasionally halibut on the fly. Arctic char are present in the fjord too and can be fished there as well.
The country & the season
Greenland is the largest island on earth, lying between the North Atlantic and the Arctic. Politically part of Denmark, but with its own culture and language. Only around 60,000 inhabitants across an area the size of Western Europe. The lodges and camps sit on the south-west coast, where the summer climate is comparatively mild – temperatures around 10–15 °C, the midnight sun and life exploding on land and in the water.
The season for arctic char runs from July to August. The run starts with the first warm weeks and continues throughout. Travel goes via Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (the international airport) or Sisimiut, and on from there by domestic flight or boat to your camp. The logistics are demanding – we handle the entire planning.
Gear for Greenland
Fly fishing in Greenland calls for robust, arctic-capable equipment. We advise you personally and put your setup together, in our shop in Vienna, by phone or through our online shop.
- Rods for char: Single-hand 9–10 ft, #6–#8. The char fight hard and can weigh over 5 kg. Single-hand fly rods →
- Rods for the fjord: A stronger single-hand #8–#10 for saltwater fishing from the boat. Single-hand fly rods →
- Reels: Robust reels with a good drag and enough backing. Saltwater-rated for the fjord fishing. Fly reels →
- Fly lines: Floating as standard for the rivers. Heavy sink tips for cod in the fjord. Fly lines →
- Flies: Streamers, foam flies and intruder-style patterns for char. Large streamers for cod. Flies in our shop →
- Waders & boots: Breathable and robust. You wade in arctic temperatures at times, so quality matters. Waders → · Wading boots →
- Clothing: Arctic layering – merino base layer, fleece, windproof and waterproof shell. Warm gloves and a hat, even in summer. Jackets →
- Polarized sunglasses: Essential for sight fishing to char in clear water. Polarized sunglasses →
Before your trip: If you can make it to Vienna, come by our shop and we will build your Greenland setup with you. If not, call us or send an email, and you can order everything from our online shop.
Frequently asked questions about Greenland
Which species can I catch in Greenland?
When is the best time to fish?
Which lodge or camp suits me?
How do I get to Greenland?
How expensive is fly fishing in Greenland?
Do I need a lot of experience?
What are "firetrucks"?
What gear do I need for Greenland?
Is there saltwater fishing too?
Plan your Greenland trip
A comfortable lodge or an adventurous tented camp – we advise you personally and organize your Greenland trip from start to finish.
Tell us your preferred dates and experience level. We reply within 24 hours.