My fly-fishing journey began at age seven, chasing Atlantic salmon with my father.
Years later, while fishing with friends, I discovered Euro nymphing and was immediately hooked. The incredible sensitivity, the effectiveness of the technique, and the direct connection to the river and the fish completely changed how I experienced fly fishing.
I've always dreamed of running my own fly-fishing and fly-tying shop, and that passion eventually led me to establish Nymphing Iceland, Iceland's only dedicated Euro nymphing store.
Fly Tying Experience
Around 25 years, with a few breaks along the way for school, work, and life.
How You Got Started
I started tying flies at around age 11, when a family friend introduced me to simple but effective patterns.
Over the years, while fishing and later guiding on Laxá í Aðaldal, I had the privilege of being mentored by Þórður Pétursson and Birgir Steingrímsson. Until around 2021, they continued to share their knowledge and teach me the art of tying beautiful, durable Icelandic salmon flies.
Favorite Pattern to Tie
My all-time favorite is Laxá Blá, a traditional Icelandic salmon fly by Þórður Pétursson, which I've tied on Firehole 633 and 718 hooks.
For Arctic char and brown trout, it's hard to beat the Blade, tied on Firehole 516 or 520 hooks.
Favorite Species & Waters
I primarily target Arctic char, brown trout, and large Atlantic salmon.
For Arctic char, I love the Brunná River in northern Iceland. For salmon, nothing beats "The Queen" – Laxá í Aðaldal.
Fly Tying Style & Specialties
For salmon flies, I stay close to traditional Icelandic patterns.
With nymphs and wet flies, however, I love experimenting with existing designs. Sometimes I get a little carried away, and the result looks more like a cabaret show than a fishing fly!
Why You Trust Firehole
I regularly chase big Arctic char and brown trout exceeding 60 cm (24 inches).
When a fish that size takes my fly, I need to trust what's at the end of my line. Firehole hooks have earned that trust, even in the smallest sizes, #18 and below.
Social Media & Links
- Instagram: @heimirgudm
- Nymphing Iceland: nymphing.is
- Nymphing Iceland on Instagram: @nymphing.is
- Facebook: nymphing.is
- YouTube: @nymphingiceland
- TikTok: @nymphing_iceland
Gear & Bench Setup
Renzetti Master and Traveler vises, Tiemco bobbins, an assortment of scissors, and a ridiculous amount of fly-tying materials.
Although, can you ever really have too much?
Fun Fact
When I'm not fishing or tying flies, I'm juggling a full-time job as a workshop team leader, running Nymphing Iceland, and working toward a bachelor's degree in business administration.
I'm also a bass trombonist with a background in music studies, and I regularly travel around Iceland performing.
Pictured: a 25 inch sea-run Arctic char from the Brunná River this August, on a Blade #16 tied on the Firehole 520.
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