Stora Laxa

Fishing the Stóra Laxá - South Iceland’s Big Salmon River

Flowing over 90 kilometers from the highland lake of Grænavatn down to the glacial Hvítá, the Stóra Laxá is one of the most beautiful Salmon Rivers you are likely to feast your eyes upon. 

Flowing through scenic gorges and canyons, to wide gravel flats, from June until September anglers will find the crystal-clear pools of the Stóra Laxá filled with salmon of all shapes and sizes.

The upper canyon areas are for those with a sense of adventure and not scared of either hiking or challenging wading, is let separately and fished by the more adventurous anglers. Whilst the middle and lower river, with its gravel banks, easy wading and direct access makes fishing this part of the river very easy for anglers of all wading and casting abilities. 

 

The river is 100% wild and of a very manageable size. Most of this river lends itself to fishing with a 12- 14 foot rod. Depending on wind conditions. As with most of Iceland the wind in generally a factor. Surface flies work extremely well here and due to the crystal clear water are extremely exciting to fish with lots of visual action to be enjoyed by anglers. 

While Iceland is known for good numbers of grilse, the Stóra Laxá has a distinct run of multi-sea-winter (MSW) salmon.

As well as a nice run of Grilse, each year the river produces a high percentage of fish in the 10 to 20+ lb class.

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The Prime Months are July and September

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July Brings The Big Fresh Run

With summer comes the anticipated arrival of multi-sea-winter salmon along with good runs of quality grilse. Like we once had in Scotland, late spring and early summer snow melt ensure water heights temperatures are ideal, with high oxygen content making the fish aggressive, fit, and eager to chase hitched flies across the surface. It is the classic Icelandic summer experience, gin clear water, long nights, and fresh fish arriving twice daily.

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September Brings Big Aggressive Fish 

September offers something very different, but equally as exciting. Those bigger resident fish that have populated the river's deep pools and holes throughout summer now react to cooler water and shorter days, waken up and become aggressive again leading to the most wonderful sport. Fishing can be done with small flies or micro-tubes, or big tubes fished deep. September gives anglers realistic chance hooking a seriously big and angry fish. This year saw a fish of 108cm or just on 30lbs being caught in September.

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The Fishing

• Arrive to lodge at 2pm, drop bags and tackle up

• Briefing from the head guide

• 3pm Begin your first fishing session 

• 9pm return 

• 9.30 Dinner

• 6.30 - 8am Breakfast 

• 7 - 8am - 1pm Fishing Session and repeat. 

The Lodge 

After a full day on the water, returning to the modern Stóra Laxá Lodge completes the Icelandic fishing experience 

 

• Accommodation fully-serviced and very modern, double or twin rooms with private en-suite bedrooms. Extremely comfortable beds and pillows making for a peaceful rest.

   

• ​Hospitality & Dining - Full catering featuring top-tier Icelandic traditional food, fresh local lamb, local seafood, organic dairy, and excellent breakfasts to fuel long days.

• Relaxation - Unwind in the comfortable, open-plan lounge overlooking the river valley, share stories around the bar, or soak tired muscles in the traditional outdoor hot tub with a dram or glass of bubbly.

The Trip 

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• Location - South-West Iceland approx. 1.5 hours drive from Reykjavík.

• Tackle 12 - 14ft double-handed rods (7- 9 weight) and10ft single-handed rods for hitching.

• Target Species - Atlantic Salmon 30-40% 2SW fish.

• Lines - Floating lines, slow sink tip leaders, hitched flies, small double hooks, and Sunrays [July]. The same but heavier tubes in September 

• All Trips are hosted by myself and in Prime slots in July (Fresh Runs) and September [strong aggressive, big salmon] .

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We have 3 Hosted Slots here in 2027 

9th - 12th July x 6 Rods - 3 Rods Available

12th - 15th July x 8 Rods Sold Out

15th - 18th September x 8 Rods - Sold Out

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Contact me HERE for more details and pricing. 

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