Iceland

Laxa, in Kjos

THE FISHING

Anglers are shuttled to the sites in all-terrain vehicles. The river Laxa (the word actually means ‘salmon river’) and its smaller tributary the Bugda, running through the same glacial valley, may both be fished. The Laxa is 25 kilometers long, with 90 named pools: for its diversity of terrain, and educational value in the fine points of fishing, past anglers have named it ‘The University’. On the other hand, it is a river suitable to all ages and mobilities, and closer to Reykjavik than most other sites. Sea Trout are often seen in the 8-10 lb. range. Anglers are encouraged to keep only one fish a day. The Laxa is the main river, originating in lake Stiflisdalsvatn. Close to the sea, the shorter but prolific Bugoa tributary enters, having started its run in lake Meoalfellsvatn. Laxa in Kjos is a medium volume river by Icelandic standards and is fished by 8 rods, the Bugoa tributary being small by the same standards and fished by 2 rods, the full 10 rods rotating over five beats and sharing the lodge. From late June, when the salmon run begins to strengthen, the rivers are fly fishing only with voluntary catch and release, a practice that is consistantly on the up in Iceland.

The rivers are ideal for “light” line fishing, 4# to 8# weight rods, small flies, notably hitched tubes on floating lines and even dry flies have been known to get results here. Bugda in particular, with pools such as Foss, Moeyri, Bakkahylur and Einbuin lends itself to extremely close quarters combat with light line and the most delicate presentation. Kjos, whilst intimate and visual, invites a longer cast in pools such as Kotahylur, Spegill (the “Mirror” Pool) and Laxfoss. Guests might be well advised to bring a small double handed rod (12ft 8wt is ideal), some larger flies and a sink tip line as well in case the river is hit by a spate. Although known primarily as a salmon river, Kjos has a phenomenal July run of strong, large sea-trout. Averaging in the 3-5lb but with several fish in the 8-11lb range, these fish tend to colonise the middle “Meadows” section of the river, a section characterized by low gradient, cut bank pools where fishers can often sight cast to an individual sea-trout. Although taken on traditional Icelandic and British salmon and sea-trout patterns, Kjos has become quite famous for sea-trout being caught on the dead-drift dry fly. Black patterns such as the Hawthorn or Black Bodied “Blue Bottle” in sizes 10 & 12, presented on 8-10lb tippet, have proven to be very effective, often inducing languid takes that lead to extraordinarily hard-fought battles.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

New all terrain vehicles transport guests to the fishing areas. All fishing is done on foot.
This is a fly fishing only location.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly to Kevlavik Airport, (Reykjavik). From there it is a 40-minute drive to a Reykjavik hotel, or a drive of about 1 hour directly to the lodge. We handle all the logistics of guest transfers from the airport to the lodge and back to ensure reliability

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

Please be aware that you will not be allowed to pass through airport security with your waders and fishing tackle unless you have a veterinary letter confirming that your equipment has been sterilized or else agree to have your equipment sterilized at the airport which is both time consuming and expensive by comparison.

RATES FOR 2024

Cost per day will vary at Laxa in Kjos, depending on specific week and month during the season.

Between ISK 110,000 and 260,000 per day.

Because of the fluctuation of the Icelandic Kroner, guests will be invoiced for the deposit at time of the trip purchase in USD at the daily Kroner rate and again when the balance on the trip is due.

Please contact the office for specific pricing and availability.

  • KEF - Iceland
  • June to September
  • Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout…
  • 12 rods per week guests
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Language: English
  • Physicality: Low
  • CC Payment at Facility : Yes
Iceland

Laxa, in Kjos

Tour Location

LOCATION

On the river Laxa, in Kjos, Iceland: about 30 minutes drive up the west coast, north of Reykjavik.

PRIMARY SPECIES

Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout, sea-run Char.

SEASON OF OPERATION

Roughly June 10 to September 18.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS

There are no set arrival and departure days. Guests are free to book, based on first come first serve space availability.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Laxa in Kjos was finally treated to a new fisherman’s lodge that was completed just prior to the 2007 season. The Kjos Lodge, overlooking Klingenberg Pool, gazing downriver to the legendary Laxfoss, was immediately recognized as one of the finest fishing lodges in Iceland. It is a large, attractive, wooden lodge with a central gathering area conducive to regaling fishing stories and relaxing in style as would befit a holiday. Each fisher has their own spacious, quiet and well-appointed en-suite bedroom with a river view and a second bed should they choose to rod-share as is often common in Iceland. The Kjos Lodge also boasts a large wader/drying room and the convenience of being able to provide rods, reels and other loan equipment if need be. Breakfast is served between 6 am and 9 am with a selection of Icelandic traditional foods and classic full cooked breakfast options available with a variety of coffees, teas, juices and cold drinks. Although the am fishing session begins at 7 am, many guests agree to a later fishing time with their guide to enjoy a more relaxing schedule - with the lodge right on the river bank it is easy to organize a flexible schedule. Lunch tends to be a buffet style occasion allowing for fishers to eat sooner or later and devise their own ‘siesta schedule’ although, given a beautiful day, lunch may take the form of a barbecue on the deck overlooking the river. After the pm fishing session guests arrive back at the lodge to freshen up and share a story or two before dinner is served. Dinner is a three or four course (depending on soups etc) meal and focuses on the freshest of Iceland’s meats and produce.

DESTINATION CAPACITY

Angling capacity is 12 anglers rotating through the beats.
Iceland

Laxa, in Kjos

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Iceland

Laxa, in Kjos

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Accommodation for specified days
  • All Meals
  • Fishing with shared guide

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • International airfares
  • Transfers to and from the lodge
  • Gear and flies
  • Incidentals
  • Icelandic Fishing Card [5000 ISK]
  • Alcohol
  • Gratuities to staff and guides
  • Laundry service

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

All visitors to Iceland require a passport valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. American, Canadian, British and Australian citizens do not require visas and can stay in the country for up to three months and this stay can easily be extended by visiting the local police station or contact the Directorate of Immigration.