Jokla River

THE FISHING

The Jokla River system lies just to the north of the town of Egilsstaoir and runs a 100 km course from the eastern slopes of the Vatnajokull glacier out to the sea. There are numerous pools on the Jokla and the lodge management’s efforts have been focused primarily on the gorge section upstream of the bridge carrying Route 1 over the river and down the river from there. At the top of this stretch, the river is actually only a couple of metres wide at this point, and it then disappears down a fissure in the rock, and appears again in a frothinig cauldron about 30 metres downstream! In 2013, a Salmon Ladder was installed at this impasse, which has led to a secure and steady run of fish to the upper Jokla. What this means for anglers is that there is now good fishing for both salmon and arctic char in the many pools of the upper Jokla.

As part of the stocking program, fish are being released into all the major tributaries throughout the system, but the majority of the effort is concentrated on the lower river which contains the three major tributaries and fisheries: these are the Fossa, Laxa and Kalda. The Fogruhlioara is a separate stream which runs parallel to the Jokla in the very lower reach of the valley. All have natural stocks of salmon, sea-run char and sea-trout are found in the latter.

The fishing on the tributaries is highly varied and gives a pleasant contrast to the daily rotation of beats. With over 50 km of water for 8 salmon rods, this directly translates in to access to very good choices of water to fish. The short Fossa usually gives fish from the Foss pool and the long stretch that runs into the main river. On the Laxa, there are intimate pools strung out from the impassable foss all through the winding course to the Jokla. This stretch of water is ideal for fishing with a single-hand rod. The Kalda is a longer and bigger river and contains longer pools than the other two tributaries. The scenery on the upper part of the river is visually stunning. Finally, the Fogruhlioara has the character of a meadow stream and flows glassily through the surrounding pastures. Most of the salmon fishing is found in the upper half of the Fogruhlioara river.

There are excellent char and trout fishing opportunities on both Jokla River system and Fogruhlioara River and estuary throughout the season. This fishing runs from 1 June to 30 September. Fishing is restricted to the lower half of the Fogruhlioara River and the new upper part of the Jokla River since a fish ladder was installed in 2013 to ensure steady run of fish up there. This upper part of the river is called Jokla II and it offers huge potential of new pools many miles up the river which have only lightly been sport fished.

The Fogruhlioara River where this pleasant stream meanders through the meadows and farmland of the lower valley. There are long, glassy pools where fish can be tempted with streamer or nymph, and when in the right frame of mind a delicate dry fly. The estuary is the most productive part of the fishing and gives best results as the tide ebbs and the shoals of char, and some sea-trout, drop back with the water.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

This is a walk and wade trip. The guides transport guests in comfortable 4 wheel drive SUV’s.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly in to and out of Kevlavik International Airport, (Reykjavik). From there it’s about a 40-minute drive to a Reykjavik hotel if you plan to overnight in the nation’s capital before continuing on to the lodge. The domestic flight is 1 hour in length from Reky to Egilsstadir and from there is just a short 25 minute shuttle up 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.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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

June 27 to July 4 ISK 180,000 per day. Mid day to mid day

July 13-20 ISK 240,000 per day. Mid day to mid day.

August 7-15 ISK 240,000 per day. Mid day to mid day.

August 13-Sept 1 ISK 160,000 per day. Mid day to mid day.

Sept 1 to Sept 30 ISK 100,000 per day. Mid day to mid 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.