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

Due to the sliding scale timeframe pricing that can vary week to week, catering options and other complexities for each of our Iceland trips, guests will be quoted on a per trip price basis.

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 90 ays before the trip starts.