Destination Overview
Destination: Laxa I Kjos
Country: Iceland
Freshwater: River and stream fishing
Capacity: 8 per week
Season: Early June to Late September
Specialties: Fine food and wine
Species: Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout

Laxa I Kjos

Fantastically intricate river with excellent numbers of fish and outstanding accommodation.

Laxá I Kjos is about 45 Km from Reykjavik and is considered one of the countries best salmon rivers. It has always been fished by the international elite, and very quickly built a fantastic reputation as one of the worlds best small salmon rivers. It is not only grilse caught here despite its size as every year a number of large salmon are landed. The Laxá I Kjos originates in Lake Stíflisdalsvatn, and with landscaping and fish ladders the salmon habitat has been lengthened to Thórufoss and Kjosarksard about 17 km from the sea. The total drainage area of the Laxá I Kjos and its main tributary, the Bugda, is over 200 square kilometres and the water flow is normally 15 cubic metres a second.

Ten rods are permitted on the Laxá I Kjos, and the river has over 100 marked pools. These are varied and beautiful, as the river is blessed with gorgeous falls, currents, rapids and chasms. Many feel the midsection is the most unusual and exciting as often it is possible to see incredible numbers of fish layered in pools, which in the right circumstances makes for amazing fishing. Kvíslarfoss and Skáfoss are exciting fishing spots on the lower river, but they are better in low water conditions. Holan and Fossbreiden are also great spots, above which is the famous Laxfoss, now no longer fished. Other pools like Klingenberg hold fish all season and are very popular. Sea trout have been on the upswing on the Laxá I Kjos, the biggest of these up to 12 pounds show up in early July. Sea trout are aggressive takers when the water level is on the rise towards the end of the season. Káranesfljót is one of the best sea trout spots on the river, along with Álabakkar Mosabreida and Nordurmýrarfljót being similarly productive though a bit calm. These are best fished with a riffle on the water. In the impressive canyon anglers are in their own little world. Bugda joins the Laxá I Kjos about 2 km before the latter drops into the fjord. The Bugda is a tiny, delicate stream, but when salmon are not taking on the main river it can be a paradise for fishing light with dries and nymphs for the brownies and the occasional salmon.

A new lodge was built at Laxa in Kjos just prior to the 2007 season. The lodge, overlooking Klingenberg pool is simply one of the finest in Iceland and is more akin to a boutique hotel than a fishing lodge. The large wooden dormer opens out on to a veranda that allows a view straight down the river. Fishermen are accommodated in their own rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and in true Icelandic style there is a second bed for those wishing to rod share. There is a large drying room also on hand for making the early start warm and comfortable. Top quality chefs from Reykjavik prepare fantastic food and the service is exceptional.
Client Comments:
"One of the most exciting salmon rivers I have ever fished. I found a little like trout fishing for salmon and was hugely enjoyable, I look forward to returning" - T.B, England

"Unbelievable! The lodge and the guiding were excellent along with the numbers of fish. I will never fish in Scotland again as it would just be a dissapointment." - M.I, England

Travel Tips:
Iceland is 1 hour behind GMT and flying time from London is approximately 2 ½ hours plus transfer time.

Visa's are not required for British passport holders.

Please contact Aardvark McLeod with any questions or for booking information.