As we head towards the Icelandic salmon season with huge anticipation it has been a busy winter with most of Iceland’s rivers looking very full. There are some excellent slots still available for those that have not organised their salmon fishing for this year, and here is our pick of the remaining availability:
Option 1
Laxa I Kjos: 9 – 14 August, 876,000 ISK (approx. £6,488 at today’s exchange rate.) 5 days
Laxa I Kjos Lodge is one of my favourite rivers in Iceland and where I learnt to hitch in in its crystal clear pools. Being only 45 minutes from Reykjavik it is a longstanding favourite and also has one of the most comfortable lodges in Iceland. This would be perfect for a small group to take privately or for those who are on the search for a large Icelandic sea trout which are running through its meadows at this point. This could also be tailored to a 3 or 4 day trip as well.
Option 2
Nordurá:
15 – 18 June, 581,400 ISK per rod (approx. £4,480 at today’s exchange rate)
3 – 6 July, 982,800 ISK per rod (approx. £7,560 at today’s exchange rate)
27 – 30 July, 667,800 ISK per rod (approx. £5,140 at today’s exchange rate)
2 – 5 August, 505,800 ISK per rod (approx. £3,890 at today’s exchange rate)
The later part of the June has always been my preferred time to fish the Nordurá. At this time the river has plenty of early season flow and the runs are just building in numbers. It is also when the sprinkling of larger fish are running the river so a chance of a fresh acrobatic double figure fish is a distinct possibility. It is also a little cheaper than the prime part of the season. The 12 – 15 July spot represents the finest period of time on Nordurá traditionally with the river at the height of its run.
Option 3
Hafralonsa: 25 – 29 July, 708,000 ISK per rod (approx. £5,670 at today’s exchange rate)
The river can be fished with up to 6 rods, but you only pay for 4 which makes it better value for money. Click HERE for further information on dates and prices. This particular slot is prime time for the river. It’s not going to be big numbers, but like all East Coast Rivers, big fish in clear water. Hafralonsa is one of those rivers for those that like to explore and winkle big fish out of rocky pools and draws with some incredible battles. The trout and char beats above which used to be sold separately are also included. I think it is going to be the one to watch over the next years as the new leaseholders implement their strategy.
Option 4
Langá:
12 – 15 July, 736,000 ISK per rod (approx. £5,660 at today’s exchange rate)
24 – 27 July, 740,000 ISK per rod (approx. £5,692 at today’s exchange rate)
27 – 30 July, 710,000 ISK per rod (approx. £5,460 at today’s exchange rate)
July 30 – August 2, PRICE REDUCTION 580,000 ISK per rod (approx. £4,460 at today’s exchange rate)
It is surprising to see availability at this time on the Langá as would normally be full in this prime time. The Langá is one of Iceland’s most notable salmon rivers, flowing over 36 km from its source in Lake Langavatn it offers some wonderful fly fishing water. The crystal clear water has 93 named salmon pools and is best fished with a floating line throughout the season. During the prime summer salmon runs the fishing is often best with micro flies or small hitch tubes across the surface.
Option 5
Midfjardara:
26 – 29 August, 783,000 ISK per rod (approx. £6,024 at today’s exchange rate)
One of Iceland’s top fly fishing rivers, it offers amazing sight fishing opportunities in gin clear water. The river is perfect for those that like to use single or small double-handed rods with floating line and small flies or hitch-tubes. The main run of the river is predominantly made up of grilse but in the early season the majority of fish tend to be multi-sea-winter fish in the 10 to 18 lb range.
We are all fully aware that salmon fishing in Iceland is not cheap. It has always been one of the more expensive options worldwide, especially when looking at prime time on many of the rivers which commands a premium. What many don’t realise is that the lodges are all set up for anglers to share a rod. Learn more HERE.
All prices in Icelandic Krona (ISK) will be converted at the point of booking. The GBP prices above are a guide price at date of publishing. The cost includes scheduled transfers, full board single room accommodation and shared guide.
For more details on fishing in Iceland please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.