Iceland; Stora Laxa, July 2027 with Alex Jardine
Alex Jardine will be returning to Iceland to host a trip on the Stora Laxa in July 2027.
Stora Laxa has long had a reputation for its run of large multi sea winter salmon amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Iceland. The river itself is 150km east of Reykjavik, is 90km long and flows from Lake Grænavatn down to the glacial river of Hvítá. It is a medium-sized river that winds its way down through spectacular canyons from the Highlands before opening up on the lower beats into gorgeous open meadows.
The river is split into four beats, with beats I and II the lowest and where many of the most famous pools are located. Beat III, in the middle section, offers a huge variety of fishing, from rocky canyons pools to pools with lower banks and calm water. Beat IV, the upper-most beat, is very rewarding to fish and with recent upgrades to access some of the most striking pools are now much more easily accessed.
The whole river in June and July is fished on a rotation basis with up to 8 anglers per week, providing a productive and breathtakingly stunning salmon fishing experience. The opening of a brand new lodge a couple of years ago has only enhanced Stóra Laxa’s reputation as one of Iceland’s top big fish rivers.
Fishing the Stora Laxa
Why alex wants to visit the stora laxa
Alex has hosted frequent trips to Iceland and has visited many destinations here. Why then, does Stora Laxa feature on a list of those places he’s always keen to re-visit?
The Stora Laxa is all about quality, whether that be the sheer beauty of the valley and the way it carves through the Icelandic highlands, the salmon which typically have one of the highest average sizes in Iceland and genuine chance of a fish over 20lb. To the comfortable lodging, fine details at meals times and an extremely knowledgeable guide team. Any time spent at Stora Laxa is always a delight.
The variety of pools across the river length make it a really intriguing river to fish. The uppermost canyon pools offer a technical challenge but with the opportunity to spot pods of fish as the rest in the clear flows. The lower pools are far more classical seeping bends with known taking spots.
The beginning of July is a great time to focus efforts on the early runs of multi sea wintered salmon as they enter the river, many of which will still be carrying sea lice. In the early part of the season, the fish move quickly through the river up to Beat 4, therefore action often comes in bursts as the fish take regular stops on their way up. The way the fish runs means that all four beats can produce good fishing right from day one of the season.
Trip Itinerary
Saturday 3rd July: Arrive in Iceland. Transfer to Stora Laxa, fish the afternoon session.
Sunday 4th and Monday 5th July: Two full days fishing Stora Laxa.
Tuesday 6th July: Fish the morning session. Transfer to Reykjavik and overnight.
Wednesday 7th August: Transfer to Keflavik. Depart Iceland.
This is a great week for all salmon anglers. It will especially appeal to those looking to fish with double handed rods with a genuine chance of fish of 15-20lb+.
For more information and an itinerary please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.