We are delighted to announce a huge change to the organisation of the Laxa I Adaldal (Big Laxa) on the North coast of Iceland. This stunning river is famous in Iceland for being one of the few to have large multi sea winter salmon. Up to this point has fished primarily by the Nes Lodge and the Laxárfelagið Angling Club on the lower river formerly run by the late Orri Vigfusson.
In a recent meeting between all the landowners of Veiðifélag Laxár in Adaldalur, there has been a big change to the organisation of the fishing on this river going forward. Much like other rivers in Iceland, the whole river will now be run by one entity under the control of our friends Árni Pétur and Hermóður Hilmarsson who have been running the Nes Lodge successfully for so many years.
The whole river will now be sold as one entity based from two different lodges; Nes and Vakaholt. The number of rods on the system is being reduced from 17 to 12. The aim is to provide fishermen with a high level of personal service in smaller groups and it will be possible for fishermen to fish the whole river in three days. For the first time in some 70 years it will possible to fish Æðarfossan, Mjósund, Brúarsvæðið, Núpafossbrún; Höfðahyl, Presthyl, Vitaðsgjafa, Hólmavaðsstífla and Óseyrin on one trip to Laxa I Adaldal. The general meeting also approved a conservation plan that focuses on improving habitats and spawning grounds to protect the development of the spawning stock and the protection of this remarkable large salmon stock.
The aim of this co-operation is to reduce the overall fishing pressure, increase the space that fishermen have and dramatically improve the overall experience of fishing this famous salmon river. Despite some very difficult seasons, the average catch in Laxá in Aðaldalur since 2010 is 860 salmon. Laxa I Adaldal is one of the only rivers in Iceland where fish of over 30 lbs are landed every year and the fish have an overall high average weight. Combined with this being the ideal river to fish a more traditional two-handed fishing style will make it highly desirable to UK fishermen.
We are hugely excited about this transition as the Laxa I Adaldal has long been one of our personal favourites. The fishing experience is quite unique amidst some stunning scenery in one of Iceland’s most beautiful green valleys. The season runs from 1 July to 20 September and the prime time is considered from mid-July to late August. The September fishing is coveted by those looking for a big fish when they become more aggressive as autumn sets in. As with most of the other rivers, large fish come first, followed by the grilse run of late July. Fishing is normally good right until the end of the season.
If you would like the opportunity to fish this most special of rivers please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call +44 (0)1980 847389.