There are still some prime slots available on the Stóra Laxa for this coming season. The Stóra Laxa has a reputation as being THE big fish river on the south coast with as much as 50% of fish in some years being multi sea winter salmon. The largest landed last year was 26 lbs with a good number over 20 lbs. The river itself is 100 km east of Reykjavik, is 90 km 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.
This is a river that lends itself well to two handed fisherman, but in low water a switch rod is ideal. In the early season a 13 – 14 ft rod is ideal and then dropping to a 11 ½ to 12 ½ ft switch rod during the summer for exciting surface action. As the river runs clear throughout the season small flies and surface action is still the order of the day. In 2021 the river landed 486 fish and for 2022 the river landed 934 which is one of the highest averaging big fish rivers in Iceland. We are seeing the immediate effect of the coastal net buyout that occurred a couple of years ago. The salmon that run the Stóra Laxa are not only big, they are exceptionally hard fighters as they have to ascend steep gradients to their spawning grounds. The season for Stóra Laxa is 30th June to the 30th September with prime time considered the beginning of July when the big fish start through until mid-August.
Beats I & II are the lowest two beats of the river and take four rods. Many of the most renowned pools on the river are on this beat. Access is very good and most pools are easily accessible by vehicle. The boundaries of the beat are from the convergence of Litla Laxá (Little Laxá) on the east bank, and the boundary of the property Iða on the west bank and up to (and including) the Rauðuskriður pool.
Beat III is the middle section of Stóra Laxá. It holds two rods comfortably and has plenty of space for each angler. It has a huge variety of fishing from rocky canyon pools to pools with lower banks and calm water. Well known pools such as Heljarþrem and Sveinssker are found on this beat. The boundaries are from (and including) the pool Sveinssker and up to (and including) the pool Undirgangur.
Beat IV is the upper most beat of Stóra Laxá and is probably the most beautiful and the most challenging beat of the whole river. Beat four runs as a seperate entity that has its own self catering lodge. Here the river flows through rocky canyons as well as meandering through the plains. You will find calm pools as well as fast flowing ones, where the fly skates quickly past the salmon – agitating them beyond belief. Some of the pools in the canyons require tough walking and you will need to be in fair shape to be able to fully enjoy it. The rewards are huge as you cast your fly into gin-clear water in these canyons, often being able to spot your quarry from a high position. Hooking and landing fish in these canyons will certainly test your skill and are not for the faint hearted. This beat is ideal for the fit adventurous angler who can appreciate some of the most beautiful landscape you will ever see. The boundaries are from the (and including) Bláhylur pool and up to (and including) the Ármót pool, where the river Skillandsá converges with Stóra Laxá.
The new lodge was finished at the beginning of last season and has been done beautifully. The lodge is located overlooking the river and features an L shaped construction with one wing containing the seven rooms and one housing a very comfortable living space, bar and dining room overlooking the river though panoramic windows. The rooms each have their own outside access on both the front leading onto the decking and also at the back leading straight to the car park and wader room. The front deck houses the hot tub and glass fronted sauna so that you can sip a drink while watching over the river. The lodge is only some 10 minutes drive from the town of Fludir if supplies are needed. The food and service as one would expect are outstanding.
The current availability and costs are as follows:
Lower Lodge
6 – 9 July: 6 rods – £6,360
9 – 12 July: 6 rods – £6,360
12 – 15 July: 5 rods – £6,360
15 – 18 July: SOLD – £6,360
18 – 21 July: SOLD – £6,360
21 – 24 July: SOLD – £6,360
24 – 27 July: 4 rods – £6,360
27 – 30 July: 6 rods – £6,360
30 July – 2 August: SOLD – £5,800
2 – 5 August: SOLD – £4,700
5 – 8 August: 3 rods – £4,700
8 – 11 August: 4 rods – £4,700
20 – 23 August: 6 rods – £5,550
23 – 26 August: 6 rods – £5,550
Transfers not included from Keflavik.
For more details about Stora Laxa please email Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.