The 2025 salmon season on the Stóra Laxá will be remembered as one of contrasts. Early in the summer, anglers faced a challenging start, with runs arriving later than expected and numbers slower than usual in the opening weeks. A cool spring and inconsistent water levels seemed to hold fish back, and patience was required from rods on all four beats. As the season progressed, however, conditions improved steadily.Rainfall in July and August refreshed the river, bringing levels back to an ideal height, and the runs began to build strongly.
From mid-season onwards, catches picked up dramatically, with some memorable sessions in the canyon pools and the upper beats. A number of fine salmon were landed across the river, with several fish exceeding the 15–18 lb mark, including a particularly striking specimen from Beat 3 that stood out as one of the highlights of the year. By the close of the season, many rods reflected on the river’s resilience and the quality of sport delivered once the runs settled in.
Looking ahead, exciting developments are planned for the 2026 season that will enhance the Stóra Laxá experience even further. All four beats, including the dramatic gorge on Beat 4, will now be incorporated into the regular rotation, giving anglers access to 155 named pools and the chance to fish some of the most adventurous water in Iceland. At the same time, the lodge is being expanded to comfortably accommodate all eight guests on-site.
The living areas will be enlarged to provide more space for relaxation, the wader room expanded for ease and efficiency, and additional bedrooms added along with more staff to ensure an even higher level of service. These improvements will create a more social, comfortable base while maintaining the river’s rugged appeal. With the full rotation in place and the gorge now open to those willing to take on its challenge, the 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet on the Stóra Laxá.
The river is currently still going through its first right of refusal process, but we should know what sapce there is very soon. The 2026 costs are as follows:
Lower Lodge
21 – 24 June: £7,570 per rod
24 – 27 June: £6,950 per rod
27 – 30 June: £6,240 per rod
30 June – 2 July: £6,240 per rod
3 – 6 July: £6,100 per rod
6 – 9 July: £6,100 per rod
9 – 12 July: £5,900 per rod
12 – 15 July: £5,900 per rod
15 – 18 July: £5,900 per rod
18 – 21 July: £5,750 per rod
21 – 24 July: £5,600 per rod
24 – 27 July: £5,250 per rod
27 – 30 July: £5,250 per rod
30 July – 2 August: £4,800 per rod
2 – 5 August: £4,800 per rod
5 – 8 August: £4,600 per rod
8 – 11 August: £4,600 per rod
11 – 13 August: £3,290 per rod (2 days)
13 – 16 August: £4,600 per rod
16 – 19 August: £4,600 per rod
19 – 22 August: £4,600 per rod
22 – 25 August: £4,600 per rod
25 – 28 August: £4,600 per rod
28 – 31 August: £5,100 per rod
31 August – 3 September: £5,300 per rod
3 – 6 September: £5,600 per rod
6 – 9 September: £5,600 per rod
9 – 12 September: £5,750 per rod
12 – 15 September: £5,750 per rod
15 – 18 September: £5,750 per rod
Prices are based single rod, single room and shared guide including transfers from Keflavik.
For more details about Stora Laxa please email Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
