My first expedition north to Laxardal was filled with questions; my bags strained with numerous rods, reels and flies and I was brimming with excitement. All of the packing and excitement could not prepare me for my first Laxa wild brown trout fly fishing experience. The sheer power, the searing runs and their prehistoric looks, it only took one fish to realise I had found MY location.
It is by no means an easy fishery, each fish will put you through your paces, but ultimately the persevering angler is rewarded with the prize. For me this river presents a challenge unlike any other I have ever fished and it is for this reason that I hope to keep returning… oh, and the fact that the browns average 5 lbs and love dry flies!
Predominantly a midge fishery, these large fish gorge through the summer on tiny insects drifting along the surface. Fortunately for us, the angler, the fish have a particular taste for larger bibio that are found in July. The fish are always hunting out these insects and can often be deceived by larger hopper and foam patterns.
Once attached to one of these browns the battle has only just begun. Forget the relatively calm scrap of small UK wild brown trout, these fish are bruisers. They will run a hundred yards in bonefish like fashion, threading your line perilously through jagged lava rock. They will jump like a tarpon emerging from the mangrove roots. They will use their weight and the current to their advantage. For every fish landed here, you may potentially lose two or three fish, each one a fish of a lifetime.
In 2018 the Laxardal beats will expand to now include a stretch of water below the waterfalls (a 7th beat). This is a welcome addition to an already impressive section of river and even offers the chance to hook into a salmon. This lower beat is well known for large pods of rising trout in the summer, often making it hard for an angler to know which fish to cast at. It also means that two trout beats will be rested every fishing session.
We have an Aardvark McLeod exclusive prime week in 2018 that will offer 6 full days fishing and 7 nights full board accommodation. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to go in search of big Icelandic trout on dry flies.
9 – 16 July: ISK 540.000 per rod (£3,860)
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.
The cost excludes private transfers, international travel, additional accommodation, alcohol and gratuities.
For more details about Laxardal and other trout fishing in Iceland please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.