Since returning from Iceland at the beginning of August I am pleased to report that overall, it has been a great season so far. None of the low water issues from last season and most of the west and north coast rivers have run high through the season. We have also seen a temperature dip through August with some night dropping to nearly freezing which is bizarre for the middle of summer. That has slowed up the fishing some during the last couple of weeks with the fish being a bit sluggish. Fish numbers overall have been really good, with all rivers reporting strong runs and good numbers in the pools. Every tide seems to bring another wave of silver which is stark contrast to 2023 where the fish did not have enough water to run in many cases.
Laxa I Kjos had a fabulous July and early August any my hosted group landed 65 fish over three days with many more lost. We had a lot of rain and high water, but it was so exciting to see so many fish piling into the river. The river has now reached a total of 634 salmon and 88 sea trout. August has seen a 90cm salmon taken in Bugda weighing 17 lb and also an 82cm sea trout weighing 14 lb. The water levels have been high, but the Air temperatures have fluctuated from 6°C to 12°C and water temperature has remained pretty low through the month which slowed things down a bit. Some warmer temperatures over the weekend have given some great fishing to our clients there now. Top flies have been Black Frances, Sunray shadow, Haugur & Red Frances.
The Nordurá has continued to produce great fishing right through the month with the river landing a further 657 fish taking their total to 1513 which is some 69% up on this time last year. Water levels have continued to be maintained by the rain and despite the cooler temperatures there have still been 27 and 31 fish days. The largest fish of the season was caught on the 18 August on a Red Frances from Nedri Ferjuhylu at 98 cm and weighing 21 lb. The best patterns have been Sunray shadow, Red Frances, Haugur, silver sheep and the Collie Dog.
The Midfjardara has gone from strength to strength and is having a phenomenal season. August has performed really well with the river now totalling a staggering 2016 fish which puts them 97% up on this time last year. High water conditions have continued through the month and although conditions have been quite cold it does not seem to have had much impact on the fishing. Best flies so far have continued to be Sunray Shadow, Hitch tubes, Green Butt and Collie Dog.
The Stora Laxa has had a really solid season with the river landing a further 285 fish taking their total to 544 salmon and 25 sea trout. Quality of fish still remains the name of the game with the average size of fish across the board being a staggering 9 lb. With continued improvements to the access tracks Stora Laxa has become a great spot for fishermen preferring to fish double handed rods and was an excellent substitute for Norway this season. One of our rods landed a stunning 99 cm fish weighing in at 22 lb and gave him the fight of his life on the canyon. Whilst firm favourites Valbeinn, Sunray Shadow and the Red Francis remain the best flies we are beginning to see more fish taking hitch tubes and smaller doubles too. With good water conditions, there is still some fantastic availability remaining this season so do get in touch. (To view Alex’s trip report click HERE)
The Hitara has had a great August as the river lends itself well to higher water conditions. The river has landed a further 208 fish taking their total to 321 salmon and 32 sea trout with an average weight of 7 lb. Largest fish remains a 92cm fish weighing 18 ½ lbs from Langidrattur on a Sunray although an 88cm fish was landed last weekend weighing in at 15 lb which gave an excellent account for itself. Top flies this week have been Sunray Shadow, Red Frances, Collie dog and the Skuggi.
The Langa has had a solid month as well much like Nordurá landing a further 835 fish taking their total to 1054 fish and double what they landed this time last year. Largest fish was a 89cm fish weighing in at 16lb caught in Hreimsasskvorn on a Hulk. As we would expect a large proportion of this are grilse, but nevertheless action has been fast and furious. Top flies this week have been Red Frances, Sunray Shadow, Green Butt, and Micro hitch.
We are just coming to that time of year when our thoughts turn to next season. Space is going to be at a premium in Iceland for next season so if you are thinking of going then please contact us now to log your interest as the first pricing is already here and we are working through our first right of refusal process.
We still have some last minute availability in Iceland if you dont want to miss out, click HERE or please do not hesitate to contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.