Jokla

The Jökla River is situated in eastern Iceland and can be referred to as one of the country’s newest salmon fisheries. Due to a hydro electric scheme filtering the glacial waters, the river now runs clear during the summer months aiding fly fishing in a beautiful valley for a mix of salmon of all sizes.

Growing Salmon Numbers

The Jökla river system is made up of three main rivers; the Fossa, Laxa and Kalda, and the lower reaches run parallel to the Fögruhlíðará. The upper reaches of the Jökla river system have enjoyed a successful salmon smolt release programme which has strengthen its impressive natural runs with the catch stats improving year on year (2020 & 2022 were two of the top three seasons on record).

The season runs from 1st July through to 30th September and offers anglers an impressive variety of water from the large main river with its classical salmon pools through to small and medium sized tributaries. Given the powerful nature of the river it produces larger and stronger salmon than elsewhere in Iceland, with a good head of medium salmon between ten to 20 lbs.

Most fishing is done using medium and small double handed rods combined with floating lines or sink tips in colder conditions. Some anglers have had success with single handed rods and surface flies too.

As well as growing runs of salmon, anglers can enjoy good fishing for sea-run Arctic char, brown trout and sea trout too.

Comfortable Riverside Accommodation

The lodge on the Jökla sits overlooking the Kalda. Once the valley community centre, the old building has been carefully transformed into the main lodge building with kitchen and dining area, complete with sitting room featuring a wood burning stove and satellite TV. Leading away from the main lodge is the walkway to sauna house and to the eight twin-bedroom en-suite cabins. The drying room with under floor heating is part of an extension of the main building. Like all salmon lodges in Iceland, first class food is provided by an excellent chef.