Stora Laxa

The Stóra Laxa has long had a reputation for its run of large multi-sea winter fish amid some of the most spectacular scenery in Iceland. The river itself is 150km east of Reykjavik, is 90km 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.

Double handed fishing for multi sea winter salmon

The fishing is split into four beats. Beats I, II and III are fished by six anglers based at the main lodge and beat IV is fished by four anglers based at the upper lodge. The river is ideal for double handed fishing. 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 30^th June to the 30^th September with prime time considered the beginning of July, when the big fish start, until mid-August.

Beats I & II are the lowest two beats on the river and fish two rods each. Many of the most renowned pools on the river are on these beats.  Access is very good and most pools are easily reached by vehicle. The boundaries 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. The river here has a huge amount of variety from some exciting canyon pools, deep rock faces before opening out into rolling shingle pools more akin to the Rio Grande.

Beat III is the middle section of Stóra Laxá. It holds two rods comfortably and is fished in rotation with beats I & II. 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 (sold separately) is the upper most beat of Stóra Laxá and is probably the most beautiful, and the most challenging, beat of the whole river. It is fished as a standalone beat. 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 is not for the faint hearted. This beat is ideal for the fit adventurous angler who can appreciate some exceptionally beautiful landscape. The boundaries are from (and including) the Bláhylur pool and up to (and including) the Ármót pool, where the river Skillandsá converges with Stóra Laxá. 

Pristine Icelandic Accommodation

The purpose-built main lodge was completed in time for the 2024 season. It offers en-suite single room accommodation, exceptional food and hospitality and a home away from home atmosphere. The lodge overlooks the river and features an L shaped construction with one wing containing the seven bedrooms and the other housing a very comfortable living space, bar and dining room with 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 just 10 minutes from the town of Fludir if supplies are needed. The food and service, as one would expect, are outstanding.

The upper lodge, which caters to anglers on beat IV has also undergone some fantastic renovations and offers a self-catering option with four twin share bedrooms perfect for in-tact parties looking for a more adventurous salmon trip in the Icelandic highlands. 

Amazing fishing amidst spectacular scenary

Stóra Laxá is located on the south coast approximately 150km from Reykjavik.

Road transfers are usually included from either Keflavik airport (2 1/2 hours) or Reykjavik (1 hour 45 minutes).