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 that is why I adore any trip there… 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.
For several seasons, the prime weeks have been taken exclusively by one group but we are delighted to announce that for the 2023 season that some of the best July dates will be available again. Over that time the accommodation has been greatly improved now with ten ensuite rooms in the fully renovated Raudholar Lodge over looking the river.
We have two prime Aardvark McLeod slots in 2023 that will offer 3 days fishing and 3 nights full board accommodation, as well as other dates available upon request. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to go in search of big Icelandic trout on dry flies.
5 – 8 July: ISK 420.000 per rod (£2,620)
8 – 11 July: ISK 420.000 per rod (£2,620)
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 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.