Stóra Laxá

Stóra Laxá

Stóra Laxá is a 90km(55 mile) long river that runs from Lake Grænavatn down to the glacier river of Hvítá.  The Stóra is a medium-sized river that winds its way down from the Highlands through spectacular canyons before it opens up on the lower beats in gorgeous meadows. The river is known as the main stronghold for multi-winter salmon in the south of Iceland. The river is split up into 4 fishing beats and is fished with no more then 10 rods per/day, 3 different lodges are on the river, one for beat 1-2, one for beat 3, and one for beat 4.

Beat 1-2

Is roughly 18km long and allows 4 rods. The boundaries of the beat are as follows: 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 pool Rauðuskriður. Many of the most productive pools on the river are found on this beat. The beat comes with a cozy cabin that includes 4 twin bedrooms and all basic appliances with a bbq and hot tub on the porch. This beat has the easiest access of all the Stóra Laxá beats with most of the beat being accessible in a sedan or small 4×4.

Map: Beat 1-2
Fishing season: June 30th to September 30th.
Primetime: Beginning of July and August 15th – September 30th
Fishing hours:
June 23rd –August 9th  07:00-13:00 & 16:00-22:00
August 10th – September 15th 07:00-13:00 & 15:00-21:00
Guide: One per two rods (optional at extra cost)
Lodge: Self-catering lodge with 4 twin rooms, BBQ, Hot Tub.
Tackle: Double handed rods 13 – 15′, weight 8-11
Manager of the lodge: Sigurður Björgvinsson at the farm Skarð phone number: 486-6009 and 862-1206.

Beat 3

The midsection stretches from  (and including) the pool Sveinssker and up to (and including) the pool Undirgangur. This beat holds 2 rods and offers great variety with a good mix of faster, rockier pools, canyons, and low bank calmer pools. The lodge is a self-catering two twin room lodge by the river.

Map: Beat 3
Fishing season: June 30th to September 30th.
Primetime: Beginning of July and August 15th – September 30th
Fishing hours:
June 23rd –August 9th  07:00-13:00 & 16:00-22:00
August 10th – September 15th 07:00-13:00 & 15:00-21:00
Guide: One per two rods (optional at extra cost)
Lodge: Self-catering lodge with two double rooms, BBQ, Jacuzzi.
Tackle: Double handed rods 13 – 15′, weight 8-11
Manager of the lodge: Anna María Flyering and Tryggvi at the farm Hlíð. Phone number: 486-6034 and 774-6034.

Beat 4

Is without a doubt one of the most stunning salmon fishing areas in the world. This upper part of the Stóra laxá runs through rough canyons in between meandering through the highland plains. The beat offers a great variety in pools with everything from fast runs to deep slow pool. To fish this beat you need to be in good physical conditions as not only do you have the fight the giant salmon that inhabit these gin-clear waters, but also the rough terrain around the river. The beat reaches from pool Bláhylur up to the Ármót pool where the Skillandsá converges with the Stóra Laxá, The lodge was renovated in 2011 and has sleeping accommodation for 9 persons in 5 bedrooms. It comes with all the needed appliances and a hot tub and BBQ on the veranda.

Map: Beat 4
Fishing season: June 30th to September 30th.
Primetime: Beginning of July and August 15th – September 30th
Fishing hours:
June 23rd –August 9th  07:00-13:00 & 16:00-22:00
August 10th – September 15th 07:00-13:00 & 15:00-21:00
Guide: One per two rods (optional at extra cost)
Lodge: Self-catering lodge with five double rooms, BBQ, Hot Tub.
Tackle: Double handed rods 13 – 15′, weight 8-11
Manager of lodge: Guðný and Hörður in Laxárdalur. Tel: +354- 486-6076 and +354-893-1977.

NOTE: From the 2022 season several changes will be made to the rivers operations. Beats will be combined and a full-service lodge is being built.