Laxá in Leirársveit
Location
Southwest, 50 km from Reykjavik
Summary
Fishing season: June 20 – September 20
Prime time: July 15 to August 15
Average catch: 1016 salmon, with 1600 salmon caught in 2008. The river is 14 km long, double bank, 7 rods.
Voluntary catch and release.
Full service lodge, gourmet meals.
Laxá in Leirarsveit is one of Iceland’s most diverse salmon rivers. It is an excellent river for fly fishing, with an interesting variety of pools. It has a strong and loyal following of both American, and British fishermen who come back year after year. The average catch per rod makes it one of Iceland top 10 salmon rivers. Last year was a record for number of salmon that went through a fish counter – which is a good indication for a good fishing summer of 2009.
The river is very “fisherman friendly” where access to the most of the 45 pools is very easy which makes the river very good for fly-fishing. Each of the 7 beats of the river has its own charisma where you have both slow and fast running water and varied landscape. Some of the pools are full of fish through the season and are therefore considered by some fishermen as Iceland´s best fly fish pools. Average size of salmon is 6 lbs but every year there are some salmon caught around 20 lbs and quite a few in the 10-16 lbs range.
The clarity of the river gives sight fishing opportunities as the salmon lie on the many gravel beds of the river. Most of the pools can be fished from shore, although shallow wading is preferred in some pools to better present the fly to the salmon.
The Laxá is usually fished with light tackle – single hand rods, floating line and smaller rods. Heavier tackle is used in higher water conditions. Many fishermen also use double handed rods for dibbling the fly. The river is ideal for hitching or using micro tubes and most of the fish caught rises to the fly. Smaller flies are traditional, single and double hooks, size 10-14. Productive flies are flies like: Hitch tubes, Micro tubes, Red Frances, Green Butt, Stoats Tail, Collie Dog, Black Sheep.
Sea Trout fishing in the estuary under the midnight sun will give any serious game angler a memorable time. From mid summer the Sea Trout runs into the river and can be caught in certain parts of the river. The Sea Trout goes up to 6 lbs.
Freelance, experienced English-speaking guides are provided for groups or can be arranged for single rods. Rod-sharing partners are welcomed. The river is only a half hour drive from Reykjavik so all kinds of activities for non-fishing partners are very easily arranged.
Full service accommodation is provided in a comfortable lodge with 8 twin-bedded rooms with bathrooms, a large sitting room, jacuzzi and a comfortable dining area where gourmet-class meals are served.