Fishing in Iceland with Roxtons

In an isolated valley in the remote north west of Iceland, the Langadalsa is perfect for a small party who wish to fish their own river in peace and privacy for a week.

The river allows you to use smaller single handed rods, so is also a great choice families to take the whole beat.

A small river in width it nonetheless has 18kms of water for just three rods. The river averages around 120 salmon per year and has the added bonus of some excellent Arctic Char fishing in the pools near the mouth.

We recommend that rods concentrate on the prime season which is from July 10th to August 10th as this period accounts for the majority of the fish landed. There is no stocking program on the Langadalsa as the population is self-sustaining and the fish are thick set and hard fighting.

With the clear water that these Icelandic rivers are famous for, a stealthy approach will pay dividends and it is often worth standing quite some way from the river bank for the first few casts as the fish can lie very close to the edge and are easily spooked. Floating lines and small flies as well as the famous riffle hitch is the equipment of choice for this stunning river.

A track runs beside the river and little or no wading is required.

This self-catering lodge with 3 small twin rooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom. A nice veranda with barbecue surrounds the lodge making this an ideal option for an adventurous party looking to get away from it all.

Rod
A single handed rod 9-10", rated to 7-9 weight is perfect for fishing on the Langadalsa.

Lines
You are very unlikely to need a sinking line although it would be wise to have one just in case. We would expect you to be using a floating line most of the time though in early July you should have an intermediate or sink tip line available just in case.

Nylon
In the early part of the season (before 15th July) a leader of up to 20lbs may be needed when fishing some pools in high water on the big fish rivers. Generally a leader of 15lbs, or less in low water, is recommended and spools of 8lb, 10lb, 12lb and 15lb will cover most eventualities. We strongly suggest the use of clear leaders in the crystal clear water the dark brown leader looks like rope in an Icelandic river.

Flies
This is a list of popular flies used on the Langadalsa over the past few seasons. Please also bring your own flies with you and try them on these Icelandic salmon.

• Hitch tubes
• Red Frances
• Black Frances
• Blue Charm
• Black and Blue and Black sheep

Other items
In spite of the relatively mild climate, you should bring warm clothing and, most importantly, quality rainwear and a windcheater. Chest waders and wading shoes. Nicer clothes to wear for dinner.

These items will be very useful during your stay on the Langadalsa

• Life jacket
• Wading stick
• Wader repair kit
• Polarized sunglasses
• Forceps / clippers
• Tape measure
• Leader
• Waterproof bag for camera etc
• Day bag
• Hand and face moisturiser

Season
June until the end of September.

Time difference from GMT
- 1 hour.

Electricity
The lodge operates on 220-wolt, 50-cycle system. A Converter will be necessary for any electrical items that require a 110-volt, 60-cycle system. This is a two prong European style plug and fishermen from the UK will require an adapter.

Currency
Icelandic Krona but the US$ is used in all of the lodges.
Visa and Eurocard/Mastercard credit cards and Maestro and Visa Electron are accepted widely.

Tips
Whilst in Reykjavik, tips are not generally expected. If one is to visit a restaurant then a service charge will be included with your bill. On the river, tips are entirely at your discretion, however, most people like to give something to their guide and lodge staff. A guideline of $30 to $40 a day for the guide and $8 to $12 per day for the lodge staff is recommended.

Visa Requirements
Citizens from the European Economic Area (comprising the EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein), US and Canada need only a passport valid for at least three months after the planned date of arrival to enter Iceland for up to three months.

Medical Requirements
Although at present no inoculations are required for travel to Iceland please consult your doctor prior to your trip. It is essential that you carry any personal medicines that you might require.

Insects
On a few rivers there are biting insects but generally they are not a problem. You will not need a mosquito veil but a bottle of repellent would be worth packing.

Tackle Disinfection
Iceland has always been free of diseases like UDN and Gyrodactylus salaris and we intend to keep it that way. There is a strict policy of visiting anglers having their tackle sterilized before coming to Iceland. This should be done in a 2% formaldehyde solution for 10 minutes and performed by a veterinary surgeon. (Tackle sterilized in Virkon S is also acceptable.) A signed inventory of what has been sterilized should be provided by the vet for presentation to the customs officers at Keflavik airport. The most important items to be treated are: rods, reel/line, waders and flies.
The process can be carried out by staff at Keflavik airport. The office is located at the far side of the baggage reclaim hall, downstairs in the airport. Just notify one of the personnel in the area that you need your tackle disinfected and they will have a member of the staff come and complete the process.

Flights leave from London Heathrow to Keflavik and leave daily with Iceland Air.

The international airport of Iceland is Keflavik, which is situated about 45km west of Reykjavik. You will be met at the airport by your driver. You will then be taken either to your hotel in Reykjavik, or directly to the river according to your itinerary.