Fishing in Iceland with Roxtons
As the major river of the North West Fjords the Laugardalsa has long been known as one of the best three rod rivers in Iceland which offers a superb and private fishing experience.
This is a fantastic river to fish as a family or group of friends as it is a very intimate and exceptional river.
This sensitive river is best fished by anglers who use very small flies, particularly small hitched micro tubes. The river has two distinct parts to it; one is fast flowing riffles and rappids and the other is the slow gliding character of the upper river. Both are very exciting to fish and produce wonderful results.
The Laugardalsa has some 6km of fishing with 18 named pools, it is simply a perfect three rod river, holding lots of salmon and being easy to fish.
Running through a shallow valley that gives the river its name, the Laugardalsa is in the north west corner of Iceland and undoubtedly offers that “get away from it all” feeling which leads rods to return year after year. The river has an average catch of over 300 fish to the three rods and the most popular time to be on the river is in the early season when the large multi sea winter fish arrive.
Floating lines and riffled hitches are without doubt the most successful technique and the river is the perfect width for a single handed rod.
The Laugardalsa’s run starts relatively early in Iceland and the peak fishing begins at the beginning of July.
The Laugardalsa is remote and wild but it is also extremely popular due to its stunning setting and its catch statistics.
The lodge has 3 twin rooms, kitchen and sitting room as well as a drying room for your waders and other tackle. It is generally let on a self catering basis but a cook can be provided and a guide is always on hand.
It is not an easy river to get on to and early booking is advised.
Rod
A single handed rod 9-10", rated to 6-8 weight is perfect for fishing on the Laugardalsa.
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 Laugardalsa over the past few seasons. Please also bring your own flies with you and try them on these Icelandic salmon.
- Green Butt
- Micro Tubes
- Riffling hitch tubes
- Blue Rat
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 Laugardalsa
- 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
Limited for non fishers due to its remote location.
Season
July until the end of August.
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 US$ are used in 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.
Enquire now
Call one of our consultants to book now:
+44 (0)1488 689 788
Or alternatively fill in this short enquiry form and we'll get back to you shortly:
Our View
A great early season river for small groups looking for exclusive salmon fishing in an intimate setting.
Price Guide
Prices start from £4,685 per person including international flights. Rod-share from £2,645 per person.
Availability
Please contact us regarding availability for this venue
