Laxa in Kjos, Iceland
The Laxa in Kjos is a river you should try at least once during your life as a salmon fisherman and is an ideal river to learn what fishing in Iceland is all about.
The Laxa in Kjos is the centrepiece of one of the most stunning glacially forged valleys in southern Iceland. A narrow upper canyon splays into a gentle, peaceful, arable valley before cascading down the final falls and pools into the sea. This exceptional river and its beautiful tributary can be reached within a 45 minute drive from Reykjavik.
The Laxa in Kjos is a first class salmon river with strong runs of grilse and some multi sea winter salmon in the 8 to 15lb range and occasionally one or two larger than that.
The Laxa in Kjos is the main river, originating in lake Stiflisdalsvatn. Close to the sea, the shorter but prolific Bugda tributary enters. Laxa in Kjos and Bugda are fished by a maximum of eight rods rotating through four beats. There is also an extra fifth beat (The Meadows) that guests can fish on a first come first served basis. This extra water is an added bonus and helpful if for some reason the beat you have drawn is not producing.
The rivers are ideal for fishing light 7 to 8 weight rods, small flies often size 12 to 16, and hitched tubes on floating lines. The Kjos, whilst intimate and visual, invites a longer cast in some pools and in higher water conditions, so many choose to take a switch rod of 11 to 13 feet.
The Kjos has a phenomenal July run of strong, large sea trout. Averaging 3lbs to 5lbs but with some as big as 8lbs to 10lbs, these fish tend to colonise the middle ‘Meadows’ section of the river where you can often sight cast to an individual sea trout. It goes without saying that the sea trout add another exciting angle to this wonderful river.
To see a video of the Laxa i Kjos please click here.
Accommodation
The Laxa in Kjos has a fantastic lodge situated on the edge of the river and looking downriver to the legendary Laxfoss. It is one of the finest fishing lodges in Iceland and had some major improvements made for the 2021 season. It is a large attractive wooden lodge with an open plan dining space, sitting area and bar. Each guest has their own spacious and well-appointed en-suite bedroom with a river view. The Kjos also boasts a large wader/drying room.
The food at the lodge is outstanding. Guests start the day with a cooked breakfast, have a buffet style lunch and then a three-course dinner all using the freshest meats and produce from Iceland.
