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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.

Amazingly, this exceptional river and its beautiful tributary can be reached within an hour’s drive from Reykjavik and one and a half hour’s drive from Keflavik airport.

Fishing

The Laxa in Kjos is certainly one of the country’s top producers and never falls out of the top ten most productive rivers. Besides being a first-class salmon river, it also has a very substantial run of good-sized sea trout, some into the 8lbs to 10lbs class with the largest topping 12lbs .

The Laxa in Kjos, originating in Lake Stiflisdalsvatn, is the main river and is where the majority of the fishing is to be found. Close to the sea, the shorter but prolific Bugda tributary, joins the Kjos, having started its run in Lake Medalfellsvatn.

Laxa in Kjos is a medium-sized river by Icelandic standards and is fished by eight rods. The Bugda tributary is considerably smaller and is fished by two rods. The ten rods share the lodge and rotate through the five beats.

From late June, when the salmon run begins to strengthen, the rivers have a voluntary catch and release policy: a practice that is consistently on the up in Iceland.

The rivers are ideal for 4 to 8-weight rods with floating lines and small flies. Hitched tubes, and even dry flies, have been known to get results. The Bugda in particular, lends itself to extremely close-quarters fishing with light lines and a delicate presentation. The Kjos, whilst still intimate, requires a longer cast in pools such as Kotahylur, Spegill (the Mirror Pool) and Laxfoss. Guests are advised to bring a small double-handed rod (a 12 foot 8-weight is ideal), some larger flies and a sink tip line as well, just in case the river is hit by a spate.

In addition to the five beats which the ten rods rotate through, the Laxa in Kjos has the benefit of the 'free' Meadow Beat which people can fish if their allocated beat is not performing. Good numbers of salmon and sea trout colonise the middle meadows section of the river. This section is characterised by low gradient, cut-bank pools where fishers can often sight-cast to an individual fish.

Although fish can be taken on traditional Icelandic and British salmon and sea trout patterns, Kjos has become quite famous for sea trout being caught on the dead-drift dry fly. Black patterns, such as the Hawthorn or Black Bodied Blue Bottle in sizes 10 and 12, presented on 8lb to 10lb tippet, have proven to be very effective.

Food and Lodging

Laxa in Kjos was treated to a new lodge that was completed just prior to the 2007 season. The lodge, overlooking Klingenberg Pool, gazing downriver to the legendary Laxfoss, was immediately recognised as one of the finest fishing lodges in Iceland. It is a large, attractive, wooden lodge with a central gathering area.

Each fisher has their own spacious bedroom with ensuite bathroom and with a river view. There is a second bed should they choose to rod-share as is often common in Iceland. The lodge also boasts a large drying room and the convenience of being able to provide rods, reels and other loan equipment if need be.

Breakfast is served between 6am and 9am with a selection of Icelandic traditional foods and classic cooked breakfast options. Although the morning fishing session begins at 7am, many guests agree a later fishing time with their guide to enjoy a more relaxing schedule – with the lodge right on the river bank it is easy to organise a flexible schedule.

Lunch tends to be a buffet style occasion back at the lodge allowing guests to eat when they are ready and to devise their own siesta schedule. On hot days, lunch may take the form of a barbeque on the deck overlooking the river.

After the evening fishing session, guests arrive back at the lodge to freshen up and share a story or two before dinner is served. Dinner is a three or four course meal and focuses on the freshest of Iceland's meats and produce.

Why we rate it

Classic Icelandic salmon fishing and hugely convenient to get to.

Price

Land packages are from £3,900 for 4 days and £5,800 for 6 days.