STÒRA LAXÀ

ICELAND

Perhaps the most exquisite salmon fishing found in Iceland

The Stora Laxá is what one might call and undiscovered gem in salmon fishing for most people outside of Iceland.

The river has mainly been fished by Icelanders for decades with the same people coming year after year and for a reason.

The river is without a doubt one of the most, if not the most scenic river you can fish in Iceland and at the same time it's very versatile. It's also renowned for its big fish. The average weight is always one of the highest in Iceland and it produces some of the biggest fish caught every year.

STÒRA LAXÀ

Bergsnös, the rivers leaseholder, is a nonprofit company where all focus is put on the survival and wellbeing of the rivers salmon stock. The development in the area, along with 6 Rivers Project, is on a scale that hasn't been seen before in Iceland.

Small creeks and tributaries have been dug out and made passable for fish to spawn in, parr habitat in the main river has been greatly increased, all fishing is catch and release and nets have been bought out of the glacial river the Stora runs into.

With this we're trying to fully utilize the rivers current 50km of spawning grounds and making it the best in Iceland. Further measures are being looked into and over 30km of spawning grounds may be accessible in the coming future, hopefully making it one of the best salmon river in the world.

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About the river

The river is split up into three separate sections. Lower Stora Laxá the longest and most productive section, fished with 6 fully catered rods out of a brand new lodge. This section offers the most versatile fishing, with some canyon bits, open gravel sections and meadows at the bottom.

Then we have the Upper Stora Laxá, what used to be the uppermost section. This section mainly runs in huge canyons with deep and long runs on a rocky riverbed with some more easy flowing gravel bed pools in between. In the Upper Stora Laxa you'll find some of the most beautiful pools you'll ever fish. This section is run out of a newly refurbished self catering lodge and is fished with 4 rods. A new lodge is on the agenda in the coming years.

The uppermost section of the river is called The Gorge and is a new phenomenon in Iceland. Nowhere can you catch a salmon further inland than in the Gorge section of Stora Laxa. The lower part of this section has barely been fished in the past 30 years and the upper part never until last year when we discovered that a waterfall we though to be impassable simply wasn't. One of the biggest fish of last season, a 103cm male along with 6 others, were caught above these falls on a half a days trip up there in september of 2023. As the name suggests, this section only runs in an enormous gorge, averaging 120m in depth. Fishing this section is still in the early stages since we don't really know what's up there or how far the fish actually go. We do know there is an impassable waterfall somewhere in the canyon and we're looking into building a fish ladder, adding over 30km of prime spawning grounds.

When Is the
Best Time to Fish STÒRA LAXÀ?

At Stora Laxa, there’s no wrong time to fish. Whether it’s June,July, August, or September, each part of the season offers something unique, making the river a rewarding destination throughout the summer and autumn.

Consistent Rewards All Season

Thanks to Stora Laxa’s diverse sections, sustainable management, and reliable conditions, the river offers fantastic fishing opportunities throughout the season. While water levels and weather play their role, our experience shows that great fishing happens from start to finish.

Immerse yourself in one of Iceland’s most breathtaking and rewarding fishing experiences. The Stora Laxa River, long cherished by Icelandic anglers, is now ready to welcome discerning fly fishers from around the globe. A true hidden gem, Stora Laxa combines world-class salmon fishing with unmatched natural beauty, offering something unique for every angler.

Enjoy fine dining, a dedicated chef, and full-service amenities.Guided fishing with professional guides, ensuring every moment on the river is expertly supported.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or looking to explore one of the most scenic rivers in Iceland, Stora Laxa promises an unforgettable adventure.

Reserve your spot with Salmonjunkies now and experience the future of salmon fishing in Iceland.

Contrary to popular belief, July is far from a “shoulder month.” In fact, some of our best fishing occurs in early to mid-July, with last season’s standout week being July 10th–17th. For those targeting the Lower Stora Laxa, the first two weeks of July consistently provide exceptional conditions.
While August is slightly more dependent on favorable water levels and conditions, it often delivers outstanding fishing. With its combination of reliable catches and excellent pricing, August offers the best value for your fishing experience—a great choice for anglers looking to maximize their adventure.
Mid-September is a prime time to fish, particularly for those seeking large salmon in cooler, more stable conditions. The scenic beauty of Iceland’s early autumn only adds to the allure, making it a favorite for many returning anglers.
By next year the october fishing (science fishing) will probably be run and marketed like the rest of the season until october 15th. We’re not in the clear at this point but we will let you know when that happens should you be interested. Then we’ll have a fully operational, fully guided lodge until october 15th.

Setup and availabilitY

The Stora Laxá concept as it is now and will be in the coming years is a brand new phenomenon, with it being fully guided and operated like the major salmon river it is.

It hasn't been marketed on foreign grounds and therefore is a relatively unknown river compared to other Icelandic rivers.

The lower and upper Stora is sold in 3 day groups, an afternoon session, two full days and a morning session, with morning sessions from 8am to 1pm and afternoon sessions from 4pm to 10pm from the beginning of the season till the 20th of august. After the 20th we fish the afternoon from 3pm to 9pm.

Get in Touch

The Lodge

The lodge was built prior to last season and is a fully catered lodge with full service, chef and staff.

We have 6 en suite bedrooms and 1 suite. Therefore in total we can have 14 people at the lodge at any given time. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. A private room can be arranged. Wine and other liquors, along with sodas are for sale at the lodge as well.

On the lower Stora Laxá there are always 3 guides in rotation, usually each taking care of 2 rods. A private guide is of course possible if wanted.

The upper Stora Laxá offers solitude and breathtaking scenery everywhere you go. The lodge is private and self catered. A single guide is mandatory on this section but more is an option if needed.