With all the economic problems Iceland has suffered it would be easy to have a negative view of the value of its fishing in 2009. However, every cloud has a silver lining and in 2010 UK fisherman will find prices have dropped significantly. In fact, Iceland will offer outstanding value given the quality of the fishing available. Sportfish took a group to the Grimsa for four days and two rods on to Laxá in Kjos for two days. This gave a lovely diverse weeks fishing for salmon and sea trout. I was lucky enough to host the group and with my previous Icelandic guiding experience was able to offer the group a very enjoyable week.
Laxfoss Pool on the River Grimsa
The Icelandic rivers (especially on the south and west coasts) had received no significant rain for 6 weeks. Hardly ideal, leaving the Grimsa well below summer low water level. In spite of this, there were plenty of fish in the pools. Even with bright conditions and water temperatures in excess of 17°C my group caught salmon steadily over the 4 days. Low water did limit the amount of fishing available to some degree.
Stengir Pool on the River Grimsa
All the lodges that I have seen in the past in Iceland have had great food; however, Jon who looked after us at Grimsa lodge was phenomenal. His attention to detail and level of service was outstanding. He was a tremendous host to all the rods and with the help of his staff made these four days very enjoyable. Well done Jon!!
On Thursday we travelled south, leaving one of our group to continue his holiday in Reykjavik, to the beautiful Laxá in Kjos. En-route our prayers were answered and the heavens opened. The river Kjos was below summer levels when we arrived but rising. Our guide Siggi was very optimistic and was keen to get fishing as the Kjos fishes really well in these circumstances. A traditional salmon angler would have been surprised by the unusual tactics suggested by Siggi. The salmon and sea trout here are often caught there using weighted nymphs and small lightly dressed streamer patterns.
A cracking Sea-Trout from the Meadows
Kjos has a delightful ambience. The famous meadows stretch of the lower river offers superb sea trout fishing. Above and below this you will find some spectacular salmon pools. Our rods enjoyed great fishing in all fishing sessions under the knowledgeable supervision of Siggi, who was key to our rods enjoyment. This really underlines the massive importance of having a guide who knows the river like the back of his hand in all its moods.
Lax in Kjos produced 20 fish for 2 rods in two days this included a couple of sea trout over 4lbs, a fantastic finale to a great trip.
Sportfish will be returning to this spectacular country again next year, if you would like further information on this trip I would be delighted to discuss the details with you.
Tom Festing AAPGAI
tel 0118 930 3860