The Stóra Laxá is one of Iceland’s most rewarding Salmon rivers, offering size, power and a variety of water that keeps every angler engaged. With four distinct beats and more than 110 named pools, you move between fast canyon pockets, smooth meadow glides and deep holding lies that regularly produce strong multi winter Salmon. The benefit is versatility. Early season you gain reach and stability with longer two handed rods, while summer brings lighter switch work, small flies and clear water sight fishing that demands precision and rewards good technique.
The lodge has six en suite twin rooms and a double suite arranged in a dedicated bedroom wing, with each room opening directly to the outside. A separate living wing offers a large lounge, a bar and a dining room with far reaching views over the valley. After fishing, guests can relax in the glass fronted sauna or the hot tub, positioned to take in the surrounding landscape. Meals are included and focus on high quality dishes that are light and easy to enjoy after a long session on the water. A drinks package is available, giving guests simple, predictable costs throughout the holiday. The benefit is a stay designed around comfort, convenience and the rhythm of the fishing day.
Private guiding is available on request for anglers who want focused instruction or a more tailored pace, while standard guiding on the Lower river delivers strong support across all beats. Non anglers can enjoy geothermal pools and peaceful walking routes around Flúðir. For a wilder option, the Upper river offers a separate self catering lodge with exclusive access to remote canyon water. With premium accommodation, flexible guiding and genuine trophy potential, the Stóra Laxá delivers a holiday built around quality and control on the water.
The season runs from June to September.
Season: June to September
Peak: June, July & September
Weight: 6lb to 26lb
Average Weight: 8lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Keflavík
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Keflavík
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Keflavík International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Travel from Keflavík Airport to Selfoss
Travel from Keflavík Airport to Selfoss
Once you’ve touched down in Keflavík and collected your bags, a representative from our partners will be waiting to transfer you to the lodge. The journey takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic.
Upon arrival, the lodge manager will show you to your room, provide details of the fishing rotation and beat maps, and introduce you to your guide for your first evening session.
At around 3:30pm, you’ll depart the lodge with your guide in a 4×4 vehicle and head to your allocated beat for the evening’s fishing.
Fishing
Fishing
Your first half-day of fishing on the Stóra Laxá will start around 4.00pm, and you will fish through until around 10.00pm, before returning to the lodge for your evening meal and drinks. Later in the season, as the days become shorter, the fishing starts and ends an hour earlier.
Stóra Laxá Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Stóra Laxá Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Over your two full fishing days, you’ll get to experience the fantastic Atlantic Salmon fishing available on the Stóra Laxá River. The river is famed for its hard-fighting, multi-wintered Atlantic Salmon and its truly spectacular surroundings. It’s split into four distinct beats, covering a diverse mix of water, from fast-flowing canyon runs and deeper pools to gentle meadow stretches, offering something to suit all styles and preferences. With over 60 named pools, it has consistently ranked among Iceland’s top ten rivers in terms of productivity.
Stóra Laxá Lodge
Overnight Accommodation
Stóra Laxá Lodge in a Single Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
Your last half-day of fishing on the Stóra Laxá will start around 8.00am, and you will fish through until around 12.00pm.
Once the morning fishing session is done, you will head back to the lodge and enjoy some lunch before getting packed up and ready to check out.
Travel from Selfoss to Keflavik Airport
Travel from Selfoss to Keflavik Airport
Once you have checked out and settled any gratuities or bar bills, a representative from the lodge will transfer you back to Keflavík Airport for your return flight home. The journey takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic.
Depart Keflavík - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Keflavík - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Keflavík International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on single rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| Travel Available Between These Dates | Days | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/06/2026 | 24/06/2026 | 4 | £8,665 | Sold Out |
| 24/06/2026 | 27/06/2026 | 4 | £7,900 | Enquire |
| 27/06/2026 | 30/06/2026 | 4 | £7,135 | Enquire |
| 30/06/2026 | 03/07/2026 | 4 | £7,135 | Sold Out |
| 03/07/2026 | 06/07/2026 | 4 | £7,013 | Enquire |
| 06/07/2026 | 09/07/2026 | 4 | £7,013 | Sold Out |
| 09/07/2026 | 12/07/2026 | 4 | £6,822 | Enquire |
| 12/07/2026 | 15/07/2026 | 4 | £6,822 | Enquire |
| 15/07/2026 | 18/07/2026 | 4 | £6,822 | Enquire |
| 18/07/2026 | 21/07/2026 | 4 | £6,630 | Sold Out |
| 21/07/2026 | 24/07/2026 | 4 | £9,671 | Enquire |
| 24/07/2026 | 27/07/2026 | 4 | £6,057 | Sold Out |
| 27/07/2026 | 30/07/2026 | 4 | £6,057 | Sold Out |
| 30/07/2026 | 02/08/2026 | 4 | £6,057 | Enquire |
| 02/08/2026 | 05/08/2026 | 4 | £5,430 | Enquire |
| 05/08/2026 | 08/08/2026 | 4 | £5,238 | Sold Out |
| 08/08/2026 | 11/08/2026 | 4 | £5,238 | Enquire |
| 13/08/2026 | 16/08/2026 | 4 | £5,238 | Enquire |
| 16/08/2026 | 19/08/2026 | 4 | £5,238 | Enquire |
| 19/08/2026 | 22/08/2026 | 4 | £5,238 | Enquire |
| 22/08/2026 | 25/08/2026 | 4 | £5,238 | Enquire |
| 25/08/2026 | 28/08/2026 | 4 | £5,430 | Sold Out |
| 28/08/2026 | 31/08/2026 | 4 | £5,812 | Sold Out |
| 31/08/2026 | 03/09/2026 | 4 | £5,812 | Enquire |
| 03/09/2026 | 06/09/2026 | 4 | £6,386 | Sold Out |
| 06/09/2026 | 09/09/2026 | 4 | £6,386 | Sold Out |
| 09/09/2026 | 12/09/2026 | 4 | £6,577 | Sold Out |
| 12/09/2026 | 15/09/2026 | 4 | £6,577 | Sold Out |
| 15/09/2026 | 18/09/2026 | 4 | £6,577 | Sold Out |
| 18/09/2026 | 21/09/2026 | 4 | £6,768 | Sold Out |
| 21/09/2026 | 24/09/2026 | 4 | £7,533 | Sold Out |
| 24/09/2026 | 27/09/2026 | 4 | £8,298 | Sold Out |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
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Stóra Laxá Lodge is the perfect base for anglers looking to experience one of Iceland’s most scenic and productive Atlantic Salmon rivers. Overlooking the lower section of the river, the main lodge is a newly refurbished, fully catered property built to the highest standards, offering exceptional comfort, warm hospitality, and stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. With a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a dedicated team on hand, it offers a home-from-home experience for visiting anglers.
The main lodge features six en-suite twin bedrooms and one double suite, each with direct access to the front deck and rear parking area. The layout is thoughtfully designed, with one wing housing all bedrooms and the other wing containing a spacious, stylish living area, a bar, and a large dining room with panoramic river views. Outside, guests can unwind in the glass-fronted sauna or soak in the hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day on the water, especially under the glow of the northern lights. All meals are included, with a focus on high-quality, satisfying dishes that are light and easy to enjoy, particularly in the evenings. Wine, soft drinks, and other beverages are available for purchase at the bar.
Located just 10 minutes from the town of Flúðir, the lodge offers easy access to local amenities, while remaining immersed in the tranquillity of the Icelandic countryside. On the Lower Stóra Laxá, three experienced guides work in rotation, typically covering two rods each, ensuring a high level of attention and support throughout the trip. Private guiding is available on request.
For anglers fishing the remote and rugged Beat IV on the Upper Stóra Laxá, a separate self-catering lodge is available. Recently renovated and ideal for intact groups seeking adventure in the highlands, it features four twin-share bedrooms and offers solitude in one of Iceland’s most breathtaking areas. A dedicated guide is mandatory for this stretch of river, with additional guides available on request. This section is particularly suited to anglers who appreciate wild, technical fishing and want a more independent, immersive experience.
To learn more about Stóra Laxá Salmon fishing and the beautiful Stóra Laxá Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
Located just 90 minutes from Keflavík Airport and around 150km from Reykjavík, the Stóra Laxá is one of southern Iceland’s most scenic and rewarding Salmon rivers. This beautiful, medium-sized waterway winds its way for over 90 kilometres, flowing from the serene Lake Grænavatn, through the dramatic canyons of Laxárgljúfur, and finally spilling out across open meadows before joining the glacial Hvítá River.
Renowned for its first-class fly fishing, the Stóra Laxá offers anglers the chance to target hard-fighting, multi-wintered Atlantic Salmon in truly spectacular surroundings. The river is split into four distinct beats, covering a diverse mix of water, from fast-flowing canyon runs and deeper pools to gentle meadow stretches, offering something to suit all styles and preferences. With over 110 named pools, it has consistently ranked among Iceland’s top ten rivers in terms of productivity.
While there’s no shortage of action, the Stóra is particularly famous for the average size and strength of its fish. Salmon between 12 and 20lb are a real possibility, and thanks to the river’s steep gradient and challenging migration route, these fish are regarded as some of the hardest-fighting in the country. Add to this a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty, undoubtedly among the finest in Iceland, and the comfort of luxury lodgings, and the Stóra Laxá becomes a destination that delivers on every level.
One of the biggest draws for anglers visiting the Stóra Laxá is the chance to connect with trophy-sized, chrome-bright Atlantic Salmon, fish that are not only large but incredibly powerful. With an average weight among the highest in Iceland, this river has earned a well-deserved reputation as the big-fish river of the south coast. Imagine casting your fly into crystal-clear pools where landing a 20-pound-plus Salmon isn’t just a dream, it’s a very real possibility.
The waterway is predominantly all about quality over quantity, and whilst over the past three seasons, it has averaged 779 Salmon landed annually, an impressive number for a big fish system, it’s the strong run of multi-sea-winter Salmon over 100cm that keeps anglers coming back. In fact, during the 2022 season, the river produced 934 Salmon, with 261 measuring over 80cm. The largest landed weighed in at 26lb, and in some years, as much as 50% of the returning fish are two-sea-winter or older.
Part of what makes these Salmon so memorable is their strength. The upper reaches of the river feature a steep gradient, and the fish must travel a long way upstream to reach their spawning grounds. This natural challenge helps shape some of the hardest-fighting Salmon in the country, pushing both angler and tackle to the limit.
For anglers chasing size, power, and pristine wilderness, this river stands out as a true Icelandic gem.
The Stóra Laxá offers a truly memorable fishing experience set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Flowing for over 90 kilometres from Lake Grænavatn to the glacial Hvítá River, the river winds through dramatic canyons and vast, open meadows, making it one of the most visually striking fisheries in the country. It’s a destination that consistently appeals to both experienced anglers and first-time visitors alike.
The river is divided into four high-quality beats, each offering exclusive double-bank fishing and access to more than 110 named pools. These beats are split across two distinctive sections: the Upper and Lower rivers. The Lower section, made up of Beats I & II, is known for its accessibility, with many pools easily reached by vehicle. Here, anglers will find a rich variety of water, from canyon runs and deep rock faces to broad, meandering shingle pools reminiscent of Argentina’s Rio Grande. Beat III, in the middle of the river, offers more secluded fishing with a diverse mix of canyon and low-bank pools, including famous names like Heljarþrem and Sveinssker. Finally, the Upper section, Beat IV, is both the most remote and visually stunning, running through a rugged canyon landscape. This beat, which includes a separate self-catering lodge, rewards adventurous anglers with gin-clear water, sight fishing opportunities, and some of the river’s most exhilarating fly water.
Wading on the Stóra Laxá is generally very manageable, particularly in the Lower beats where gravel and grass banks make for easy access. The Upper Canyon pools require a bit more physical effort but are incredibly rewarding for those up to the challenge. The river is well suited to two-handed rods, especially early in the season, when a 13–14ft rod is ideal. During the summer months and in low water, anglers often favour switch rods between 11.5 and 12.5ft, allowing for more delicate presentation and exciting surface action. With the river remaining clear throughout the season, small flies and subtle techniques remain effective, perfect for those who appreciate the thrill of sight fishing and skating flies across glassy pools.
Note: All our standard trips to the Stóra Laxá are based at Stóra Laxá Lodge and concentrate on fishing on the Lower Beats. However, we also offer full-group bookings to the Upper Beats, staying at an exclusive self-catering lodge. The fishing here is incredibly rewarding but more challenging, suitable for anglers who are fit and stable on their feet.
One of the greatest strengths of the Stóra Laxá is its reliable performance throughout the season. From June through to September, the river offers a variety of opportunities, each with its own distinct character. Whether you’re targeting fresh, bright fish early on, making the most of peak summer conditions, or seeking solitude and trophy Salmon in the autumn, there’s genuinely no wrong time to fish the Stóra.
Thanks to the river’s diverse water, well-managed beat rotation, and a strong emphasis on sustainable fishery management, the Stóra Laxá consistently produces excellent fishing across the entire season. While water levels and conditions can vary, as they do on any wild river, the Stóra is known to be productive from opening day right through to the final cast.
When it comes to timing your trip, the most rewarding windows are at the very beginning and the very end of the season. These periods regularly produce both more fish and larger specimens. In June and early July, anglers can expect bright, fresh-run “spring fish”, particularly when water levels are favourable.
However, September stands out as the most productive and exciting time to be on the river. During this month, a powerful late run of Salmon enters the system from the glacial river into which the Stóra flows. These fish often arrive in greater numbers than earlier in the season, providing a genuine thrill for visiting anglers. It’s also the best month for the chance of Salmon exceeding 20lb, with occasional fish pushing even larger.
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