Kangia River Lodge ideally situated in the foothills of a hidden valley on Greenland’s west coast. The Kangia River is known worldwide in the fly fishing community as the premier river in Greenland for catching gigantic sea-run Arctic Char. The variety of fishing pools on this Greenland Arctic Char fishing vary in structure and makes this river a true fly fishing paradise.
The main attraction to Greenland Arctic Char fishing on the Kangia River is the average size of Arctic Char; it is more significant than any other river in Greenland. So you put this with the unbelievable structure, and sheer beauty of this river and things begin to sound very interesting. The Kangia River, truly made for fly fishing with its cut-banks, rapids, slow and deep stretches, waterfalls, and pocket-water any angler would never want for more out of a river.
Over on our Youtube channel, we have some amazing freshwater fly fishing videos showcasing some of the best destinations around. Why not head over and take a look.
The Kangia River is the hidden gem of Greenland’s West Coast and is widely known for its extensive runs of Arctic Char. Just seven kilometres upstream from the lodge, you will find a ten-meter high waterfall that stops the fish’s migration. This, in turn, prevents the progression upriver and creates a deep pool stacked with giant fish. Having this waterfall close by stops all fish from moving further up the system where they would eventually disappear into the large lakes and spread out over huge distances, as is the case with many other sea-run Char rivers.
The wildlife around the coast of Greenland is nothing short of spectacular. Greenland lined by stunning shimmering fjords and is home to 15 species of Whales and an abundance of other wildlife. The summer season just so happens to coincide with the fishing season, and this is when you can witness lots of chances of spotting wildlife such as Humpback Whales which cruise the coastline.
The waters surrounding the Greenland Arctic Char fishing are some of the most fish-abundant waters on the planet. As a result, it is even possible to catch Cod on fly fishing equipment from near the Kangia River mouth and almost any cliffside along the coast.
Although Arctic Char runs on smaller rivers and streams along the west coast of Greenland, the sheer number and size of fish running up the Kangia River are genuinely remarkable. When an angler starts to see stats on this Greenland Arctic Char fishing holiday such as 2kg being an average fish, with a strong chance of landing fish between 3-4 kilograms being commonplace during a week fishing, they start to pay attention. To date, the biggest Arctic Char landed on this river is 6.3kg (14lbs), but several bigger fish have been hooked and lost. Anglers aiming to set new records better come well-prepared as Arctic char are strong fighters and will put on a show that will leave seasoned anglers baffled.
Fishing is mainly with single-handed rods in the 5 to 7 # weight rigged with floating lines. Additional sink tip lines in suitable size will cover every imaginable occasion and technique on all sections of the Kangia River. If you prefer swinging flies, bring an additional light switch rod (6–7) with short Skagit heads and various tips between Floating, T7 and T11, and some mini intruder flies, the sport you will have will be unique.
You can fish most pools with a floating line. Floating lines also benefit you when nymphing, hitching or skating dry flies. Even swung flies will work perfectly on most pools. However, short sink tip lines are deadly effective, especially when deeper and slower pools with big fish ask for streamers and deep intruders. We would recommend a short sink tip line. Kangia River is not about distance; shorter tapers with a little more weight are beneficial when casting a longer leader on close quarters.
The trips based on light guiding, and we have two full-time English speaking guides between the 12 rods. Each day, our guides will spend equal time amongst all guests, ensuring that you have everything you need to maximise the most out of your trip.
The Kangia River Lodge, located on a plateau right at the delta of the majestic river, comes with spectacular views overlooking the sea pool and a sheltered bay where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Lodge equipped with all the conveniences one would expect from a comfortable all-inclusive setup. From 2017 on, we operate this fully refurbished Lodge where we offer what we believe is one of Greenland’s best fishing experiences.
The main Lodge can accommodate up to 12 anglers at once. Sleeping quarters based on a bunk bed system with a total of 6 rooms with two people sharing each room. The main Lodge has two toilets, two warm water showers, a fully equipped kitchen, a brand new bar and lounge area, and a spacious dining area overlooking the river. The Lodge comes with a big veranda where you can catch every minute of the sun during the day. The front part of the veranda, overlooking the river mouth and valley below, is the perfect place to enjoy an after-fishing drink and share some good stories with your friends.
Apart from the main Lodge, we have a minor satellite camp located 2,7 km upriver from the Lodge, right on one of the hot spots offering a comfortable resting place along the river. This is a good starting point for those wanting to fish in the mid and upper sections of the river. To make the hike up there as easy as possible, guests will be able to leave waders and wading shoes at the satellite camp and make the walk forth and back in regular hiking shoes and trousers instead of waders and wading shoes. Whether you prefer to stay near the main Lodge or venture up to the waterfalls is up to you. The fish are plentiful, and you can fish at your own pace all day, every day.
Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart UK
Arrive Copenhagen
On arrival take a taxi to your airport hotel. The taxi can be booked at the airport. Once you have collected your bags and cleared customs there where be plenty of taxi’s available.
Overnight accommodation: Airport Hotel (Twin room) B/B
In the morning you will take a taxi back to the International airport. The taxi can be booked by the hotel reception, who will be more than happy to help.
Depart Copenhagen with Greenland Air
Arrive Kangerlussuaq Depart Kangerlussuaq
Arrive Maniitsoq
On arrival, you will be transferred to the lodge by boat, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. The actual departure time will depend on the tides as we need the high tide to access the fjord and lodge.
Overnight accommodation: Kangia River Lodge (Twin room) F/B
Each day you will fish the river for Arctic Char. Guiding us on a light basis with two full-time guides and one camp manager on hand at all times. You will enjoy another two great guided days on the river; there are large areas to fish and explore with all types of water to fish—more than enough to keep any avid fly angler happy and interested every day. You will spend your days either exploring the river, hunting down the hundreds of Arctic Char, or if you fancy a change, we do have a boat available, so you can even chase Cod and Halibut on the fly.
Overnight accommodation: Kangia River Lodge (Twin room) F/B
If there is time, you can have a few hours fishing in the morning as the exact time everyone departs will be subject to the tide.
You will depart the lodge via boat and be transferred to Hotel Maniitsoq.
Overnight accommodation: Hotel Maniitsoq (Twin room) B/B (To be paid locally)
In the morning you will take a taxi and make your way to the airport, which is 5 minutes away, to start your journey home.
Depart Maniitsoq with Greenland Air
Arrive Kangerlussuaq Depart Kangerlussuaq
Arrive Copenhagen.
On arrival take a taxi to your airport hotel.
Overnight accommodation: Airport Hotel (Twin room) B/B
You can spend the morning relaxing before taking a taxi back to the International airport.
Depart Copenhagen with Norwegian Air
Arrive UK
The season runs from Mid July to Mid September.
Season: 14th July to 10th September
Peak: August
Weight: 3lb to 16lb
Average Weight: 5.5lb
N/A
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| Departing | Returning | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/07/2023 | 14/07/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 12/07/2023 | 22/07/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 19/07/2023 | 29/07/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Enquire Now |
| 26/07/2023 | 05/08/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 02/08/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Enquire Now |
| 09/08/2023 | 19/08/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 16/08/2023 | 26/08/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 23/08/2023 | 02/09/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Enquire Now |
| 30/08/2023 | 09/09/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 06/09/2023 | 16/09/2023 | 11 | £7,139 | Sold Out |
| 04/07/2024 | 14/07/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 11/07/2024 | 21/07/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 18/07/2024 | 28/07/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 25/07/2024 | 04/08/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2024 | 11/08/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 08/08/2024 | 18/08/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 15/08/2024 | 25/08/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
| 22/08/2024 | 01/09/2024 | 11 | £7,707 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and staying in twin rooms for accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
Thoroughly enjoyable week, as I group I think we landed somewhere in the region of 120 to 150 fish. It was some first-class fly fishing in crystal clear water. The guides and staff were exceptional and I'd love to go back.
Great Holiday and excellent guides. The holiday information I feel was limited and travel itinerary and documentation could have been better and arrived earlier. There was no mention of how much walking was involved and fitness levels required.
Mark
Thank you so much for the customer feedback as these are very important to us. I did not realise that we had not made it clear on the website there was considerable walking as we talk this through over the phone, however as you booked with Peter, this may have got lost. I have added a footnote now to the bottom of the tour mentioning that there is a considerable amount of walking and customers need to be physically fit.
I will try again to contact you on the phone as I would love to chat about the pre trip information to see what you think was missing or needs some attention to. All this is great feedback as it allows us to improve each time.
Hopefully I will get to talk to you soon.
In general a good trip
snow melt meant that the fish are running about 3 weeks late as a group we caught 120 fish, good numbers but nothing like normal.
Would love to go back next season may be 1 week later.
Eric
It was good catching up with you on the telephone, shame the fish are running a little later than normal, however so glad you liked it so much you are considering returning next season.
I will call you again and we can get things booked up for you.
Regards Peter
The accommodation was extremely basic - the cramped bunk bed sleeping arrangements were reminiscent of 1970's Youth Hostel! Perhaps because of this the group gelled together very well and everyone had a good laugh.
As this was their first season, many small details need improving but there is potential for it being one of the best destination fishing lodges in the world - Greenland is so different from anywhere else. The fishing required thought and experimentation - the most successful method varying from pool to pool and with the time of day.
Tim Edmunds
Tim
Thanks for the customer feedback, you are so correct it is still rough around the edges with many small points to be improved. However as we know all these things over the next few years will be built and sorted out.
However as you have said the fishing is off the scale the sheer numbers of fish being caught is amazing and even though its still in its early stages and bit rough around the edges everyone wants to return meaning we are already virtually sold out for next year. Not bad for a new destination.
Looking forward in having you with us in the new year 2 great weeks in Argentina we will have a great trip my friend.
Regards Peter
Kangia river is a one off and i throughly enjoyed my visit. Its a new destination and was only half way through its first season when i booked. As such the pre trip information was a little thin and needs updated. Notably the tackle section. 5 Weight rods in Switch/baby spey are ok but single handed rods need to be 6 or 7 weight. Heavy tungsten bead flies took more fish and these would have been better fished with a full sinking line or at least a fast intermediate rather than a floating line with a fast sinking poly leader to aid bite detection as the takes can be very subtle.
The fish aren't leader shy and 25Lb tippet was about as light as you needed to fish, the fish get pretty toothy so a thicker leader work best. The guides requested only single barbless hooks to be used, crushed barbs were ok however i will be using barbless hooks next time. The lodge had a good supply of leaders and some flies. Lawson and Thomas were our guides and did a fantastic job through out. Be prepared to walk as the majority of our fishing started at the satellite camp and went to the falls. I believe its around 7.5K from the Lodge to the falls so if you fish the upper reaches every days its 15K plus although not especially difficult walking once the satellite camp is reached. I mostly fished tungsten bead wooly buggers, size 10 through to 4, the biggest fish i caught all fell to the smaller sizes. A sparse heavy fly that gets down quick definitely had better results than a heavily dressed or lighter pattern. Fish will respond to a skated gurgler if the weather conditions suit, some of our group were successful with this and it is great fun - i didn't hook many fish this way although its definitely a lot of fun if you aren't worried about missing a lot of fish.
Its definitely more of an adventure location than a luxury one which suited me well however this could be clearer on the website. Accommodation and food are basic but served the purpose, the fishing makes up for any shortfalls elsewhere.
Rory
Thanks so much for the feedback and it is very very helpful.
As we all no this is a brand new operation and as such still to be worked on, its what we call work in progress. Also thanks for the update on tackle advice, it seems the fishing changes as the weeks change with the river conditions.
As discussed would be great to have you back and this time bring your dad.
Thanks a million for your continued custom and look forward in talking soon.
Regards Peter
OK. How was it?
Yeah I spent two full days at the airport in Kangerlussuaq and one full day at the hotel in Nuuk. I fished for three and a half day instead of six and a half day.
All of it weather related. Fog in Maniitsoq the first two days and storm with rain the third day. Nothing to do about that.
I stayed in a positive mood all the time. There was a hole group that had the same problem. Most of the time we laughed about it. We were well taken care of by Air Greenland. Food, taxi, hotel.
Sunday morning I was finally picked up at the airport in Maniitsoq by Franz. About lunchtime I was on my way upstream.
The place is pure magic. The fishing beyond expectations. The lodge basic but OK. Worked well with the guides and everything around the lodge.
So can you hear that I am very pleased with the experience.
The only thing that I think is not OK is that nobody tried to contact me when I did not show up in Maniitsoq on Thursday. The rest of the group were Americans and flew in from Island but the guy who picked them up should have cared when there was one person missing…
But no big thing.
Thank you for organizing the trip :-)
Borje
Thanks for coming back to me, yes the only time we realised that there was something wrong was thewe had two guys on the week before you and we had hassle getting them home because of all the missed flights. So we then guessed there was something up. Thats when we contacted each other.
When I called Christer he had not even been informed, so definably something that has to change.
Glad you loves the place and yes basic but as you know with Christer over time things will get better and better.
Please to look after you and look forward in chatting again soon.
Kind regards
Peter Collingsworth
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