|
|
kk
|
|
|
If any river captures the beauty, mystique and variety of salmon
fishing in Iceland , it is the Miðfjarðará. Veteran salmon anglers who've been lucky enough to sample
many of the country's best rivers, routinely rank this one as their very favorite.
Located in the Northwest, approximately a three-hour drive from Reykjavik, the Miðfjarðará is one
of Iceland's most productive and exclusive salmon rivers, frequently ranking among the very best. The popularity
of this river stems from the broad diverstity of pools, the gin-clear waters, as well as the abundance and average
size of her fish. |
The river system consists of the main river, Miðfjarðará, and its three tributaries, Austurá,
Núpsá and Vesturá. Miðfjarðará is 15 kilometers in length and salmon run all
of it. Austurá (the canyon branch) is fishable for 23 kilometers, or all the way to Vals-falls, Núpsá
for 19 kilometers to upper Fosskots-falls, and Vesturá for 27 kilometers to Hyrnu-falls. Altogether this
offers the angler 84 kilometers (over 50 miles) of fishable water, in over 200 named pools. The rivers are fed
by lakes on the heaths above the valley, many of which are ideal feeding waters for alevins and parr. The heaths
are fertile, with much vegetation, untouched by man, and unpolluted. They are among the great wetlands of Europe.
From there the rivers run down to a peaceful agricultural district with a varied landscape. |
 |
 |
Like most of the northern rivers, Miðfjarðará is considered
a big fish river. Grilse will average around 7 pounds most years and two-sea-winter fish usually range from 10
to 16 pounds, up to 24. Salmon begin entering the river the third week of June. Most of the early run fish are
large two-sea-winter fish. The grilse run usually begins around the 10th of July and are generally heavy, well
conditioned fish from 4 to 9 pounds.
The Miðfjarðará is a medium sized river and is well suited to either single or double-handed rods.
Sink tip lines and weighted tubes fished on two-handed rods are often prevalent in June but by the 1st of July,
floating lines and smaller flies are the norm. Miðfjarðará fish are particularly susceptible to
flies fished with the Portland Creek or riffle hitch. Access to most of the pools is relatively easy although the
beautiful canyon beat on the Austurá, comprised of 46 pools, will require a fair amount of walking and some
light climbing. Stocking-foot waders with good quality wading brogues or boots, offering ankle support, are the
most comfortable wading attire. |
The average seasonal number of salmon caught in the Miðfjarðará
over the last 27 years is approximately 1300 and ranges from anywhere from 600 to about 2500, depending on water
conditions. After back to back low-water years yielding below average fishing, the Miðfjarðará rebounded
in 2004 producing 2,268 fish ranking her total 3rd in country behind the East and West Rangá Rivers, and
2nd for number of fish per rod for the season (227 compared with West Rangá's 237 fish per rod).
In June and early July, 10 to 15 pound salmon are most numerous,
and every summer produces salmon over 20 pounds. During the latter part of the season, in late July and August,
there is a predominance of grilse and smaller salmon.
The modern and comfortable Laxahvammur Lodge is centrally situated
midway between the west branch and the canyon branch. The lodge offers 10 double occupancy, twin-bedded rooms each
with a private bath. Other amenities include a sauna, wader drying room, living room/bar and attractive dining
room where gourmet meals are served. |
 |
 |
Miðfjarðará is fished in two daily 6-hour sessions;
from 7:00 am to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Because of the lengthy fishing day, rod sharing is popular
giving each angler 6 hours of daily fishing. The river is limited to a maximum of 10 rods and is divided into five,
two-rod beats in a rotation that changes after lunch each day. Experienced English speaking guides with 4-wheel
drive vehicle are provided at a ratio of one guide for each two-rods. |
Through our affiliations with the Angling Club Lax-á, the leaseholder on the river, Angler Adventures is
pleased to offer packages for several the most desirable weeks of the season. Please call us for rates and availability.
For Reservations, Contact
|
Doug Schlink e
|
|
Angler Adventures
|
|
P.O. Box 872, Old Lyme, CT 06371, USA
|
|
800-628-1447 (US) or 860-434-9624 (Int'l)
|
|
Fax: 860-434-8605
|
|
Email: doug@angleradventures.com
|
eeeeeeeeeeeeeee |
 |
|
For technical questions or comments,
please contact
the Webmaster.
|
|
For up to date information join our mailing
list by clicking
here.
|
|
© Copyright 2005 - Angler
Adventures
|
Iceland, Russia, Ponoi, Umba, Varzina, Kola, Kharlovka,
Litsa, Yokanga, Pacha, Varzuga, Cascapedia, Bonaventure, Canada, Quebec, Labrador, Norway, Alta, Rio Grande, Tierra
del Fuego, Salmon, searun, fishing, flyfishing, Spey, Speycasting, tubefly, tubeflies, riffling hitch, rifflin'
hitch, Bogdan reel, corporate travel, Scotland, Dee, Tweed, Tay, Ireland, Moy, Blackwater, Gaula
