Upper Stóra Laxá

Stora Laxa – Beat IV offers around 50 various pools for 4 rods, everything from short fast runs to big slow pools. This Is without a doubt one of the most stunning salmon beats in the world. Stóra Laxá Canyon beat runs gin clear through rough canyons in the highland plains. Stóra Laxá is known for big average weight and is the home of some of the biggest salmon in Iceland.

Here the river flows through rocky canyons as well as meandering through the plains. You will find calm pools as well as fast flowing ones, where the fly skates quickly past the salmon – agitating them beyond belief.

Some of the pools in the canyons require tough walking and you‘ll need to be in fair shape to be able to fully enjoy this beat. But the rewards are great, when you find yourself casting your fly into the gin-clear waters in these canyons – you‘ll never forget it.

And the salmon awaiting you are going to test your skills as an angler to the limit. This beat is not suited for the very young or elderly anglers, as the terrain can be rough, but is ideal for the adventurous angler who can appreciate some of the most beautiful landscape you‘ll ever see.

Beat IV is catch and release only, but there is no bag limit. You can fish on and catch as many salmon as you like. Beat IV is 20km long exclusive to 4 rods giving anglers endless opportunities to fish fresh, untouched pools.

Stóra Laxá Beat 4 isn’t just a place to fish. It’s a place to feel the river, to test yourself against wild salmon, and to leave with stories that grow richer every time you tell them.

What sets Beat 4 apart is its variety. Whether you love technical fishing in clear, intimate water or bold swings across heavier runs, this beat rewards both finesse and confidence. It fishes beautifully across conditions, holding fish throughout the season and offering genuine chances at memorable salmon.

Beat IV comes with a self catering lodge which accommodates up to 8 people in 4 twin bedrooms. It is well equipped with a large veranda with a hot tub.

Tackle 

Single handed rods, 7 weight, 9.6 foot, full floating lines.

Double handed rod, 7-9 weight, 13 foot, full floating lines

Best flies

Sunray Shadow, with 3-6cm long wings, Black & Blue, Silver Wilkinson, Black Sheep, Green Butt, Munroe Killer, Hairy Mary, Blue Charm, Black Francis, Red Francis. Sizes 8-10-12-14-16.