Dream Waters: The Langá River

Dream Waters:

The Langá River

Iceland offers some of the best salmon fishing on the planet – and the River Langá is one of the local favourites. The River is managed by SVFR, a group of dedicated fly fishermen in Reykjavik, and due to conservation management and restrictions, the river continues to produce great salmon fishing.

By: RASMUS OVESEN and MARTIN EJLER OLSEN

Among the most prolific and productive rivers in all of Iceland, the beautifully wild River Langá meanders some 36 kilometers from Langavatn in the mountainous reaches of Vesturland to the estuary area west of Bogarnes. A mere one-hour drive from the capital city of Reykjavik, the rocky River Langá is easily accessible.

The Langá Lodge, which is situated on a bluff over-looking one of the river’s countless holding pools, offers 12 ensuite bedrooms with full service. You could go there for the atmospheric views, the grand nature experiences, or the culinary impressions. Most visitors enjoy both the comfort and the sensory impressions of staying at the Langá Lodge, but the main attraction is the salmon fishing.

River Langá is predominantly a grilse river with plenty of fish in the 1 – 3 kilo range. However, while grilse are the prevalent quarry in the river, there is also the occasional full-grown salmon that will tip the scales north of 6 kilos. Originating in Lake Langavatn, the river has dependable water levels all throughout the summer, and – as a result – offers consistently good salmon fishing throughout the season; especially during prime-time in July and August. (The whole season runs from June 21st until September 24th).

Salmon fishing, as you probably know, isn’t a numbers game. It isn’t on the River Langá either – despite the great numbers of fish that migrate up the river and populate it’s many lies, pools, and cascades. The fishing there is challenging, and the individual beats (93 named pools) are extremely varied. In other words, it’s one of those rivers that will reward the technically gifted salmon fishermen, and – perhaps – particularly those who are strategically cautious and willing to experiment.

Light double-handed and single-handed rods in line classes 6 - 8 are the primary tools on the river, as are floating lines, and small flies fished on long, thin leaders.

The flies used and how to fish them is a chapter of its own. The locals like to use flies such as mini-Sunray Shadow, Langa Fancy, Arndilly Fancy, Red Francis, and Blue Charm, but it seems that, those who do really well, do well because of HOW they fish their flies, not because of WHAT flies they use.

When fishing the River Langá and its varied beats, be sure to always have a game plan. The river is typically ginclear, and the fish can be both finicky and spookish. So, approach the river with caution and fish with stealth and long casts. Experiment with the flies and how you swing (or retrieve) them, and don’t be afraid to crack out the smallest flies (size 12 – 16) in your arsenal. Down-sizing is one of the most bullet-proof ways of connecting with one of Langá’s fish if they don’t seem to be responding to traditional salmon flies.

Early in the season, you can swing flies with great success. However, as the season progresses, you’ll need to slow down the flies as much as possible – either by casting up stream, or by continually mending the line on your cross-current casts.

Those who are truly successful on the river during late season are those, who are capable of feeding the flies into the holding spots in slow-motion. (Oftentimes, trout fishermen do really well on the river).

From July and onwards, riffling hitch flies also produce well, adding a highly visual aspect to the fishery. The fishing in general is highly visible with pools being fairly easy to read, and fish continually breaking the surface, jumping, and rolling.

With the usually gin-clear and low water, don’t forget your polarized eyewear. In a lot of the canyons and upper-reach beats you can sight-fish for salmon. This adds another visual component to the fishery and makes sure you’re kept on your toes at all times.

Langá is not only rich in fish. It’s also rich in culture and history. The British lords have fished the river since the late 1800s, and the lodge has plenty of records over their activities in the surrounding area. The historic atmosphere of the place is a reminder that the fishing is only part of the Langá experience. Langá is truly a magnificent place for those who come with an open mind.

For more info about the River Langá, please refer to: https://svfr.is/ or reach out via email: svfr@svfr.is