The Kjarra river is the upper part of the Thvera/Kjarra river. It is characterized by its remoteness and untouched nature. The river varies greatly in character, from steep canyon pools with challenging fly water to the more easily accessible pools in the Kjarra valley. For more information Contact Us.
The Thvera/Kjarra river stretches 90 km from its confluence with the glacial river Hvita up to an altitude of 400 m with no obstacles to hinder the salmon on their journey up river. The river boasts some of the highest catches of any Icelandic river. The average catch for the past seven years is just under 2800 salmon annually with the best year exceeding 4000 salmon landed. The prime season runs from the last week of June well into August and in recent years the best weeks on the Thvera/Kjarra have produced over 600 salmon between the two lodges. During the prime period on the river an angler can expect to land between four to six salmon to his rod per day.
The Kjarra itself is 45 km long and is fished with just seven rods on seven private beats that rotate every fishing shift. There are 92 named pools, offering great variety to the angler. The fishing is organised on a three- or six-day basis, commencing mid-afternoon on the first day and ending at noon on the last day of fishing. The river is fly only and catch-and-release, but anglers can take one grilse per rod per day.
The first spring salmon return to the river of their birth at the end of May. As spring turns to summer the runs of salmon steadily increase until they reach their peak in July. Fishing remains consistent well into August, with fresh runs of salmon still arriving, though in smaller numbers. The season comes to an end in early September with the onset of autumn.
FISHING SEASON
From beginning of June until early September.
PRIME TIME
From late June to early August.
RODS
Seven rods who fish on seven private beats in rotation. Rod sharing is welcome.
RECOMMENDED FLIES
Silver Sheep, Black and Red Francis, Arndilly Fancy, Collie Dog, Green Brahan, Micro Hitch, Sunray Shadow and Small Cone Heads. Fly sizes 12 and 14 are most common.
RECOMMENDED TACKLE
Single-handed rods and small double-handed rods. Floating line is the norm but good to bring sink tip if the water rises.
The Kjarra lodge, Vigoll, is set in a dramatic highland scenery featuring a large terrace with great views of the river and its surrounding. A sauna and Jacuzzi are located on the terrace where one can relax after a day´s fishing. Later one can enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by our renowned team of award-winning chefs.
The lodge features an attractive lounge and dining room, eight twin-bedded rooms, all with private bathrooms and shower. The lodge has central heating, a drying- room and, storage areas for your fishing gear and equipment.
At Kjarra lodge, anglers enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by a renowned team of award-winning chefs from some of the best restaurants in Reykjavik, as well as a continental breakfast in the morning and a two course lunch. The guests are provided with the best there is in Icelandic cuisine and a distinguished selection of wines from around the world. All the meals are prepared using only the freshest ingredients.
We can cater for special needs with advanced notice.
Our knowledgeable team of guides is headed by Gimi Gunnarsson, who has been guiding anglers fishing the river for decades. All our guides have been fishing the river for many years and will do their very best to assist anglers in every way during their stay. They have a passion for fly fishing and for the river they hold dear.
All our guides are English speaking and provide our guests with four-wheel-drive vehicles for transport along the river. Each guide is normally shared by two anglers, but a private guide can be provided upon request.
DistAnce from Reykjavik
97,6 km
Driving time
Approx. 2 hour.
GPS
64°45'15.8"N 21°07'15.7"W
