Welcome to the Jokla Rivers System

There are rivers all over the world which offer plenty of variety in the type of water they present to the angler and such rivers are often much appreciated for that reason. However, the Jökla presents an entire river system, from a Tay-like main river with stunning classic pools which go on forever ending in mouth-watering tails, to tiny, small and medium sized tributaries. The variety does not stop there. Salmon, sea trout, Arctic char and resident brown trout. In a day you can switch from 15 ft double-hander to a small trout rod for delicate salmon fishing or even dry fly or nymph for stunning wild trout.

The Jökla system is accessed by a short flight from Reykjavik's domestic airport to Egilsstadir. From there about a one-hour drive will see you comfortably to the lodge where spacious rooms with ensuite showers are tastefully complemented by the large dining hall with fire and sitting area. The Jökla operation is owned and run by Throstur Elliðason and it can be fished as part of a two watershed trip to Iceland along with the Breiðdalsá, three days at each.

Comparatively speaking the fishing is in its infancy. Until a few years ago, the Jökla river itself was a milky glacial river which burst from the glaciers of the interior. This was until the glacial run-off was diverted for a hydro scheme, which left a large but wonderful clear river. This enabled Throstur Elliðason (the man who created the success of the Ranga system) to begin seeding the Jökla and its tributaries in earnest. All the tributaries are classic clear Icelandic rivers. The Kalda is the gem, a mid-sized, breathtaking river with beautiful pools for miles. The water runs a little cool but skated dries still work well. The Laxa, or salmon river, is very short but has some delightful pools which makes the mouth water. The pools are such that they look wonderful but can you really believe that a good salmon can be so close? The Fossa is different again. Almost chalkstreamy and yet smaller but with great depth. One thinks one is fishing mere inches of water and actually it is several feet! The Fogruhlidara river is the char gem though all will hold char and sea-trout.

The Jökla system is not an Icelandic classic top-ten river system. It is too new and does not have the weight of fish that the 'classics' enjoy. But it does not carry the same price tag either. In fact pretty much half. It is a fishing adventure. There is certainly no monotony on the Jökla and between eight rods there is more space than ever imaginable. Throstur Elliðason's organisation is first class. He is a veteran river owner/operator who understands what fisherman want in terms of facilities, comfort and friendly and adaptable staff. The Jökla is a 'great' in the making.

Welcome to the Jokla Rivers System

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Welcome to the Jokla Rivers System

Welcome to the Jokla Rivers System

Weekly Schedule:  

Various days of entry and exit. 3 and 6 day fishing programmes are offered. Rod sharing available and is highly recommended, making the package fantastic value for money.

Package Rate 2013:

3 day rates from $2,910 to $4,500
6 day rates from $5,820 to $9,000

Prices vary throughout the season. Please contact us for individual prices on individual weeks.

Price includes:
•    Three or six full day's fishing
•    Full board and accommodation for one person based on single occupancy.
•    Guide fee.
•    Ground transfers.
•    All soft/carbonated drinks.

Price does not include:
•    International flights
•    Internal flights
•    Long ground transfers e.g. from Reykjavik to lodge.
•    Optional private guide
•    Alcoholic beverages.
•    Gratuities to guides and lodge staff.

Welcome to the Jokla Rivers System

Time Difference
Reykjavik GMT

Flight Time from the UK
London - Reykjavik: 3 hrs

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None. However a certification of tackle disinfection is required and may be checked as you progress through passport control upon entering the country. We advise travelling anglers to obtain such certifications prior to leaving the UK.

Species
Atlantic salmon, sea trout, brown-trout and Arctic char - you may travel to the Jokla system just to fish for the char, and they do have beats set aside specifically for char fishing. Certain times suit the char fishing better, so please contact us for suitable schedules. The trout fishing can also be good, but we would advise visiting anglers to explore all species on offer at the Jokla system, as many will come to the same tactics and their seasons do overlap.

Season to Travel
July - September

Tackle and Kit
For the tributaries flowing into the Jokla and within the Jokla system either a 9-10ft single-handed 6-8 weight rod or a 12-13ft double hander for 6-9 lines would be perfect, floating and intermediate lines should be carried along with a good range of polyleaders that will cover most eventualities. Multi-tip lines are also popular alternatives, and cover most bases. Flies; frances, sneldas, sunrays, hitched tubes in various colours, along with traditional patterns such as the stoats tail, blue charm, cascade etc. (the lodge and guides do carry suitable selections), 8-20lb clear nylon or fluorocarbon leader, chest waders, wading jacket, lifejacket, wading stick and polarised sunglasses.

The aforementioned kit would cover almost all eventualities at the Jokla system. However, the Jokla itself, especially in the lower river, does become sizeable. As such, we would recommend taking a 14 or 15ft double hander for a 10-12 line for this. We would also recommend taking a slightly heavier line for the main river, just in case there is some extra water in the system, where a slightly fast sinking line may be called for - a type 2 or 4 would be perfect, especially when combined with a heavier fly.

For the char you may take a lighter single-handed rod e.g. 9-10ft for a #6-8 line (a 10ft for a 6-7 line covers all species nicely, especially on the tributaries). Flies tend to be bright, with plenty of action and with heavy heads to form jig type patterns. Short and long shank hooks in sizes 10 and 8 are perfect. Tails should be constructed of marabou, with the bodies constructed of fritz. Blues work well, as does white, red, pink and orange. 

Clothing
The weather can be changeable in Iceland so please wear comfortable layered clothing. Your vehicle will be close to hand so take a bag that all extra clothing and equipment can be stored in.

Welcome to the Jokla Rivers System