The Kjarrá river is the upper part of the Thverá/Kjarrá 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 Kjarrá valley.
For more information please contact ingo@starir.is
Kjarrá is the upper part of the river known as Þverá & Kjarrá. The entire Kjarrá runs through the remote highlands where anglers will find themselves in total solitude.
Kjarrá is about 45 km long, from the headwaters down to Thverá. There are over 90 named pools, fished by seven rods on seven rotating beats, in three or six day shifts. The pools are very diverse, some in beautiful dramatic ravines, others being long exciting runs along cliffs or grassy banks. Access to some of the beats requires walking through the heathlands or down into the ravines. Anglers have the option to access the uppermost pools on horseback.
The river has some of the best fishing numbers per rod of any Icelandic salmon river. The average catch in Thverá/Kjarrá is around 2000 salmon each summer, but in the most productive years over 4000 were caught. In recent years, in the best weeks, over 600 salmon have been caught.
The Kjarrá lodge is beautifully located on a ridge above the river and from the large deck there are spectacular views over the river and the highland scenery. There is an outdoor jacuzzi on the terrace and a sauna where one can relax after a day’s fishing. We are rightly proud of the delicious food produced by our award-winning chefs.
In the lodge there is a large newly-renovated sitting room and dining room, and we have eight ensuite double-bedrooms.
Our knowledgeable team of guides is headed by the wonderful Gími Gunnarsson, who has been guiding Kjarrá anglers for decades. All of our guides are English speaking, are highly experienced and have fished the river for many years. Usually each guide assists anglers on two rods but private guides can be provided.
Fly fishing began in Iceland in the second half of the 19th century when British fishermen began to visit the island. Þverá & Kjarrá was one of the first salmon rivers that British anglers regularly fished.
Many of the pools bear witness to their visits, with pools like Hambro, Stewart, Wilson and the Three Princesses being named after or by these pioneers. Many of the anglers had unparalleled fishing adventures on the river.
In 1904, the British built the first fishing lodge by Þverá, a cabin that still stands. From there, the anglers moved their base up the river and built another lodge at Víghóll by Kjarrá in 1919, but it has long since disappeared. For decades fishermen used horses to get around the river before a road was finally built.
Disinfection of fishing tackle by a veterinarian prior to entry to Iceland is no longer a requirement. Your tackle can now be disinfected on arrival at the lodge, before you start fishing.
FISHING SEASON
Beginning of June until early September.
PRIME TIME
Last week of June to early August.
RODS
Seven rods who fish on seven private beats in rotation. Rod sharing is welcome.
RECOMMENDED FLIES
Variations of small flies, like Silver Sheep, Arndilly Fancy, Colburn Special, Collie Dog, Green Brahan, Micro Hitch, Evening Dress and Sunray Shadow. Fly sizes 12 to 16 are most common.
RECOMMENDED TACKLE
Single-handed rods and small double-handed rods. Floating lines.
Starir ehf.
Social Security: 5009091370 | VAT: 103778
Office: Freyjugata 15, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Office : 898-4180
