Iceland’s biggest salmon of the season so far was recently hooked, landed and released on the Nes beats of the river “Big” Laxá in Adaldal. It was measured at 108 cm. Recently two more in the 100 plus category have been landed, one 102 cm from the East Rangá, the other one a 100 cm from Blanda on the north coast.
The “big one” took a quarter inch tube fly by the name of Friggi, a local fly available in many colours. This one was green. Apart from being measured, the salmon, a hen fish, was weighed in the landing net and turned out to be 12,3 kilograms, 27 lbs, however just under 25 pounds by the old local scales. There was a nice subplot going on. The angler, Icelander Atli Bjarnason, hired a guide by the name of Hilmar Þór Árnason. Hilmar is only fifteen years old and this was his maiden outing as a fully-fledged guide. What a way to start your career as a professional guide.
Another thing. By looking at the photo you get the impression that this salmon had been in the river before, survived and come back. It is leaner than fat and the dots are very pronounced, far more than on a first arrival. This is not so uncommon in Iceland.
