Kangia River Lodge
Located in a hidden valley on Greenland’s West Coast, the Kangia river valley is known widely among fly anglers as the place to go to catch big sea run Arctic Char on the fly. The Kangia river is a fascinating river, with unbelievable structure, and incomparable beauty. If there was a river designed for fly fishing, this is it. With rapids, undercut banks, pocket water, deep pools, and waterfalls this is an interesting and fun river to fish.
Located about 5 miles up from the lodge there is a 30 foot high waterfall which blocks migrating fish from moving upstream and creates a large pool stacked with fish. Since the waterfall blocks fish from migrating further upstream and eventually into the many lakes beyond, the fish at Kangia stay in the river system the entire length of the season and are found in very healthy numbers from July through to September.
Species
Arctic Char – averaging 4 – 7lbs with double-digit fish landed every season. Highest concentration of large Arctic Char found in Greenland
Season
July – September
Accommodations
Simple yet comfortable accommodation
Perfect For
Backcountry wilderness fly fishing well suited for DIY anglers and anglers looking for a lightly guided experience
Fly Fishing
Fishing the Kangia river provides ample opportunity to target fish from 3 to 7 pounds with many larger fish landed each season. The largest fish caught and released in the Kangia to date was 14 pounds, but several others have been hooked and lost.
There are many rivers on Greenland’s West coast that have runs of Char throughout the Summer season but the sheer numbers and size of the fish in the Kangia is remarkable. This destination caters to more hardcore and adventurous anglers.
This is a lightly guided operation, with two guides facilitating the group throughout the week. We find this to be a highlight for some, and needs to be mentioned that this is more of a DIY destination.
Anglers need to be proficient with knots as most of the day will be spent either solo or with your fishing partner, but this is mostly an unguided operation.
There is a substantial hike from the lodge to the fishing grounds each day on a well maintained trail. This is true adventure fishing at its best and one of the reasons we love this operation so much, but it is not for everybody. You can expect to hike between 5 – 7 miles each day if you want to reach the upper pools and waterfall although it is not necessary to find fish. Depending on the time of year, fish can be found in all sections of the river and some of the bigger fish have been caught right in front of the satellite camp.
Early on in the season big intruder flies and streamers presented on a skagit or sink tip set up are perfect while searching for fish in the higher water conditions. Six and seven weight rods whether on a single hand rod or switch rod is all personal preference. Every pool and run on the Kangia can be fished with a single hand rod comfortably.
Streamers, nymphs, rubber legs and classic salmon flies will work as well as skaters and foam flies. There is nothing quite like watching one of these fish trail behind your fly and eat it at the surface! It has to be seen to be believed!
TRAVEL PLAN
This is a seven night and six day program and runs from Thursday to Thursday. Fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on Thursday morning. Followed by Air Greenland flight from Kangerlussuaq to Maniitsoq Greenland and arrive at hotel Maniitsoq by Thursday afternoon. Guests can enjoy food and drinks at the hotel before the 90 minute boat ride to the lodge that evening. After six days of fishing, transfer by boat back to the lodge on Thursday afternoon, and stay at hotel Maniitsoq Thursday night and depart back to Copenhagen Friday morning.
LODGING
The Kangia lodge sits on a plateau above the Delta where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Although basic, the lodging is comfortable and provides everything one needs to fish the Kangia river for a week. The lodge can host up to 12 anglers at a time and has a total of 6 rooms with two bunks per room. The main lodge has two toilets, two showers, bar and lounge area and a dining area overlooking the mouth of the Kangia river. There is also a beautiful veranda outside overlooking the valley and river where guests can enjoy a drink and chat about the day. About a 45 minute walk from the lodge, where fishing starts each day, there is also a small tent camp where you can decide to leave your waders and wading boots and walk back and forth to the lodge in hiking shoes and lightweight pants.
While guests can enjoy ice cold keg beer from the bar tap free of charge, there is an extra charge for wine and liquor. The food is spectacular at the Kangia river lodge and the classically trained Chef Bjarne from Copenhagen, Denmark knows how to please hungry fisherman. The breakfast buffet is set up every morning complete with eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, and yogurt. As well as plenty of juice and coffee. Lunch is prepared at the lodge and taken with you to the river each day. For dinner you can expect a wide range from hearty soups and steaks and fresh baked bread to salads and pasta dishes. Usually the Chef will prepare something extra special one night and serve either Muscox or Caribou, a must try while in Greenland.
