Kangia River Lodge
Unparalleled beauty
Nestled in a secluded valley along Greenland’s west coast, the Kangia River holds a revered status among fly anglers as one of Greenland’s premier spots for catching sizable sea-run Arctic Char. Situated on a plateau at the delta of this majestic river, the Kangia River Lodge offers breathtaking vistas that overlook the home pool and a sheltered bay where the river converges with the Atlantic Ocean. While the lodge is modest, it boasts all the essentials for a comfortable week-long stay focused on fishing.
We fished the Kangia River in late July for early-season chromers with light spey rods. What a blast that was – and something that any salmon-, seatrout-, or steelhead flyfisherman should look into, especially in these days when productive swing fishing can be difficult to come by.
The Kangia River
The Kangia River, a hidden treasure along Greenland’s West Coast, is renowned for its abundant Arctic char, stunning natural formations, and unparalleled beauty. Tailored for fly fishing, the river presents a diverse terrain comprising cut-banks, rapids, serene deep stretches, cascades, and pocket-water that extends down to its tidal delta. It’s an angler’s haven, offering everything one could desire in a river. It truly epitomizes fly fishing paradise.
Approximately seven kilometers upstream from the camp lies a ten-meter high waterfall, a barrier obstructing the migration of fish further up the river. This creates a deep pool teeming with large fish. As these fish are impeded by the waterfall, they populate the 10-km stretch of river between the mouth and the waterfall.
The lodge comprises a central building and three separate cabins. Each cabin features three single rooms—two smaller rooms with single beds and a slightly larger room with a king-size bed. Sleeping quarters in the main lodge consist of six cabin-style rooms equipped with bunk beds, each serving as a single room.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the main building’s communal dining area, while lunch is typically enjoyed by the river. The main lodge boasts two toilets, two warm water showers, a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy bar and lounge area, and a spacious dining area with a panoramic view of the river. A sizable veranda allows guests to bask in the sunlight throughout the day. The front section of the veranda, offering views of the river mouth and valley below, provides an ideal setting to unwind after fishing and share stories with friends.
Spectacular Fishing
The Kangia River’s allure for Arctic Char fishing lies in both the size of the fish and the striking red hue they develop later in the season. While Arctic Char traverse multiple rivers and streams along Greenland’s west coast, the sheer quantity and size of those in the Kangia River are genuinely remarkable.
The sea-run char in Kangia averages 2 kg, with fish easily surpassing the 3-4 kg range and the biggest topping the 6kg mark. Landing sea-run char poses a significant challenge; these Arctic char are robust fighters, leaving even seasoned anglers in awe with their displays of strength.
During the early season, larger streamers and steelhead Intruders, presented on a light Skagit or sink-tip line outfit, prove effective in targeting sizable fish in higher water conditions. Whether one opts for a switch rod, single-hand rod, or a mix of both is a matter of personal preference. All river pools are comfortably accessible with a single-hand rod under any condition.
While streamers and nymphs are generally successful, we highly recommend exploring surface fishing. Skating a foam fly across the river offers an unparalleled thrill. In Kangia, your choice of fly and technique is only limited by your imagination.
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