Archive for November, 2006
Unforgettable Trout Flyfishing | Trout Fishing Safari in South Africa
10 November 2006The African Trout Fishing Adventure …
Africa is the wildlife continent, so it should be no surprise that it offers some of the finest fly-fishing in the world. But it will astonish you to discover its variety…
From the Western Cape, where the morning mist nestles like a gentle blanket over the rocky banks of the streams …
To the rarefied heights of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, where pure waters course down from melting snow on the jagged peaks that thrust like spears into the sky …
To the well managed streams of the Mpumalanga, where the rainbow trout are large and plentiful …
All this variety is available in a single unspoiled country – without the problems of language, weather, and man-eating insects – where the waters are crystal–clear as they were a million years ago, and the trout are fighting – wild. If it sounds like Paradise, it is. But it isn’t primitive: far from it. In the temperature subcontinent, the climate is mild and the skies are smiling. The hospitality is renowned and almost everyone speaks English. The transport, accommodation and cuisine are all first class; and if you can’t afford to leave the world completely behind, there’ll be a phone and a fax and internet connection wherever you go.
If you wish to expand your trout fishing safari into a complete holiday, there are a thousand miles of golden beaches that outshine Rio and the Riviera; entertainment palaces and casinos that rival Las Vegas; and of course there are the Game Parks, the only places where you can see elephant, lion, rhino, giraffe living in the wild, the full glory of Nature’s creation as it exists nowhere else on Earth.
The Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape offers you a variety of private trout stream fishing, varying from fast running and clear trout nymph and dry fly waters to the slower meandering rivers where big rainbow trout lie in wait for your deep fished nymph. The rich food chain in these streams results in an unusually good head of large and trophy size fish. You’ll spend an entire day trout fishing a ravine, entering early in the morning and emerging at the day’s end, tired but well satisfied. A drive up the highest pass in South Africa to fish small sparkling water for large trout, at 9 000 feet, is also a unique experience and not to be missed.
Take time off to climb up to a cave where delicate bushman paintings tell tales of hunts long ago.
Sit quietly on the lip of a deep gorge and watch one of the few remaining breeding colonies of Cape Vultures as they ascend with the thermals and float almost motionlessly until out of sight. You could be lucky and spot the black eagles or even a lammergeyer.
Mpumalange Previously Called The Eastern Transvaal
Explore hidden trout fishing valleys, in a basin which has its own micro climate and unique ecosystem. The trout fishing waters tempt the adventurous with long deep pools, fast bubbling runs and smooth clear glides under the trees. You can see the big fish finning and the approach and presentation tactics are critical. These trout rivers are full of large fish, and the dry fly delicately placed has proven its worth. At times the setting is reminiscent of an English chalk stream; however you always be reminded where you are by the warmth of the African sun.
Magnificent hills surround you, the cliffsides punctuated by old mining shafts and diggings now filled only with memories. History isn’t all that’s to be found, as over 250 species of bird life frequent this paradise and hundreds of wild flowers and many varieties of antelope add colour and life to the valleys. Your stay will be in comfortable timberframe lodges overlooking the river, where your guide will pamper you with his culinary skills. All of this is an easy three and a half hour drive from Johannesburg, and only one hour and a half from the Kruger National Park.
The Western Cape
The Western Cape is famed for its natural beauty, ranging from the subtle to the majestic. It is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a wide variety of fauna and flora. There are more species of wildflowers concentrated in this one region than in the rest of the world combined. Test your skills on the ultimate trout and dry fly fisheries. Clear water tumbling over tinted rocks and pebbles lends to some streams the appearance of a fine Chablis, where the fishing is for hardfighting rainbow and brown trout.
The Witte river, a catch and release brown trout fishery, is regarded by many as one of the most challenging streams in the world. The water is crystal clear, thin in places, and the browns are extremely wary. A careful approach and delicate presentation are necessary, and even if you are not successful, you will be awed by the sheer beauty and splendour of your surroundings.
You will fish for rainbow trout on other waters of similar physical beauty and return well satisfied in the evenings to your private country inn, hundreds of years old and beautifully restored, where your hosts will ply you with the legendary local wines and superb cuisine.
Lesotho
Fish the ‘Roof of Africa’. You will experience rugged landscapes, and encounter the friendliest people. The fishing is normally productive, with large highly conditioned rainbows and browns in the streams. The water is crystal clear, perfect for the dry fly.
Relax in comfortable accommodation, where the wholesome food invites you to the table. Take time out to chat to the locals and swap tall drinks and tall stories in the pub. You can opt to avoid civilization altogether and take off for one of our tented camps in the mountains, or alongside a trout filled river in the northern back-country.
Whichever you choose, you’ll see Africa in it’s true sense - a wild majestic landscape and a warmhearted people – you will return.
The Seasons
Southern Africa has a nine month fishing season, the breeding period between June 1 and August 31, being closed. In the Eastern Transvaal the waters are fishable for eight and a half months and in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Lesotho, an effective seven months. Join us. There are fish for Africa!
The Tackle
On the majority of streams you will fish the dry fly or upstream nymph with flies ranging in size from 10 to 18. Larger or smaller offerings will of course be dictated by conditions prevailing on the day. As our fishing is mainly “catch and release”, the use of barbless or whisker-barb hooks is recommended. Four to six weight rods between seven foot and eight foot six inches in length will suffice for most of the situations that you’re likely to encounter. Over-long casts are generally not necessary, and a rod that loads quickly is best suited to these conditions. Double taper floating lines are recommended, as presentation and finesse are important, especially in some of the clear and shallow waters. Most of the streams are fished by wet wading, and wading boots, heavy socks, jeans, or similar long trousers are recommended. Conventional waders tend to be too cumbersome and uncomfortable for this style of fishing, although light-weight stocking foot waders may be a good idea in the cooler temperatures of May and September.
Good polaroids and a wide brimmed hat are essential – and don’t forget to bring a camera, to record both the fish and the natural splendours of the environment.
