We are now reaching the end of winter, and while we are still having some frost, it is definitely warming up.

I am also seeing improved catch returns from the Natal Fly Fisher's Club, but must say that a lot of smaller fish are being caught, and few of the larger (sexually mature) fish, which perhaps take a bit longer to recover from winter and start feeding in earnest.

At this time of the year, dam levels are often down, water is still crystal clear, It's very dry and dusty, and we get hot windy days in August, which are unpleasant, to say the least . Despite all this, August fishing is usually very good, as the water warms and the fish become more active. You still need to keep down, on account of that clear water, and bank-side vegetation for cover is scarce if the water level has receded, so it might be a good time to launch your float tube.

A note on float tubes and kick boats:  The trout can see your wader-clad  legs from a mile off in the clear water, so try parking yourself IN some weed. Also fish the first  20 ft of your cast with care, and then lift off a long line and cast far out again. This was something Nigel Dennis taught me....you seldom catch fish close to a float tube, such as in the lift.

A note on those hot august berg winds, from a farmer's son:  Count how many of the really bad ones we get. The ones where it blows all day, and the gum trees are bent. After the fifth one of those, the first spring rains come. Mark my words!

By late August, a lime green damselfly imitation really comes into its own, so be sure to stock up your fly-box with some of those. Until then, and while the water is still below around 14 degrees C, the fish respond well to a pattern that sparks some aggression. I am not shy to use a large woolly bugger, or similar attractor pattern at this time of year.

Tight lines