FOSAF FLYFISHING REPORTS - Trout - Amatolas

AMATOLA FLY FISHING CLUB (Stutterheim & Kingwilliamstown).

Gubu  & Maden dams.

With water being released from Gubu for downstream users and  a very dry early summer the water level is down to 65%. Fortunately, this is a very large and deep dam so there is no concern yet about low levels being a threat to the fish population. Good catches have been made recently comprising mainly rainbow stockies of about 35-38cm but a 60cm brown was taken last week. Expect catches to drop of from mid-December due to the higher temperatures.
There is concern about the amount of poaching carried out at Maden and if there is no control of this illegal practice the club may have to discontinue stocking.

There is also concern about fingerling supplies for the restocking of Gubu which usually takes place at this time of year. This is due to heavy losses incurred at the local hatchery.

CATA VILLAGE.

Most of the visitors to this picturesque venue are hikers but there is some interesting trout fishing as well. The Cata River contains wild browns in the forested upper reaches but larger in the bottom section. The nearby Mnyameni Dam which is low at the moment contains plenty of pan sized wild rainbows which are very hard fighting. There are also a few browns from a previous stocking. Small natural flies, especially brown, work well and most of the fish are taken near the inlet or off the wall with most of the bigger fish taken from the wall..

WOLF RIVER

This small stream is very low at the moment. Postpone any visit until the rains start.

LOCH LOCHIE

Apparently, this is the stillwater to fish at the moment. The dam is full and completely recovered from the drought several years ago. It is well stocked and plenty of rainbows in the 1,5 to 2,5kg class are being taken.

Brown trout from Gubu