Flyfishing report: Yellowfish - Middle Vaal

The timing appears perfect for the two flyfishing festivals to be held at Elgro River Lodge by the Elgro Windknot Club starting on 1^st October as both events are fully booked with some of the participants coming from as far afield as the Western Cape and KZN. Cold weather and early rains hampered fishing during the previous month according to Collin Hyman, but the weather forecast for the next couple of weeks is promising. Maybe not good news for farmers but welcomed by flyfishers who have had their sport plagued by heavy and above average summer rains resulting in a flooded river over the last two years. We plan to feature a summary these events together with photos on this site in the next fortnight.

The report from Andre Hoffman at Wag ń Bietjie in the Orkney area is very similar. After the rain 2 weeks ago, the river rose to about 40 cusecs and flushed out much of the algae and other matter that had accumulated over winter. The river is now looking good with flows of about 15 to 25 cusec and good clarity. Most important is that catches recently have been excellent and there are plenty of large yellows being netted. Spawning will probably start within the next month so please avoid trampling the spawning beds.

A delighted youngster with a Wag n Bietjie yellow.

And Dad also caught.