Flyfishing report: Saltwater - South Coast

Saltwater fly fishing on the KZN South Coast is, as usual very slow at present. Many members of South Coast Fly Anglers (SCFA) have not even ventured onto the beaches, which have been crowded with visiting shad fishermen. Those that have, have only had the odd small wave garrick to show for their efforts. Prospective anglers in the Impenjati estuary are warned that the authorities have erected signs warning of the polluted waters of this river, so it is best to give this venue a wide berth until conditions improve.

 During the sardine run, which started with a bang in mid-June, came to an abrupt halt and then resurrected itself a month later, netting was fast and furious, mainly on beaches south of Port Shepstone. Shad, garrick and kob came on the bite, but as usual, the good spots were overtaken by the bait anglers.

Now that a relative peace has returned to the area, we can again try our luck and a forthcoming outing by club members to Mzamba on 9^th August will hopefully yield some positive results.

 Two visits to Mountain Lake in the Matatiele district, only produced a total of 13 rainbows from the crystal clear and absolutely calm water. Visibility was in the region of four to five metres and with the trout in spawning mode, they were not terribly interested in feeding on the offerings of the expectant anglers. Fish that were caught, were however all in excellent condition and the bags comprised stockies and adult fish. SCFA member, Neil Scott landed a beautiful fish of 65 cm using a cactus Chenille Blob fly, tied on a #8 barbless hook.

Although the Umzimkulu River is clean at present, it is too cold to try for scalies and we will have to wait for spring before we venture out for them and the same applies to local bass dams.         

Events calendar for the South Coast Fly Anglers Club.

 South Coast scene.