Flyfishing report: Trout - Winterberg & Stormberg

Winterberg.

Thrift

Martin reports that this big dam is overflowing strongly after all the rain but there have not been many fishing recently and the results have been variable due to the succession of cold fronts coming through. In fact it might snow again in the next couple of days. Martin says if you are planning to travel up there to fish first look at the 14 day forecast to make sure your arrival does not coincide with adverse conditions. However, if your visit coincides with a high barometer period you will be assured of good catches and the chance of netting really good fish..

The winter months of June to August are often when big fish come into shallow water for mock spawning and anglers tend to target these trophy fish with attractor flies and egg patterns. When September/October arrives the rivers reopen and flyshers often prefer stream fishing but once it warms up this Spring period could be very productive for the trophy dams.

Regarding his hatchery in Makhanda/Grahamstown Martin will only have enough of his MTD fingerlings for his priority customers and he is looking to buy in ova or young fingerlings for his other orders.

Remember that  everyone entering the property must carry out a comprehensive spray of vehicle wheels, hubbs and buckets plus footwear and tubes or flotation devices using F10 disinfectant to combat FMD. Boots, waders etc must also be disinfected.

The Redcliffe dams which include the popular Ventnor are open on a very limited basis because of the threat of foot & mouth with large numbers of both cattle and sheep at risk. This is the wetter side of the Winterberg and is thus more favourable for the spread of FMD. There are fewer anglers than normal booking in but the dams are well stocked.

Stormberg (Queenstown area).

Reg Morgan, chairman of the QFFC says that vitually all the dams are full to overflowing and have been restocked except for a batch of browns to be placed mainly in the Snowden dams and a dedicated brownie dam they have in the Molteno area. Last month it was still a bit chilly for productive fishing and recently they have been hit by cold fronts which have a detrimental effect on fishing but at least the early rain is very welcome with a major El Nino threatening.

They plan to have about 5 new dams available in the Molteno/ Hofmeyer/Steynsburg area for members in a year or two.

Also in the planning stage is yellowfishing in the Kliplaat River mainly above the Waterdown Dam which is full of this species.

Another stocking with sterile Chinese grass carp will take place this year to combat the excessive aquatic weed in some of the club dams.

Note that some farmers may still require anglers to disinfect for FMD before entering their property.

Also check the QFFC’s new website at queenstownflyfishing.co.za.

The Highland Lodge waters.

Vicky Bell at Highland Lodge reports that they have had wonderful rains with more due this week so all the dams are overflowing and the fish are growing out nicely including the fingerlings stocked this year. Regarding reports of a threatening El Nino and a hot summer this year they will watch the temperatures to decide when to close for the hot months.

Somerset East.

Alan Hobson at the Angler & Antelope says that the water levels are excellent this year with all the rain. The Bankberg Club Festival in late August was a great success as they had good weather and everyone caught fish. The participants focussed on Mountain Dam, the Glen Avon waters, the Naude’s stream and the Little Fish which are relatively close to town but in two weeks time Alan will spend more time on the Cradock trophy dams.

With the advent of warmer weather Alan will also be visiting his local bass dams.

Foot & Mouth remains a problem in the area mainly because of lack of control of cattle grazing municipal lands and which also enter town. Fortunately Alan has good spraying equipment for disinfection of vehicles and equipment so he and his clients can still access farms.

Highland Lodge waters

Oakley Dam, QFFC water.

Little Fish

Mountain Dam.