Winter Wonderland

This photo was taken a few years ago, but I think we all get the hint.

Winter has officially arrived. Even if the calendar doesn't agree.

Casting Shadows

Beware of Spooking the Trout!!! One of the first lessons a fly fisher must learn is to "NOT" cast shadows. I just thought this would make a cool photo.

An Irish Angler

Ireland Fly Fishing Report

The south lake is low, testament to the hot and dry summer Ireland has just experienced allied to Dublin's voracious demand for water. The boats at Knockatemple have followed the retreating tide line close on thirty metres and I would estimate 10-12 feet in depth from the winter high. Still a long way from showing its bones, of benefit to the angler is the exposure of trout holding features which can be explored the following season.

An early Sunday morning phone call from Kevin had us on the water by lunchtime. A light variable breeze from the southeast created barely a ripple. Mill pond calm conditions, a few sedges on the water, occasional lone fish announcing their presence only by the spreading rings left behind after their sipping rises, conditions were tough. That said, we were on the water most likely for the last time this season and what better place to be.

As expected fishing was slow with only two fish boated for the afternoon. Putting up a fast sinking line teamed with a wickhams, watsons, and a daddy, shortly into the first drift over the point at knockatemple a positive take resulted in a nice pound plus trout. Staying deep the brownie was netted after a lively fight, golden olive in colour with large black spots, a typical plump Roundwood fish lured by the watsons. Subsequently we tried hard covering various shores, the reward for our efforts just one smaller fish to Kevin. With a chill in the air at six bells we called it a day. 2010 has been a good season on the lake with some fine fish taken and many good memories to sustain us through the winter.

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Fly Fishing Report from Sundowner Adventures, South Africa

Location: Vaal River, South Africa

Details: Saturday, 6th November
Hosted two clients for a Vaal River Yellowfish clinic at Silwerstrome.
The Vaal is one of South Africa's premier fresh water river fisheries and is home to the small and large mouth yellowfish.
The weather was generally warm, sunny and very little wind.
The vaal river is a significant water course which can run at over 1000 m3. Fortunately it was only running at 30m3 which is an ideal flow rate for fly-fishing.
We covered the basic New Zealand nymphing techniques (two flies) and then headed out onto the water.

The normal rig is a 6 weight fly rod, large arbor reel with floating fly-line and 150 metres backing.

The water is usually the colour of pea soup so we rely on strike indicators for strikes.
Fishing in the Vaal requires a lot of wading skill and a wading stick, especially since you cannot see the submerged rocks and holes.

Within a few minutes both clients were into two mudfish (The most common fish species at this particular venue) which put up a rugged fight. These fish were approx 1 kg.

It was after approx and hour while we were fishing in a fast riffle that one of the clients hooked into a runaway locomotive that shunted straight up the fast flowing current and snapped off both flies before anyone could react. That was without a yellowfish, which has incredible power and tenacity.

We hooked and lost a further 3 yellowfish but it certainly left a yearning to tame the beast.

It was a fantastic day and the guests eventually ended up hooking some nice mudfish and a 2 kg carp.

If anyone is visiting Southern Africa then I would definately recommend a visit to the Vaal for yellowfish and the Zambezi for Tigerfish.

Sundowner Adventures & MBH Fly-fishing offers a reliable guiding service. We can also arrange the accommodation & transport.

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