FOSAF FLYFISHING REPORTS - Trout - North Eastern Cape Highlands

Rhodes.

According to Dave Walker the rivers are extremely low and apart from going down to the Kraai to look for yellowfish there is little to offer those wanting trout until good summer rains commence. Bookings are now open for the Wild Trout Festival which starts on 16 March and bookings have opened. For festival bookings and accomodation contact Margie Murray (045-9719003) who handles the tourism office in Rhodes.

Maclear & Ugie

Colin Moolman of the club reports that the rivers remain extremely low so there is virtually no stream fishing taking place. The forestry waters were opened on 7 November and permits can be obtained for both their rivers and dams. Another 7000 fingerlings were stocked in all the club dams during the last week.

The annual Rapture of the River Festival was cancelled for 2018 but has been scheduled for 10 to 11 May 2019.

Barkly East

As in the case of Rhodes and Maclear the rivers are very low. Even though the Langkloof has some very deep pools it is probably best to fish for yellows in the Kraai which is close to the town. Recently a visitor took a 65cm smallmouth from the Kraai.

When the streams are flowing well the Barkly East Angling Society has access to a surprising amount of stream fishing. This includes not only the well known Langkloof near the town which is renowned for large rainbows, but also rivers like the Saalboom and Vaalhoek and parts of the Diepspruit and Vlooikraal to name a few. In addition, there are several trout dams which are highly productive waters with trophy sized fish and a new dam which has been stocked with browns which will only be opened for fishing later. During the last month 2000 fingerlings were stocked in each of two large dams the club manages. Day tickets at R150,00 are available from Andrew Clark at 084 5166471 or andrew.clark@bkb.co.za.

Lady Grey

The Karringmelkspruit is extremely low and has stopped flowing between pools in some areas.

The Kraai River