FOSAF FLYFISHING REPORTS - Trout - North Eastern Cape Highlands

Rhodes.

The first morning of the Wild Trout/Epson festival was washed out but Peter Brigg and others entertained the participants until the afternoon when the rain abated. A good time was had by all even though the streams were on the high side and fishing was mainly in the upper reaches. Some R30 000 was raised at the event of which R20 000 was allocated to the FOSAF war chest.

Presently the rivers are still flowing strongly with the lower Bell and Sterkspruit a bit discolured, but of course the Bok and Riflespruit are crystal clear. There is no doubt that with the good flows in autumn we can expect good spawning to take place this winter.

Maclear & Ugie

Colin Moolman reports that most of the middle and lower reaches are still too full and discoloured for fishing and still need some time to clear. Note that the rivers close at the end of May and only reopen again in spring in the forestry areas after the fire danger has passed.

In the meantime, the club has access to a number of dams, all of which have been stocked. With the onset of cooler weather this is a good alternative to the stream fishing.

The annual Rapture of the River Festival has been cancelled for this year. It is anticipated that next autumn will be good as there are plenty of younger fish around and the festival will certainly be held in a year’s time.

Lady Grey

We have not been able to contact Lupela Lodge but apparently the Karringmelk came down in flood recently doing some damage to stream-side cottages both at Lupela and downstream at the Cloete’s property

Pot River, Maclear district