| Date of Report: Wednesday, 11th February 2026 |
|
Name: Andre Burger Email: pafly@netactive.co.za Web: http://www.presentafly.com Phone: 083 632 8729 Eastern Free State. Although the current hot weather is unsatisfactory for trout fishing in the dams in the Clarens/Fouriesburg area, the De Molen section of the upper Klein Caledon is fishing well which is good news as this stream was seriously impacted by the drought and low flows 4 to 5 years ago. As expected, much of the flyfishing activity is currently focused on yellowfishing in Sterkfontein Dam while the warm summer conditions continue.. According to Josh Wampach of Ash River Outfitters in Clarens (cell 0839766173) and who also guides on the Klein Caledon conditions on this upper section of the system which contains trout have been good with sufficient flow of clear water while downstream below the trout section targeting yellows has also been good as the river has remained clear. In addition, Josh’s 7 km section of the Ash River which he manages continues to provide excellent trout fishing. This river benefits from the very cool Katse Dam water which decants into the Ash River keeping the upper Ash at trout friendly temperatures throughout midsummer. Lesotho. At the Makhangoa Camp Keith Clover reports that after a very wet November/December the January to early Feb period has been much drier. Good numbers of yellows are in the Bokong River but with lower water levels fishing has become more technical. Hopper and ant patterns are doing the business with small size 18 nymphs for fish holding in deeper water. Trout are present as well, but they come into their own in autumn when the water cools and yellows start dropping back into Katse Dam.
Klein Caledon – trout water.
The Caledon downstream from the trout section. Yellowfish only.
Ash River trout. |
