Flyfishing report: Trout - Port Elizabeth

Date of Report: Monday, 26th May 2025
Name: Brian Clark
Email: brianclark@telkomsa.net
Phone: 082 537 3285

We have little to report this month and have still to confirm that the stocking with fingerlings in November 2024 of our two local trout dams, Upper van Stadens and Bulk River has been successful. I am a little concerned that after the stocking we had very heavy rain and some of the stocked fish may have been lost over the spillways. However, I took a member up there recently and he caught a 5lb brown but that was all. There has been no news from Bulk River Dam but note that the approach road to Bulk has been badly damaged.

Please note that Robin Farrington has taken over as chairman of our club and is at 0832367848 or robin@pyschologistpe.co.za.

Club outings planned for the rest of the year. Please note that these are not firm and may be amended over time.

1st – 4th May. Thrift Dam. This outing was cancelled as the weather forecast predicted very bad weather. The dam has “turned over” due to a sudden cold snap and is looking very murky.

June – nothing planned.

July – nothing planned.

15th – 17th August. Gubu Dam. The Amatola Club headquarters, near Stutterheim. Good fishing and a great venue, with accommodation. Contact Nigel about costs, unless you are already an Amatola Club member, in which case it will be free. We will still need to know if you are coming though.

27th September. Upper van Stadens (UVS). Combo Outing, extended to friends and family.

Information and planning to be provided closer to the time.

24th-26th October Saturday. Baviaans Rooihoek. The same booking process with Nigel applies, as before. A really good time to catch Trophy Smallmouth Bass in this pristine Wilderness area, with available camping.

21st – 23rd November. Settlers Dam. Situated just before Grahamstown. The dam is flanked on its northern shore by the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, with camping available. The dam contains Large Mouth Bass, with good, reported catches last year.

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Upper van Stadens.