Flyfishing report: Trout - Western Cape

Smalblaar System.

As we enter the last 2 weeks of stream fishing with the local streams closed from June 1 until Sept 1 the bookings have been heavy over the weekends and especially for the Elandspad. There has been sufficient rain so far this autumn to keep the flow in the system at a modest level but with no heavy spates to date although the forecast for 20 May is 80%. The trout population as is normal is good in the system and most anglers report reasonable catches with fish in fine condition. Unfortunately, as much of the booking is now online Vikki is not receiving enough feedback from members including reports on condition of fish and stream flows.

Holsloot.

Although catches and bookings for beats on this river tend to be lower than for the Smalblaar system it has been a reasonably good season for this river.

Witte.

Unfortunately, there has been no sign that this brown trout stream in the Bainskloof area has recovered since the drought and heatwave of several years ago with only the odd fish either caught or seen. For this reason, there have been very few bookings for this very attractive stream.

Lakenvlei Dam.

The dam is currently standing at 92% which is better than normal after the dry season.  Water temperatures will now start dropping sharply and bookings are picking up with some good catches already recorded with most fish in the 25 to 40cm range, mainly rainbows but also a few browns. The dam remains open for fishing throughout winter. It appears that the dam is well stocked, but the committee is currently negotiating with suppliers for further stocking this year. All bass caught must be killed and all booking must be through Vikki and not online.

The Elandspad – photo courtesy of Myburgh van Zijl.