The recent spittle(s) of single-figure precipitation across the greater Midlands (can’t really call it rain unless you are in the Hilton area, where some double-figures have been received), have had anglers in a bit of a tizz regarding water levels.
The scaly / yellowfish anglers are concerned that their season is already done … but the current low water conditions are better suited than if the summer storms had arrived … while trout anglers are seeing low, virtually unfishable water levels upstream.
The on-off of the “heater” is also driving water temperatures up — again, good for some (yellows), but not so good for others (trout).
The weather fundis are still reporting that the impending El Niño event has South Africa facing a potentially hot and dry summer; the South African Weather Service has already forecast above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of South Africa during the coming months, and into 2027.
ALSO READ | Cold front sets the stage for an exciting start to river fishing season
It is important to note that the El Niño does not guarantee drought everywhere — localised rain can and will still occur, as weather conditions allow — it is the overall / national picture that warrants attention.
With the current low-water, and high temperature conditions, there have been no returns from the Natal Fly Fishers Club river anglers.
There have, however, been a few reports of fish from private sections of the rivers … dredging the deeper pools where fish are holding in (slightly) cooler water. A report from Underberg noted that the Umzimkulu River was particularly low.
Even though temperatures have also been reported as “warm”, there have been some good fishing reported from the NFFC higher altitude stillwaters.
Fish were primarily in the 15-17 inch / 38-43cm and 17-19 inch / 43-48 cm classes, but there were a couple that landed on the upper end of the tape in the 19-21 inch / 48-53 cm class, and a solid fish that taped in the 23-25 inch / 58-63cm bracket!
Well Done to these anglers for their successes in the current testing conditions. There have been a couple of reports of fish from other private waters.
We would again like to remind the trout anglers of the 20/21°C mark that is considered to be the upper temperature threshold for trout fishing, and water temperatures above this, detrimental to the fish as the warm water causes high post-release mortality.
Catch-&-Release anglers are requested to up their tippet sizes, to ensure the quick landing — and release — of the fish.
Anglers are also urged to carry a thermometer, and restrict fishing to the cooler times of the day; e.g. daylight to 9am, and 4pm to sunset. The NFFC will monitor the waters, and implement closure of certain waters as the need arises.
On the upside, the warm waters are favourable for bass (see below) … and they give a good account for themselves on the light fly fishing tackle!
KZN remains an active containment zone for foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD), and bbiosecurity protocol remains a CRITICAL component for the control of the disease.
A recent notice by FMD Response South Africa states that “South Africa is not controlling FMD”, and that in order to control the spread of the disease, the national herd (about 14 million head) needs to be vaccinated twice a year — FMD is not controlled by vaccinating some animals some of the time, it is controlled by vaccinating enough animals, fast enough and at the same time, within tight eight-week windows, that build collective immunity before the virus has room to move.
ALSO READ | A frosty twist fuels fresh fishing Opportunities
All anglers (and visitors) traversing The Greater Midlands are advised to take heed of biosecurity measures, and to heed all biosecurity notices / signage around The Midlands, and to please comply with any movement regulations, and assist where possible with hygiene and risk-reduction measures to safeguard local livestock.
While there been some reports of bass from the locals waters, Midmar and Albert Falls, as well the private dams, word is that the fishing sloooow. No doubt the pressure has played a role here, as the barometer has been up and down by some 10mbar at times.
The action from the other species that were providing some sport recently (carp, Blue Gill, tilapia and barbel) also appears to have quietened down.
The yellowfish season is picking up a gear or two at Sterkfontein, so if it’s that Bar of Gold, sight-fished on the dry fly in crystal clear water, a little trip north is well worth the time.
* Please send any info about fishing or fish caught in your area to Vinesh Soogreem at [email protected]