Flyfishing report: Trout - Winterberg & Stormberg

Winterberg.

Thrift

Martin states that this large 87ha dam is still overflowing with fish spawning near the outlet. Last week anglers were fishing in the snow with most fish being netted in the 2,5lb to 9lb range but no 10lb plus fish this season yet. There is a very good head of fish in the dam and the best time to arrive is between the cold fronts when the pressure goes up as a NE wind usually has a dampening effect on results.

Small nmyphs and bloodworm patterns are working well.

With the dam overflowing the river below the spillway is worth a try.

Remember that  everyone entering the property must carry out a comprehensive spray of vehicle wheels, hubbs and buckets plus footwear and tubes or flotation devices using F10 disinfectant to combat FMD. Boots, waders etc must also be disinfected.

The Redcliffe dams which include the popular Ventnor are open on a very limited basis because of the threat of foot & mouth with large numbers of both cattle and sheep at risk. This is the wetter side of the Winterberg and is thus more favourable for the spread of FMD. There are fewer anglers than normal booking in but the dams are well stocked.

Stormberg (Queenstown area).

Reg Morgan, chairman of the QFFC says that the dams are all full but it is a tad early for really good fishing which should arrive from September into October. Club membership has reached 100 and there are several new dams in the Molteno/Hofmeyer area which they expect to be ready in one to two years time. They plan to reserve one as a trophy dam.

The weather for the annual July Gathering event luckily was warmer than usual and in case you missed it you can read Alex Junod’s report on it at https://www.fosaf.org.za/read-Current-495.php.

Also check the QFFC’s new website at queenstownflyfishing.co.za. Very impressive.

The Highland Lodge waters.

Vicky Bell at Highland Lodge reports that the dams totalling 40 ha are full after all the rain and snow but it has been fairly quiet in July/August and their main season really starts in September and early summer.

Somerset East.

Alan Hobson at the Angler & Antelope is also very happy with conditions as the dams are full and the Little Fish which has come down in flood several times this year and benefitted from the rain last week has plenty of stockies which bodes well for the future and a client netted a 7lb rainbow 2 weeks ago. Snow fell last week at Mountain Dam and anglers who ventured out in the freezing weather still caught fish. Mountain Dam is not considered a trophy dam like the other dams towards Cradock but 2kg fish are becoming more common in the catch reports.

Note that the Bankberg Club festival will be on 21 to 23 August. Refer also to https://www.fosaf.org.za/calendar.php.

Fishing in the snow at Thrift.

Thrift on a better day.

Mountain Dam, Somerset East.

Little Fish