In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal

Carl Freese shares his favourite home rivers for hunting KZN scaly.

- Carl Freese

When TCFF’s editor commissioned me to write an article on fly fishing for KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish or scalies (Labeobarbus natalensis) and some of the rivers I frequent, my first response was, “Which ones?” Honestly, there are days that I can’t make up my mind as to which river I would fish as I have five major rivers within an hour’s drive from my home. When I think of people having to sit in traffic for an hour or more just to get to work, I consider myself truly fortunate. KZN offers a diverse fishery with many aspects to it, the first being the biodiversity of the rivers and the biospheres where we find our quarry. From clear mountain streams with the backdrop of the mighty Drakensberg at high altitude, to the lower areas where bushveld is the vegetation most common and spiral-horned antelope are familiar spectators.

A UNIQUE SCENARIO