Sterkfontein Discovered

Over the years, Sterkfontein Dam has become a firm favourite among local fly anglers. DALE HES shares his impressions.

I am a relatively experienced fly fisherman, but before December of 2014, I had only looked longingly at the aquamarine waters of Sterkfontein through the pages of TCFF. When I eventually got to this mammoth, incredibly beautiful dam, I was simultaneously ecstatic and overawed. Despite initial doubtfulness, and to my pleasant surprise, I caught plenty of fish the first time, and even more the second time I went in December 2015. As a Sterkies beginner, I would like to give a personal perspective of what it is like to fish this unbelievable place for the first time, in the hopes of encouraging other fly fishermen who are planning to get there too.

DON’T WORRY, YOU WILL FIND FISH

When you first arrive at Sterkfontein, you will most likely feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the dam – I most certainly did! Where does one start looking for fish? On my first afternoon out, I managed my expectations, saying that I would be happy to find just one fish and get to cast at it. But even close to the provincial chalets, there were dozens of fish cruising along the shore. With the amount of fish I saw here and in other areas, I can imagine that the smallmouth yellowfish population in this dam must number in the thousands. If the wind isn’t up to its fiercest tricks, you should find plenty of fish and be able to cast to them. As stated by this magazine many times in the past, dressing in natural colours and remaining undetected will significantly increase your chances of success.

YOU NEED NOT SEE THE FISH TO CATCH THEM