Being successful when targeting yellowfish on dry means much more than just fishing a specific pattern. It requires a thinking and practical approach, says ANTON HARTMAN
When you think about small mouth yellow fish on dry flies on the Vaal River, the first question most anglers ask is what fly to use to catch these surface-eating fish. Truth is that catching them is way easier than you think. Most anglers have had their first dry fly experiences at Sterk fontein Dam where things can be very easy but also very frustrating. On a good day at Sterkies, 30 different anglers will use 30 different flies and the majority will catch fish on them. After their successful day, they will all race home and tie 20 of their newly found secret weapons, only to find that, the following day, they see the same number of fish and cannot catch a single one on the same fly. So, in my experience, understanding the conditions and the fish’s feeding habits are way more important than a very specific fly on a good day.
There are a few differences in approach between Sterkfontein Dam and the Vaal River: mainly flow, field of vision, and understanding the conditions on the day regarding the hatch and how the weather affects it.
FINDING THE FISH: FLOW
Denne historien er fra August/September 2018-utgaven av The Complete Fly Fisherman.
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Denne historien er fra August/September 2018-utgaven av The Complete Fly Fisherman.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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It's Called Evolution
Our quarry constantly has to adapt to the everchanging conditions of their environment. It goes without saying then, that we, too, need to revise our fishing strategy to remain successful on any given day. Anton Hartman explains.
At The Gates Of Antarctica
Mauritia Kirchner falls in love with the farflung Falkland Islands.
Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies
FlyTying Field Editor Murray Pedder lists the top six largemouth yellowfish flies for the Orange, Vaal, Vanderkloof and Gariep dams.
Ascending caddis pupa
The ascending stage of a caddis makes easy prey for both trout and yellowfish – the reason why Arno Laubscher propagates tying a pattern that imitates it.
In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal
Carl Freese shares his favourite home rivers for hunting KZN scaly.
A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?
Stephen Boshoff elaborates on his passion for bamboo.
Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg
Like the prodigal son, we return to Rhodes to meet up with old friends and revisit rivers filled with memories and wild rainbows.
The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK
After two and a half decades of publishing TCFF, we are honoured and blessed not only by the support of our readers, but also our industry in the main.
IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn
It’s always tough to lose a friend, but when that friend is a fishing buddy with whom you have shared boats, banks and lodgings, it is particularly distressing.
In pursuit of Weza
Sean I'Ons relates how it took 40 years for a story of a fishery and the people he got to know along the way to come full circle.
