Want to be spoilt rotten while enjoying the best of both worlds? TCFF visits a wild rainbow fishery on the pristine upper Bell River.
After completing a venue assignment in the Ugie area, we made our way to the small town of Maclear, passing through and slowly winding up Naude’s Nek Pass towards our next destination. Tenahead Mountain Lodge was to be our home for the next few days and we were going to put to the test everything that this five-star lodge could offer. Turning off the main dirt road for the last few kilometres, we could see the river in the valley below, twisting and turning, crystal clear and ever-enticing – a sight that gets any fly fisherman’s heart racing. We arrived at the lodge somewhat underdressed, which had us scrambling for warmer clothes as we were now at 2500m above sea level, and only a stone’s throw from Lesotho. Warmly welcomed by the lodge managers Hayley and Ashley, we were taken aback by the grandeur of the place as we were shown to our rooms. A huge window in each room provided a breathtaking view of the valley below and the upper reaches of the famed Bell River meandering right past the lodge. After having a quick bite to eat, we were bursting to get some fishing done in the afternoon.
This story is from the June - July 2019 edition of The Complete Fly Fisherman.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June - July 2019 edition of The Complete Fly Fisherman.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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.
