Activity Description

Introductions:
Spend the day with an experienced Sundowner instructor learning the basic techniques of fly fishing on the Vaal River. The Vaal river is regarded as one of the most iconic fly fishing rivers in Southern Africa.

Target Species:
Smallmouth and Largemouth Yellow fish as well as Carp, Catfish and Mudfish.

Venue:
Our Vaal River venues are well established Yellowfish/Mudfish venues with diverse fly
fishing opportunities situated approximately 100 km from Joburg (1 – 1 ½ hour’s drive) and 25km from
Parys. A large selection of deep glides and long rapids make these venues the perfect setting for the novice and experienced angler to apply the tactics learnt from the clinic

Dates:
Subject to availability

What fishing details will be covered:
The Vaal River, its Yellowfish and fly fishing
Flow, currents and temperature related to fly fishing for Yellowfish
Fish location pertaining to flow, currents and temperature
Entomology and Yellowfish feeding patterns
Fly selection, leader length and strike indicator positioning
Casting at Yellowfish and attaining ‘dead drift’ and correct depth.
The strike, fighting and landing Yellowfish and releasing the fish.

One day outing:
Drive to the venue (approx. 1 – 1 ½ hours from Joburg depending on venue selected)
On arrival at resort the guide will cover the techniques and terminal tackle set up (this will be determined according to anglers skill level).
Morning fishing session from 7am – 12pm
Head to shore for a packed lunch and discuss afternoon fishing session
Afternoon fishing session from 1pm – 4pm

Includes:
Access fee for fishing venue
Hosting and tuition by an experienced SFA guide

Excludes:
Transport to venue
Fishing equipment (Rods, flies, waders and wading boots)
Food and drinks (available on request)

Multi-day packages (two or more days):
Day 1
The drive takes approx. 1 – 1 ½ hours from Joburg depending on venue selected
08h00 – Meet and greet
08h30 – Lecture: Introduction to Yellowfish species and Vaal river system
09h00 – Practical: Tackle up
10h00 – Lecture: Locating Yellowfish
10h30 – Q & A
10h45 – Practical: Rivercraft: Reading water, depth, dead drift, line mending
11h30 – Practical: fishing with a look at entomology and fly selection*
12h00 – Guided fishing
13h30 – Lunch break
14h30 – Guided Fishing
15h30 – Day clinic ends
Option only available for guests selecting the multi-day package
16h30 – Practical – evening hatches
20h30 – Reflection of the day (Multi day package)
20h30 – Fly tying (Multi day package)

Day 2
Early wake up with coffee and head out for first fishing session from 6-9am
07h30 – Breakfast
08h30 – Guided fly-fishing
13h00 – Lunch on the river (Lunch packs)
15h00 – Prize giving and thank you

Includes:
Breakfast, lunch packs and dinner
Venue fishing access fee (Access to 20km of the best Vaal River can offer)
Fishing, Accommodation, Meals,

Excludes:
All Drinks (Some venues clients can bring their own and at other licensed venues please support the bar, Transport to lodge, Tips and gratuities to lodge and guides

Flyfishing equipment:
- 3-7 weight 9-10ft rods
- Matching reel
- Top end floating line
- 8 pound maxima green for making leaders
- Variety of tippet mono or fluro carbon in 3-4 X (6-10 pound)
- Strike indicators (ball & pin / Pretreated Globug Yarn / Thingamabobber)
- Assortment of nymphs, dries and emerger flies
- Decent quality polarized sunglasses
- Dry fly floatant.
- Forceps, nippers, zinger, hook hone, fly drier, leader straightener.
- Soft mesh landing net
- Quick dry technical pants and shirts in natural colours
- Old sturdy shoes (ankle protection is important) / Wading boots with felt soles (highly recommended)
- Wide brimmed or peak cap
- Sun gloves
- Lightweight breathable rain jacket
- Waterproof bag for camera and rain jacket
- Set of dry clothes
Please anticipate various weather conditions and bring the relative clothing.

Flies
Larvae and nymphs
Mustard caddis with orange tungsten bead #8
Green Rockworm with orange tungsten bead #8
Paul’s Slayer with brass bead #14-18
Copper John #14-18
GRHE with and without brass bead #14-18
Atomic worm #12-18
PTN Nymph (Orange Hot spot, Black or purple flash back) #14-18
Dream Caddis
Elk hair caddis #12-18 Dry
Stimulator

Fishing tips:
Be prepared to wrestle with fish between 2-5kg in fast flowing conditions

Important notes:

No guests will be guided if they are under the influence of alcohol
Please advise if you have any medical conditions (Asthma,Diabetic,Fits etc)
All guests will be required to sign an indemnity form

Arrangements

Requirements

Inclusions and Exclusions

Notes

Provider