Winter
traditionally a time to pack away the fly rod and haul out the fly tying
vice, light fires in the fire place, drink hot soup and watch rugby on
the TV. If this is your way of spending the winter, especially with the
Springbucks playing like they have been, then you could be missing out
on the best still water trout fishing of the entire year. That is if you
live in the Western Cape at any rate.
The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, which simply means that about 90% of our rainfall occurs in winter (June to August).
Due to the cold weather, the water temperature drops bellow 16 degrees centigrade, which is prime trout feeding range. The rain also brings the water level of the dams up and increases the oxygen content in the water. The normally lethargic trout of summer suddenly becomes transformed into eating machines hell bent on guzzling down furry and fluffy fake creations at the end of your line!
In the Western Cape, there are several very good still waters. Some of these are state owned and others private. The lakes themselves can vary in size considerably. One of my favourite lakes is Lakensvlei near Ceres. This water is controlled by the Cape Piscatorial Society and is home to both brown and rainbow trout. Careful management over the years has meant that the fishing can be exceptional with 30 or more fish being caught in a day. Due to the high altitude, clear water and stocking density, the fish are exceptionally strong for their size. The fish range in size from 2 to 6 pounds and there are no doubt much larger trout lurking in its depths.
This is a big lake set in a valley formed by imposing Cape Fold Mountains that are snow capped in winter. Due to its large size and heavily bushed sides, the use of a float tube of one description or another makes life much easier. These fishing platforms are very comfortable (it’s a bit like fishing in an armchair) and great to fish out of. Having good thermal underwear and neoprene waders are however very desirable in order to keep warm and dry. These float tubes are powered by flippers and you effectively propel yourself backwards around the dam in absolute comfort with everything that you need stored on your craft. Another bonus is that they fold up very small for transportation.
The ideal rod to use on Cape still waters, especially in float tubes, is an 8 and a half foot 5 weight rod and I would advise the use of three fly lines. A floating, intermediate (slow sinking) and type 3 or 4 fast sinking line in order to cover the different depths at which the fish cruise and feed. If you are restricted to just one line, then I would recommend a fast intermediate. These lines are often clear which makes some sense in very clear water. They should be of the Weight forward profile in order to promote ease of casting. Fly reels for trout do not have to be fancy although desirable features include a relatively large arbour (diameter), exposed spool rim and reliable drag system. The availability of spare spools for the reel is also a definite plus in order to store different lines on.
Leader length is determined by the type of line used. Floating and intermediate lines usually are best suited to 9 foot or longer leaders while fast sinking fly lines work better with short leaders of 6 to 7 feet. Tippet strength (the bit that you play the fish on) should be between 4 to 2X in the old language or 5 to 7 pound breaking stain and a diameter of from 0.16 to 0.20mm in modern terminology. Many anglers are now finding that the modern fluorocarbon tippet materials are resulting in better catches, but unfortunately these lines are still expensive. In recent years, some brands have come out that are much more reasonable however. These lines are virtually invisible under water, sink naturally and are extremely durable when compared to nylon monofillament. In fact, they can be 10 times more durable. Normal shop bought monofillament tapered leader are all that is needed in order to turn you flies over. Just cut the thin end back half a meter, tie a loop in and loop to loop the fluorocarbon tippet sections on.
The type of fly that you use depends on where and how the fish are feeding. Very often the fish feed close to weed beds and near drop offs, not too far from shore. These fish can be targeted with intermediate lines and flies like the Mrs simpson, woolly buggers in olive, black, chocolate brown and orange, fritz lures (a more modern version of the woolly bugger) in the same colours, Janssens dragon, hover dragon, filoplume damsel, viva and cats whiska's. Various nymphs like the hares ear, skinny buzzer, zak nymph and pheasant tail nymph can also work well. The size of the flies can range from a #14 up to 4 long shank.
One of my favorite ploys is to use two flies at once. The first is usually quite big and either bright like an orange fritz lure or a proven fish catcher like the woolly bugger in black or olive. I tie a section of thinner tippet onto the bend of the hook of this fly about 30 cm long and then tie on a smaller more natural pattern like a hares ear nymph or black or red soft hackle in size 12. What often happens is that the larger pattern attracts the fish, which comes in to investigate. If it does not take the bigger pattern, it will often take the smaller and more natural looking one as it turns away.
Retrieve speeds can vary from dead slow to blinding fast depending on what the fish want on the day. Normally, a slow retrieve with frequent pauses followed by the odd fast strip will do the trick. The depth at which you fish your flies can also play a huge role in you success rate. With a sinking line, you can count the line down as it sinks in order to determine its depth. For instance, if you have made a cast and count to 30 and start retrieving and you start getting takes at this depth, then you need to count to the same number in order to fish your flies at that same depth again. When fishing with a fast sinking line, it often pays to hang the flies at the end of the retrieve in order to give any following fish a chance to take. Some times extra movement imparted with the rod tip can induce a hesitant fish to take. The moral of the story is to experiment all the time until you find something that works. Sometimes you will hook fish while reeling your line onto the spool in order to make a change, which is always a bonus. Never underestimate the predatory nature of the trout. Trout are opportunistic and catholic in their diet and although they can be selective in what they eat sometimes, usually they are not. I have seen trout eating everything from crabs, frogs, small fish and even small snakes and mice!
Some times the fish rise (take insects off the surface of the water thus betraying their position and intent) around the dam and great sport can be had by fishing a dry fly at the rises. Good still water patterns include the adams, D.D.D., suspender buzzer, R.A.B., and parachute style flies. It is often better to cast the dry fly out and leave it to drift instead of retrieving it. Because the fish are constantly on the move and looking for food, sooner or later one will find it. Wait for the fish to turn down with the fly before striking.
One of the best winter flies that I have come across is the egg sucking leech. As its name suggests, this fly represents a leech that is feeding on trout eggs. Because of the fact that the trout breed in winter, and the males turn very red in the head and along the lateral line, flies with lots of red in them often trigger an aggressive response in the fish. Orange flies also mimic the colour of trout eggs and thus are also very effective at this time of the year.
In order to promote the growth of the trout, most are released. Because of the cold water, most survive the ordeal unharmed.
Lakensvlei is a microcosm of other larger lakes in the Cape and the same methods described in this article will also work in other waters.
Lakensvlei is open to members of the Cape Piscatorial Society only, but any one can become a member of this prestige’s fly fishing club. For more info on the area, its fishing and how to become a member of the society, please contact Jean on 021 424 7725. www.piscator.co.za
The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate, which simply means that about 90% of our rainfall occurs in winter (June to August).
Due to the cold weather, the water temperature drops bellow 16 degrees centigrade, which is prime trout feeding range. The rain also brings the water level of the dams up and increases the oxygen content in the water. The normally lethargic trout of summer suddenly becomes transformed into eating machines hell bent on guzzling down furry and fluffy fake creations at the end of your line!
In the Western Cape, there are several very good still waters. Some of these are state owned and others private. The lakes themselves can vary in size considerably. One of my favourite lakes is Lakensvlei near Ceres. This water is controlled by the Cape Piscatorial Society and is home to both brown and rainbow trout. Careful management over the years has meant that the fishing can be exceptional with 30 or more fish being caught in a day. Due to the high altitude, clear water and stocking density, the fish are exceptionally strong for their size. The fish range in size from 2 to 6 pounds and there are no doubt much larger trout lurking in its depths.
This is a big lake set in a valley formed by imposing Cape Fold Mountains that are snow capped in winter. Due to its large size and heavily bushed sides, the use of a float tube of one description or another makes life much easier. These fishing platforms are very comfortable (it’s a bit like fishing in an armchair) and great to fish out of. Having good thermal underwear and neoprene waders are however very desirable in order to keep warm and dry. These float tubes are powered by flippers and you effectively propel yourself backwards around the dam in absolute comfort with everything that you need stored on your craft. Another bonus is that they fold up very small for transportation.
The ideal rod to use on Cape still waters, especially in float tubes, is an 8 and a half foot 5 weight rod and I would advise the use of three fly lines. A floating, intermediate (slow sinking) and type 3 or 4 fast sinking line in order to cover the different depths at which the fish cruise and feed. If you are restricted to just one line, then I would recommend a fast intermediate. These lines are often clear which makes some sense in very clear water. They should be of the Weight forward profile in order to promote ease of casting. Fly reels for trout do not have to be fancy although desirable features include a relatively large arbour (diameter), exposed spool rim and reliable drag system. The availability of spare spools for the reel is also a definite plus in order to store different lines on.
Leader length is determined by the type of line used. Floating and intermediate lines usually are best suited to 9 foot or longer leaders while fast sinking fly lines work better with short leaders of 6 to 7 feet. Tippet strength (the bit that you play the fish on) should be between 4 to 2X in the old language or 5 to 7 pound breaking stain and a diameter of from 0.16 to 0.20mm in modern terminology. Many anglers are now finding that the modern fluorocarbon tippet materials are resulting in better catches, but unfortunately these lines are still expensive. In recent years, some brands have come out that are much more reasonable however. These lines are virtually invisible under water, sink naturally and are extremely durable when compared to nylon monofillament. In fact, they can be 10 times more durable. Normal shop bought monofillament tapered leader are all that is needed in order to turn you flies over. Just cut the thin end back half a meter, tie a loop in and loop to loop the fluorocarbon tippet sections on.
The type of fly that you use depends on where and how the fish are feeding. Very often the fish feed close to weed beds and near drop offs, not too far from shore. These fish can be targeted with intermediate lines and flies like the Mrs simpson, woolly buggers in olive, black, chocolate brown and orange, fritz lures (a more modern version of the woolly bugger) in the same colours, Janssens dragon, hover dragon, filoplume damsel, viva and cats whiska's. Various nymphs like the hares ear, skinny buzzer, zak nymph and pheasant tail nymph can also work well. The size of the flies can range from a #14 up to 4 long shank.
One of my favorite ploys is to use two flies at once. The first is usually quite big and either bright like an orange fritz lure or a proven fish catcher like the woolly bugger in black or olive. I tie a section of thinner tippet onto the bend of the hook of this fly about 30 cm long and then tie on a smaller more natural pattern like a hares ear nymph or black or red soft hackle in size 12. What often happens is that the larger pattern attracts the fish, which comes in to investigate. If it does not take the bigger pattern, it will often take the smaller and more natural looking one as it turns away.
Retrieve speeds can vary from dead slow to blinding fast depending on what the fish want on the day. Normally, a slow retrieve with frequent pauses followed by the odd fast strip will do the trick. The depth at which you fish your flies can also play a huge role in you success rate. With a sinking line, you can count the line down as it sinks in order to determine its depth. For instance, if you have made a cast and count to 30 and start retrieving and you start getting takes at this depth, then you need to count to the same number in order to fish your flies at that same depth again. When fishing with a fast sinking line, it often pays to hang the flies at the end of the retrieve in order to give any following fish a chance to take. Some times extra movement imparted with the rod tip can induce a hesitant fish to take. The moral of the story is to experiment all the time until you find something that works. Sometimes you will hook fish while reeling your line onto the spool in order to make a change, which is always a bonus. Never underestimate the predatory nature of the trout. Trout are opportunistic and catholic in their diet and although they can be selective in what they eat sometimes, usually they are not. I have seen trout eating everything from crabs, frogs, small fish and even small snakes and mice!
Some times the fish rise (take insects off the surface of the water thus betraying their position and intent) around the dam and great sport can be had by fishing a dry fly at the rises. Good still water patterns include the adams, D.D.D., suspender buzzer, R.A.B., and parachute style flies. It is often better to cast the dry fly out and leave it to drift instead of retrieving it. Because the fish are constantly on the move and looking for food, sooner or later one will find it. Wait for the fish to turn down with the fly before striking.
One of the best winter flies that I have come across is the egg sucking leech. As its name suggests, this fly represents a leech that is feeding on trout eggs. Because of the fact that the trout breed in winter, and the males turn very red in the head and along the lateral line, flies with lots of red in them often trigger an aggressive response in the fish. Orange flies also mimic the colour of trout eggs and thus are also very effective at this time of the year.
In order to promote the growth of the trout, most are released. Because of the cold water, most survive the ordeal unharmed.
Lakensvlei is a microcosm of other larger lakes in the Cape and the same methods described in this article will also work in other waters.
Lakensvlei is open to members of the Cape Piscatorial Society only, but any one can become a member of this prestige’s fly fishing club. For more info on the area, its fishing and how to become a member of the society, please contact Jean on 021 424 7725. www.piscator.co.za
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