The Trout Report

That it was a cold Winter in the Natal midlands few would argue and these sustained sub zero temperatures translated into the fish staying in their uncooperative spawning behaviour beyond the normal few months.
Tough fishing it certainly was for most and those that refused to change their habits struggled to convince any fish to come out and play.
But anyone who stopped ripping and stripping and chose to selectively cast, turning to micro patterns for the Trout to nose at, reported their fair share of encounters with exceptionally large fish.
The fishing festivals are the wonderful yardstick against which waters are measured, giving every dam a snapshot of yield from intense rod pressure.
The TOPS festivals start this still water season and with six main events now in an anglers calendar to choose from, there’s no shortage of Trout in the Natal midlands, as the below chart clearly demonstrates.
Midlands Trout fishing Festivals Total Trout Largest Trout
TOPS Kamberg Trout festival 666 58cm
TOPS Corporate Challenge 875 63cm
The Hastings Exclusive 446 63cm
Boston /Daryle Trout 368 58cm
Winter Total Trout 2355

Every one of these festivals showcases how fortunate enough we are in terms of great Trout waters in Natal

How successful each year’s stocking is one can only know based on accurate catch records and this is why events are such an important component of our fishery management. It is the closest thing that you can get to a stock count. You’ll always get feedback from friends on Trout waters, but at best this will be a picture and their personal experience. Fishery management is governed by hard data and fortunately, all the events allow us to acquire this.

Every dam is different, but I’m often asked by fly fishers what is it that makes any dam fish consistently well and I believe simply explained it revolves around 5 factors.

a. Water quality, each water is unique in terms of nutrient levels, and the chemical composition of the water is everything relative to insect life and Trout that it can support. PH and Dissolved Oxygen are the critical factors, with the waters nutrient levels having a marked impact on weed growth and stability of the ecosystem. This dictates the kilograms of Trout the water can naturally carry, being its' Carrying Capacity. Clean cool waters that flow from a spring or mountain catchment will always provide a more stable environment for Trout.
b. Stocking should be carried out according to a waters Carrying Capacity, as mentioned above. WildFly’s stocking policy revolves around a combination of stockies, that equate to one year old fish, in the 350g category and a few fin perfect cock fish pre event to stir the larger feral hens up. The majority of biomass is on 3- 6 inch fish, to try and emulate a natural environment and produce almost wild Trout, which are by far better sport.

c. Water levels and Temperature. One can dictate the other, and this year, the dam levels have been the fullest we’ve seen in the last decade. This Winter have also witnessed the coldest continual water temperatures for some time, which is wonderful for the fish survival, but not necessarily easier for fishing. In short, full dams equals stable water conditions and  any major fluctuation in dam levels will change the habitat, affecting the survival rate of fish.

 

d. Weather. Many old wives tales on Moons and wind direction, but a bankable fact is that a pressure change, in particular a low pressure system, will give any fish lockjaw. Wind is indicative of a pressure movement and the simple truth is that most fisherman are fair weathered, as fly casting in any wind is a miserable affair. So, how many hours and effort any angler puts in on a water will often be dictated by the inclement conditions.

e. An Anglers Ability and Rod Pressure. A fly fisher will always look elsewhere for reasons why they didn’t catch, rarely attributing their prowess as a possible reason. But time and again, if you put a very experienced or knowledgable fly fisher on any piece of water they will prevail and it’s no co-incidence that these individuals always seem to catch the bigger, smarter fish. So who is fishing your dam will dictate what it produces.

The only 100% proven fact behind anglers on your water is that the more people who fish it, the less it will produce. Rod pressure is irrefutable, the consequence being the Trout becoming fly shy with any sustained angling pressure, regardless if you practice catch and release.

 

 

As the Summer roles on, it’s always a good strategy to close dams for Trout fishing or run the risk of losing your quality fish. Big fish are unfortunately almost impossible to replace (unless you want dumb pellet fed specimens floating around) and the sad truth is in our hot months of December / January / February, most of the fish caught will not survive due to the low oxygen levels in the warm water….especially after any prolonged fight. They don’t float as is commonly misconceived, but rather keel over and sink, so mortalities are almost impossible to register.
And with the Yellow fish season in full swing, you should really be focussing your energy on these incredible warm water prize fighters.
So here’s to what has been a great Stillwater Trout season and raising a glass to Celebrate each Moment!

 

 

Gareth
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