Freshwater Fishing - South Africa

In the little fishing village of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is the Mavungana Flyfishing Centre. It is South Africa’s largest flyfishing outfitter stocking the country’s largest selection for trout patterns. The Mavungana Flyfishing Centre is the base of operations from which a guide team of four full time guides access a range of private waters for both trout and yellowfish.

The business is owned by Jonathan and Sarah Boulton who are very well-known to us having worked with them on Ponoi for several years. They have lived in the Dullstroom area all their lives and know the waters intimately. They are therefore uniquely qualified to look after the travelling angler in South Africa.

Mpumalanga is a two-hour drive from Johannesburg which is only an eleven-hour flight from Heathrow with no need to drive through Johannesburg. There is no specific fishing season and therefore there are excellent opportunities for fishing in fine weather throughout the year for genetically pure trout in stunning African scenery. The options for non-fishers are fabulous with world-class game lodges a short drive from Dullstrom with accommodation in five star country hotels at excellent prices.

Mpumalanga trout rivers exist in two states. Sections of river, often found on old farms with well-established fishing have stone and concrete wall weirs built in-stream. This serves to increase depth and carrying capacity, but it also essentially creates a series of small still waters and can be fished accordingly. Otherwise always venture to where the main current cascades into the weir, these spots can be fished enjoyably with an upstream nymph, dry fly or combination of both.

Other sections of river have received little interference from man and still maintain their natural morphology of pool, glides and riffle systems. This dynamic nature, which is what a river is about, challenges the angler and tests his skill to the utmost. Here a lot of enjoyment can be had by dropping down the rod weights as low as one dares. A two weight rod, a carefully constructed leader and a well ginked RAB will make time melt away as you walk upstream, prospecting the pools and pocket water, to be rewarded with a 10 inch, full-spotted rainbow. After the rains these headwaters often flow strong and clear, and a team of weighted nymphs fished upstream on an indicator will do well. Remember to fish the heavier nymph first and then the unweighted, smaller pattern on the point, PTNs, GRHEs, and Zaks being the most productive. Bearing in mind a lot of these rivers, such as the headwaters of the Elands Crocodile, Lunsklip, Sterkspriut and the Spekboom are fairly small and can even be jumped across in some places, wading is not necessary and comfortable, dry access can be made from the bank.

Freshwater Fishing - South Africa

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Freshwater Fishing - South Africa

Freshwater Fishing - South Africa

Daily Rates

Fully inclusive (rate exclusive of accommodation):
Collection and drop off, around Dullstroom, use of all equipment (not flies), rod fees, excellent picnic lunch and refreshments and experienced Mavungana guide. (morning and afternoon session with a break for lunch) Does not include, alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
Full day - R2900 - 2 rods sharing
Half day - R1495 - 2 rods sharing
Full day - R1900 - 1 rod
Half day - R1295 - 1 rod

Recommended accommodation:

Cherry Grove: Comfortable self catering accommodation
Critchley Hacklel: Luxury hotel accommodation
Walkersons Hotel & Spa: Luxury 5 star Country Lodge

All Inclusive Rates

$4900 per person sharing fully inclusive. Collection and drop-off at O.T International (Johannesburg International). 3 days guided fishing and 3 days game viewing. Based at Walkersons Hotel & Spa and Djuma Private Game Reserve.

all non consumable equipment (waders, rods, nets etc - not flies)
all fishing permits and rod fees
a highly experienced guide
all meals
transfers

Package includes full accompaniment by a qualified guide, equipment and flies.
Does not include drinks, gratuities and curios.
30% deposit due upon booking

Prices subject to change. Please call us to discuss your requirements.

The Game Viewing

The renowned Sabi Sand Private Game reserve, part of the world famous Kruger National Park is only a two hour drive, further east from the fishing in Dullstroom. Here guests our booked into Djuma Game Lodge. Luxurious air-conditioned chalets situated on a dry river bed with open air bar, swimming pool. There are two game drives daily, from an open vehicle with an experienced ranger and the option for a bush walk each day. The world's finest Big five Game viewing is guaranteed.

Other

There are mosquitoes where we will be fishing but it is not a Malaria area. Sun cream is essential. Credit Card or some local currency to settle any extras (drinks, cigarettes etc.) Package includes full accompaniment by a qualified guide, equipment and flies. Does not include drinks, gratuities and curios. 30% deposit is necessary 30 days prior to fishing to confirm your booking.

Freshwater Fishing - South Africa

Time difference
GMT +2 hrs

Flight Time from the UK
London - Johannesburg: 11 hrs 5 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
None

Species
Brown and rainbow trout and Yellowfish

Season to Travel
Year round, with prime months April to November

Tackle and Kit
Typical 4-6 weight trout fishing gear is all that is required (a 6-weight rod is the ideal choice to cover a variety of fishing situations), dry flies, streamers and nymphs, lightweight waders or wet wade, lightweight rain jacket and polarised sunglasses. Like New Zealand, South Africa does not have distinctive hatches therefore attractor patterns such as Royal Wulff, Stimulator and Humpy all work well. For Yellowfish, a 4 - 7 weight rod with floating line is ideal with dead drifted nymphs or dries.

Clothing
Layers are best, but cool clothing is generally needed, as it can be hot. Lightweight, longsleeved shirts and trousers, rubber-soled shoes, fishing hat, lightweight rain jacket.

Other Activities
Photographic game safaris

Freshwater Fishing - South Africa