Flyfishing in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

Dullstroom is known as the flyfishing mecca of South Africa. Willow Creek Trout and Nature reserve boasts 4 well-stocked on-site dams. The perennial Waterfalls River runs through the property, giving you 3.5 km of natural river flyfishing.

Flyfishing in South Africa

South Africa is an unsung jewel in the world of flyfishing. Countless trout streams flow into the 3 main trout areas:

  • the midlands of KwaZulu Natal
  • Mpumalanga (close to Gauteng)
  • the Eastern Cape

South African trout waters are small by international standards - more streams than rivers - yet the average size of the trout caught is large - between 1.8 and 2.3 kiligrams.

South African flyfishing only has one challenge - drought. Good trout fishing is dependent on good rainfall and a season or two of poor rains sets the sport back. To compensate for this, South African trout fishermen have taken to stillwater flyfishing. All the stillwaters are man-made and called lakes or dams. Trout of upto 4.5kg have been caught in these man-made trout dams.

Most river fishing in South Africa is done wading. Fishing from float-tubes is popular using floating lines, imitative nymph patterns and dry flies.