After fishing and filming in Angola, my buddies and I attended a film and social event at Mavungana Flyfishing, a well-known fly shop in Johannesburg. There, we got talking to local anglers, all of whom spoke passionately about a place in the mountains where you could catch the legendary yellowfish.
BY PETER HUSTED – https://www.wemproduction.com
It didn’t take long for us to decide—we had to give it a shot. With only a few days left before heading home, we planned an early start the next morning, hoping the mountain weather would cooperate.
At dawn, we set off on the 300 km drive to Sterkfontein Dam. Driving on the “wrong” side of the road kept us fully alert, but the excitement outweighed any nerves. We didn’t quite know what to expect—only that the fish were said to take dry flies much like trout back home.
Arriving
We arrived at Qwantani Resort, where we would spend the night, and headed straight to the marina. Our guide, Juan, was already waiting.
The setting was breathtaking. Crystal-clear blue water stretched out before us, framed by rolling green hills. Within minutes, rods were rigged, and not long after, we were on the water in search of these legendary yellows.
Time, however, was not on our side—we had less than 24 hours before we needed to head back to Johannesburg for our flights home. Every moment had to count.
After a short run, we approached a submerged treeline along the bank. Being a dam, much of the original vegetation lies underwater—perfect habitat for yellowfish. The fish cruise the shoreline, hunting terrestrials that fall from overhanging bushes and trees.
Juan gave us one crucial instruction: once the fly lands, let it sit still. Any movement could spook the fish.
The Yellows
It didn’t take long before we spotted our first fish, gliding between submerged branches. Casting opportunities were limited, and after hooking more wood than fish, one finally turned and inhaled a hopper pattern. But the celebration was short-lived – the fish immediately bolted into the branches and broke us off.
Lesson learned: here, you have to fight hard from the very first second.
Soon after, another fish cruised along the bank. A size 14 emerger landed delicately in its path. The fish approached cautiously, inspected the fly – and then ate.
This time we were ready. The eight-weight bent deep as we pulled the fish away from danger. These yellowfish fight far above their weight, but after a tense battle, we landed our first one. A beautiful fish – and a moment we won’t forget.
Juan suggested we move to another bank. The terrain here was completely different: a steep wall of dirt and gravel dropping into the water. Before long, we spotted another fish. Court made a precise cast, placing the fly perfectly.
The fish hesitated, studied the offering… and finally took it.
Instinctively, Court – who works as a tarpon guide in Florida – strip-struck, missing the hook set. A quick lesson in trout-style hook sets followed. On his next attempt, he connected—and soon landed his first yellowfish, a wide grin spreading across his face.
It was a new experience fishing lighter rods, but as a skilled angler, he adapted quickly.
Change of Weather
Not long after, the wind picked up, and a storm rolled in across the lake. Juan urged us to pack up quickly, and we raced back to the marina just as the rain began pouring down.
Back at the lodge, we dried off and waited it out.
The Final Hours
The next morning, low clouds hung over the lake, but the wind had dropped. We headed out for our final session, determined to make the most of the few hours we had left.
This time, we were dialed in from the start. Despite limited visibility, we found fish – and plenty of them. The change in weather seemed to have made them less cautious, and we hooked several while spotting even more.
As the clock ticked down, we gave one last spot a chance. Two fish cruised the bank. I made a cast, and just like a trout, one rose and took the fly – then charged straight for the trees.
It was a brutal fight, but we managed to turn the fish and bring it alongside the boat for a quick photo.
We were already running late – but no one cared. We were all smiles after an unexpected and unforgettable adventure.
Conclusion
We didn’t get the chance to target largemouth bass, but if the opportunity arises again in South Africa, they’ll definitely be on the list.
South Africa is a place that makes you want to return. From the incredibly friendly people to the stunning landscapes, there’s so much more to explore. We barely scratched the surface – but what we saw was a country full of opportunity for the traveling fly fisherman.
And, of course, it’s not every day you pass zebras on your way to a fishing spot.
If you ever find yourself with time to spare in South Africa, make the trip to Sterkfontein Dam. And if you need advice beforehand, stop by Mavungana Flyfishing – their knowledge of local fisheries, from tigerfish to yellowfish, is second to none. They’ll set you up with everything you need – even if you arrived empty-handed.
