Trout fishing in South Africa

[Capt. Hook]

    Trout: An alien fish species to South Africa which were  brought here more than 100 years ago and have primarily been the target of fly  fishermen for sport fishing during this time.

Whilst these are beautiful fish and an awesome quarry to  fight on fly, they are farmed fish and in many cases sustained in their waters  by feeding on pellets supplied by the owner of the water.

Trout can only spawn in fast running water, so the only  ferrell trout (wild trout that have naturally spawned) will exist in the head waters  of certain river systems, they still remain alien species but they survive  without any supplementary feeding.

Trout that exist in still water are all farmed and then  stocked into the waters, and in many cases their food source is supplemented  with pellets, and this is even the case for certain river systems.

I love fly fishing, and enjoy targeting trout, although I  do not care to much for still water targeting pellet feed stock trout, I enjoy  chasing wild browns on the river.

The fly fishing fraternity that target these trout in  general have a nose in the air attitude that they are more evolved than other  fishermen, and some even go so far as to call themselves purists. How so can  they be purists when they are targeting a farmed fish that is alien to our waters?  I have fished on certain rivers where the most successful fly is the one that  resembles a pellet!!!
Surely targeting Yellowfish which are indigenous to our  waters is more purist.

What gets me is the stuck up attitude towards any other  forms of fishing from the fly fishing fraternity to target these trout, which  are farmed, fed and alien to our waters. Why the attitude to spinning (and I am  not talking spinner baits) for trout in South Africa, in most other places in  the world this is acceptable and those trout are indigenous to those waters.

Czech Nymphing originated with a spinning rod using 3  flies of which one is heavily weighted, and is now used in South Africa on a  fly rod with a leader 3 times the length of the rod plus the trace, the  weighted fly is so heavy you cannot cast is with a fly rod, the fly line never  even leaves the spool! Is Czech nymphing not then another method of lure  fishing using flies as lures? Yet this is acceptable to the fly fishing  fraternity and spinning is not...... double standards perhaps.

Perhaps my opinion is controversial, and not in line with  the majority of the fly fishing fraternity, but it is another view and opinion  which has valid points and I am entitled to my views and to express them  without being attacked.
I love fly fishing and always will, and enjoy chasing  trout on fly, but I also enjoy other forms of fishing and chasing other species  of fish.
I just do not see the justification in the “purist” views  and the “holier than thou” attitude towards other forms of fishing from the fly  fishing fraternity.
 
   
What gets me even more, is that on the still waters where  these alien trout are kept, they want to kill the cormorants which are an indigenous  and naturally occurring species because they are feeding on these trout.
   

[Lichia amia]

"Czech Nymphing originated with a spinning rod using 3  flies of which one is heavily weighted, and is now used in South Africa on a  fly rod with a leader 3 times the length of the rod plus the trace, the  weighted fly is so heavy you cannot cast is with a fly rod, the fly line never  even leaves the spool! Is Czech nymphing not then another method of lure  fishing using flies as lures? Yet this is acceptable to the fly fishing  fraternity and spinning is not...... double standards perhaps"

Leader 3 times the lenght of the rod - Kuk story  !!!
weighted fly is so heavy you cannot cast is with a fly rod- Bull Sh@t !!!
Czech nymphing not then another method of lure  fishing using flies as lure- Crap Czech nymphing used at world fly fishing champs !!!

[Capt. Hook]

Czech nymphing used at world fly fishing champs !!!

I am fully aware of this, but I still do not see it as authentic fly fishing, this is my opinion and I am entitled to it, there is no need to get personal about this.
And in the rules for competive fly fishing, your leader may not exceed 3 times rod length.
Weighted beads may not exceed 4mm diameter and you may not show all your weighting as the weighted fly must be dressed, 4-5 x 4mm tungsten beads is too heavy to cast using conventional casting.

[WalkersKiller]

For nymphing and dry fly fishing on a floating line I often use a leader of up 20 foot. River fishing I always use long leaders for dry fly, especially in the crystal clear water  with regard to Czech Nymphing the reason one would use a fly that is too heavy to cast is to get distance in streams especially, when you do not have any room behind you to cast. This allows you to successfully perform a roll cast. Ive used the czech nymphing style before and I will have a small nymph a small buzzer and then a beaded nymph which is not heavy to cast.

[Capt. Hook]

For nymphing and dry fly fishing on a floating line I often use a leader of up 20 foot. River fishing I always use long leaders for dry fly, especially in the crystal clear water  with regard to Czech Nymphing the reason one would use a fly that is too heavy to cast is to get distance in streams especially, when you do not have any room behind you to cast. This allows you to successfully perform a roll cast. Ive used the czech nymphing style before and I will have a small nymph a small buzzer and then a beaded nymph which is not heavy to cast.

Thats not Czech nymphing, czech nymphing is used to get down in deep fast flowing water

[christosch]

"The fly fishing fraternity that target these trout in  general have a nose in the air attitude that they are more evolved than other  fishermen, and some even go so far as to call themselves purists."

I couldn't agree more -  I have been to a couple of venues and have experienced exactly the same attitude but I have to put the accent on "general". I have met a load of fly fishers that are more than willing to share experience and knowledge.
I have been looked down upon because I use a "cheap-ass" rod and reel, have no wading boots and my pants are not quick dry Columbia's.

In Zambia we got scoffed at because we used our bass kit and rapalas for the tigers, using a Explorer rod/ reel and not a Thomas&Thomas rod and Ross reel was almost sacrilegious!

Trout in my opinion is a silly little fish - nice fight but stupid as dirt!! Just put a piece of normal dough on your hook and see how they fight for it - BUT don't let any "purist" see you - then the pawpaw will hit the fan!!!

What do the conservationists have to say about the "alien" fish swimming in our water - do I smell a bit of double standards?
 


I agree - although I love catching trout I cannot see why this fish is made up to be so holy that it can/may only be caught with a fly rod when there are much easier ways to do so?


Fly fishing in general is starting to P me off anyways - yellows in the Vaal can be caught on anything from brown bread to spinner baits, earthworms and even "moerbeie", you don't even have to wade in the dirty water!
By the time a flyfisher has caught one barbel I could have caught three on chicken livers or a fish head.


Sorry for stepping on toes - rant over -  I feel better now!!


Thanks Fishing Adventures for speaking your mind - Post of the month this one!!!!
 

[REEFMAN]

Just be careful about generalizing guys... there are some flyfishermen who have a nose in the air attitude. All the flyfishermen that I know here on UA, are down to earth, regular boykies, who just love to fish, good friends... and no airs and graces.

I know diddly squat about fly fishing so can someone clarify for me please...
What is the difference between using "Spinner baits" and "Spinning" for trout? Is it not illegal to catch trout on anything other than fly?
Having said that, are trout not an invasive alien that, like Bass, that are illegal to release? Sorry, I know this is Cat amongst the pigeons, but I'm confused with all the politics behind freshwater fishing.

[christosch]

Time to mop up the 'alien fish spill!'By Dr Jim Cambray
Albany Museum, Somerset St. Grahamstown, 6139, South Africa.
Think about that fish you just caught? There you stand with your proud catch of a 2 kilogram rainbow trout. Have you ever stopped to think if this fish is indigenous  or not? You look around, the river is beautiful, a nice flow, lovely indigenous vegetation, a lovely rock face in the distance where the river meanders towards you, cool clear weather, ah this is perfect. Not so. That fish in your hands is a North American species which has been introduced into over 80 countries around the world. It has seriously impacted on the diversity of freshwater fish in the world. Those waters in which you cast your trout fly should hold populations of indigenous species which have evolved with the system over many thousands of years. But why should you care? You should be proud of South Africa's natural heritage. Not only is the elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, kudu part of this heritage so are the indigenous aquatic animals. These fish are more or less trapped in the river, there is no escape for them. If we pollute the stream with chemicals or pollute it with alien fish species which will eat or compete with them for resources we loose aquatic biodiversity.
But how did this problem start?There is quite an interesting history about fish introductions into South Africa. I will not go into this in any detail. One interesting aspect is that some of the provincial nature conservation departments started off with hatcheries which bred alien species, such as bass and trout to stock in inland waters. Even in the Olifants River in the Western Cape bass and trout were introduced as angling species. This was, even at that time, ridiculous as this river had one of the finest and largest species of yellowfish, the Clanwilliam yellowfish, which was an excellent angling species. Suffice it to say that these embryonic conservation bodies made a huge mistake. This is historical and at the time it was happening around the world. That it still happens today is difficult to defend with the knowledge we have. Introduced predatory, as well as non-predatory, aquatic species have had and are having a major impact on South Africa's indigenous aquatic biodiversity.
What are the solutions?Rivers by their nature are difficult to manage. They usually flow through many farms, villages and towns and sometimes different countries. For example you may be perfectly environmentally aware of the dangers of introducing alien species into the river that flows through your property BUT your neighbour puts in bass or trout. They are not confined to one section of the river and depending on water quality and temperature they can penetrate into your conserved section!
But all is not lost there are solutions:

    Solution one:

Legislation - it is illegal to transport live fish without a permit. There are fines if you are caught. I believe these fines should be increased and include confiscation of the vehicle and trailers used. Environmental Impact assessments (EIA) have to be done prior to any stocking. If there are sensitive indigenous aquatic species present then a proper EIA will stop the introduction.

    Solution two:

Educate the public. This would make people more aware of the dangers of introducing these alien species. In fact this article is part of the awareness campaign. My web-site is also part of this campaign:
http://www.ru.ac.za/albany-museum/m&g.html
    Solution three:

It would then be up to the public to watch and inform the authorities of illegal movement of fish. You can imagine that the understaffed and under-resourced nature conservation departments can not be always in the right place at the right time. If you have no joy with the conservation department then approach an organisation that is an environmental watchdog, such as the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa ( WESSA).

    Solution four:

Some rivers can be rehabilitated. This will cost money as the alien species have to be removed and the indigenous species re-introduced in some cases. But it is a positive step and one in which conservation clubs can help. You may even equate it to the recent oil spill disaster which threatened penguin colonies in the Cape. On the freshwater fish side we have had a ‘spill of alien fish species' these now have to be mopped up.

Future implications for biodiversity:The future scenario is quite bleak. There are 10 000 species of freshwater fish in the world. This is about 25% of the known vertebrate species. Of these 10 000 species we have estimated that as many as 3 000 will be extinct, gone forever, within 20-30 years. This is an alarming statistic and should make us all want to help where we can. One easy way is to not stock any more alien fish species into our rivers.
Paradigm shift:So the next time you are near a river, try looking at the freshwater systems from a different light. Not for what angling fish they have in them, but for what indigenous species are there. Watch the dragonflies mating, the kingfishers catching small minnow species, listen to the soothing flow of the water. Take a walk along the bank note the frogs, the weaver's nests, the loud splash of a leguaan which had been sunning itself and now retreated to the water for safety. Think about the hidden treasures under the water, the minnows and the wide variety of aquatic invertebrates. This is the kind of experience that will keep freshwater ecosystems in tact. These sources of freshwater are essential for our own continued existence, after all we are ourselves 70% water!

[Capt. Hook]

Just be careful about generalizing guys... there are some flyfishermen who have a nose in the air attitude. All the flyfishermen that I know here on UA, are down to earth, regular boykies, who just love to fish, good friends... and no airs and graces.

I know diddly squat about fly fishing so can someone clarify for me please...
What is the difference between using "Spinner baits" and "Spinning" for trout? Is it not illegal to catch trout on anything other than fly?
Having said that, are trout not an invasive alien that, like Bass, that are illegal to release? Sorry, I know this is Cat amongst the pigeons, but I'm confused with all the politics behind freshwater fishing.

Thanks Reefman, I agree not all flyfisherman are like that, my applogoes for that, I too am a fly fisherman.
 
Spinning is fishing with a coffee grinder and rod, and you can use a huge number of lures and even flies and a fly line for those who cannot cast a fly rod. A spinner bait is just a lure that can be used when spinning.

[travelmember]

The last time I confronted Dr Cambray about the financial impact to the country of stopping trout and bass fishing and removing them as an alien species, he could give no economic balance regarding what happens to the fiscus and jobs lost.


It has been discussed ad infinitum - the general concensus now is that it is better to have these species (they encourage responsible angling and predominantly are fished for by conservation minded anglers, thereby ensuring more vociferous environmental protection) and to manage their populations, rather than to have nothing. The key obviously is in managing them. Many flyfishers are actively assisting in this - an example being the removal of bass from W.C streams, where they prey on the indigenous species.


If it were not flyfishers watching over our high altitude streams (Mpumalanga, E. Cape, W. Cape), then who would protect them.


Re the OP, there is a big difference between fishing a put and take in an unnatural environment with stockies, than fishing a naturally sustaining river. If the waters owners decide it is flyfishing only, then so be it.
Much of the tradition with flyfishing (from the purists) stems from the gentlemen who originally pursued it. It is easy to catch trout on bait, hence they chose to limit themselves to make it more difficult. There are still many who adhere to this - simply because it is a more demanding art.
On the hallowed streams, the season would be 15 March - 15 October, they used to be dry fly only after 1st May, upstream only with dry, move on when you take a fish, limit yourself to a brace, wet-fly after September, no fishing before 9, and 12 - 2 was considered time for a leisurely lunch and to sit on the bank and enjoy nature.
A simple way to enjoy a simple past time. If I prefer to fish this way, and have rivers that accomodate me, then so be it. In the same vein, I will not denigrate those who fish artificially created impoundments using whatever methods, for unnatural fish in an unnatural environment for them.

[Capt. Hook]

The last time I confronted Dr Cambray about the financial impact to the country of stopping trout and bass fishing and removing them as an alien species, he could give no economic balance regarding what happens to the fiscus and jobs lost.


It has been discussed ad infinitum - the general concensus now is that it is better to have these species (they encourage responsible angling and predominantly are fished for by conservation minded anglers, thereby ensuring more vociferous environmental protection) and to manage their populations, rather than to have nothing. The key obviously is in managing them. Many flyfishers are actively assisting in this - an example being the removal of bass from W.C streams, where they prey on the indigenous species.


If it were not flyfishers watching over our high altitude streams (Mpumalanga, E. Cape, W. Cape), then who would protect them.

I understand an accept all this, and highly respect the conservation side of the fly fishing fraternity

[Capt. Hook]

Re the OP, there is a big difference between fishing a put and take in an unnatural environment with stockies, than fishing a naturally sustaining river. If the waters owners decide it is flyfishing only, then so be it.
Much of the tradition with flyfishing (from the purists) stems from the gentlemen who originally pursued it. It is easy to catch trout on bait, hence they chose to limit themselves to make it more difficult. There are still many who adhere to this - simply because it is a more demanding art.
On the hallowed streams, the season would be 15 March - 15 October, they used to be dry fly only after 1st May, upstream only with dry, move on when you take a fish, limit yourself to a brace, wet-fly after September, no fishing before 9, and 12 - 2 was considered time for a leisurely lunch and to sit on the bank and enjoy nature.
A simple way to enjoy a simple past time. If I prefer to fish this way, and have rivers that accomodate me, then so be it. In the same vein, I will not denigrate those who fish artificially created impoundments using whatever methods, for unnatural fish in an unnatural environment for them.

The owner of the water has the right to decide what he wants and I respect this, this was not my issue. I also respect the whole tradition thing.
My point was that some people attack those that have a different opinion, and yet they use a method (Czech Nymphing) which IMO is not true fly fishing and so a double standard.

[travelmember]

Understand and concur. I fish the headwaters of a little stream here, far up under the mountain peaks. It is a syndicate water, dry fly only etc, and then I see a "purist" tie on a wooly bugger coz he can't catch! Double standards indeed.

[Rory]

Interesting discussion.
I suppose it all depends on what a person would define as flyfishing?  Lets take 2 examples, is it:
 
1. Using a flyline to present a fly, or
2. Fishing with flies?
 
If you agree with point 1, does this exclude:
strike indicators
split shot
weighted flies
trolling flies
mono nymphing
 
If you agree with point 2, does this include:
mono nymphing
light spinning gear
Tenkara
5 year old 20lb mono wrapped around a stick
 
And what happens if you agree with point 1 and point 2????
Then where do these fit in: French Nymphing, Czech nymphing, short line nymphing, upstream nymphing, dry and dropper, clothes line midging, "Chuck Nymphing" tenkara, nymphing with or without indicators, coiled mono indicators (is that an indicator?) ?? etc. etc.
 
If I may add a super quote here:
"In the final analysis, your personal definition of Fly-fishing is much like the old "sonnet vs. free verse" dilemma. Do you write your poetry within the constraints of a particular style for the pure pleasure and grace it affords, or do you choose to work without structures and try to convince yourself and others that it is still poetry?" - Mr R. Curry

Flyfishing has and is evolving big time, theres plenty of "flyfishing" techniques and methods that have evolved recently - lot of these techniques were developed outside of the "trout only" sphere, but are hugely effective for trout. I say embrace them!! If you don't like them: ditch them!! Easy, what?
 
I agree with Mike and Christo and Travelmember that there are a lot of flyfishers who look down on other fishing disciplines, employ double standards etc. Its unfortunate, its a reality, it happens, and in lots of other fishing disciplines as well, for sure. But I reckon as long as you flyfishing and having fun its happy days. Ignore them and have fun!

[Andz]

interesting read there Rory....

[Kumz]

And i though R&S had politics ....

[super_daav]

Mike,
I think the purist view started back in the day due to the rules / nature in specifically targeting trout as TM mentions. Fly fishing in SA (& worldwide) has changed somewhat as new species were targeted, methods developed.
I would also gingerly mention that fly fishing started here with the more wealthy through the syndicates etc but again that has changed.
I love fly fishing in all facets and definitely tend to avoid any other forms of freshwater fishing. I hope I dont look down on other forms and maybe sitting on a fishing ski rigging snoek fillets has altered me!
I wouldn't let this  get you down, life's too short.. Just enjoy everything you do or dont do it..

[Capt. Hook]

Interesting discussion.
I suppose it all depends on what a person would define as flyfishing?  Lets take 2 examples, is it:
 
1. Using a flyline to present a fly, or
2. Fishing with flies?
 
If you agree with point 1, does this exclude:
strike indicators
split shot
weighted flies
trolling flies
mono nymphing
 
If you agree with point 2, does this include:
mono nymphing
light spinning gear
Tenkara
5 year old 20lb mono wrapped around a stick
 
And what happens if you agree with point 1 and point 2????
Then where do these fit in: French Nymphing, Czech nymphing, short line nymphing, upstream nymphing, dry and dropper, clothes line midging, "Chuck Nymphing" tenkara, nymphing with or without indicators, coiled mono indicators (is that an indicator?) ?? etc. etc.
 
If I may add a super quote here:
"In the final analysis, your personal definition of Fly-fishing is much like the old "sonnet vs. free verse" dilemma. Do you write your poetry within the constraints of a particular style for the pure pleasure and grace it affords, or do you choose to work without structures and try to convince yourself and others that it is still poetry?" - Mr R. Curry

Flyfishing has and is evolving big time, theres plenty of "flyfishing" techniques and methods that have evolved recently - lot of these techniques were developed outside of the "trout only" sphere, but are hugely effective for trout. I say embrace them!! If you don't like them: ditch them!! Easy, what?
 
I agree with Mike and Christo and Travelmember that there are a lot of flyfishers who look down on other fishing disciplines, employ double standards etc. Its unfortunate, its a reality, it happens, and in lots of other fishing disciplines as well, for sure. But I reckon as long as you flyfishing and having fun its happy days. Ignore them and have fun!

Thanks for that Rory, personally to me fly fishing is using a fly and a fly line, however I do not have anything against Czech Nymphing and I accept that it has become a recognised form of fly fishing, I posted this topic because it is not true fly fishing in that sense, but have been targeted because I want to take a 3ft spinning rod and 4lb line and do the same thing.

[Wynand13]

    Great article!
  I would like to agree on a lot of the points, I have been frowned at by many  for fishing with cheaper gear, then the same people kill the fish by handling  it with dry hands landing it on the grass etc. They catch by trolling and  having 5 flies on their Hardy gear, but look down at me using a single fly...
  I am of the opinion that whatever makes you happy and if you can release the  fish to fight another day, that should be it. Yes there are a lot of different  methods to catch fish, I know of a few people who love catching them on  spinning gear, what is wrong with that if you keep the fish?
  I would also like to agree and that it is an alien species (that I love  catching) and our indigenous fish are in my personal opinion a better catch at  times, but if you can do it without causing harm to the fish or disrupting  other fishermen what is the problem? You will always get those looking down on  others and unfortunately the Fly Fishing community have more snobbish people than  other, but as long as you are satisfied at the end of the day that is all that  count.
 

[Herman Jooste]

"The fly fishing fraternity that target these trout in  general have a nose in the air attitude that they are more evolved than other  fishermen, and some even go so far as to call themselves purists."

I couldn't agree more -  I have been to a couple of venues and have experienced exactly the same attitude but I have to put the accent on "general". I have met a load of fly fishers that are more than willing to share experience and knowledge.
I have been looked down upon because I use a "cheap-ass" rod and reel, have no wading boots and my pants are not quick dry Columbia's.

In Zambia we got scoffed at because we used our bass kit and rapalas for the tigers, using a Explorer rod/ reel and not a Thomas&Thomas rod and Ross reel was almost sacrilegious!

Trout in my opinion is a silly little fish - nice fight but stupid as dirt!! Just put a piece of normal dough on your hook and see how they fight for it - BUT don't let any "purist" see you - then the pawpaw will hit the fan!!!

What do the conservationists have to say about the "alien" fish swimming in our water - do I smell a bit of double standards?
 


I agree - although I love catching trout I cannot see why this fish is made up to be so holy that it can/may only be caught with a fly rod when there are much easier ways to do so?


Fly fishing in general is starting to P me off anyways - yellows in the Vaal can be caught on anything from brown bread to spinner baits, earthworms and even "moerbeie", you don't even have to wade in the dirty water!
By the time a flyfisher has caught one barbel I could have caught three on chicken livers or a fish head.


Sorry for stepping on toes - rant over -  I feel better now!!


Thanks Fishing Adventures for speaking your mind - Post of the month this one!!!!
  
Thanks for that Post Christo. It's very interesting to see how people view flyfishing and f/f in general. I have been f/f for 7 years now. Why,? simple, I love the business of flyfishing, especially the Vaal. I very rarely fish for TROOT, ( in fact once in 7 years ).
 
Am I stuck up snob, I think that those that know me will disagree.
 
Do I have conventional kit ?, Hell Yes, do I use it, HELL YES, especially at the coast when the pumping wind makes throwing a fly impossible.
 
Have I tied a fly behind a drop shot lure on a spinning rod at the coast, HELL YES. Did I catch a fish on the rig, HELL YES, on the fly.
 
As to your comment that you will catch more barbel on chicken livers than a f/f without wading the dirty Vaal, quite possibly so, HOWEVER, I will bet you whatever you want, that at a venue of my choice I will catch at least 2x the number of fish on fly, wading, than you will from the bank on a 4 hour session.
 
You up to the challange