drakensberg gardens, what flies to use

[Stranga]

Hi Guys,

heading to the berg this weekend for a bit of golf, cold weather and most importantly some fly fishing....

Staying at the drakensberg gardens hotel and its got a nice dam on the estate, what flies should i be using at this time of the year (olive woolie buggers are normally my default) and because its so cold let it sink to the bottom? also its first light worth a cast or wait till it warms up a bit?

Thanks guys

[maganything]

Hi Guys,

heading to the berg this weekend for a bit of golf, cold weather and most importantly some fly fishing....

Staying at the drakensberg gardens hotel and its got a nice dam on the estate, what flies should i be using at this time of the year (olive woolie buggers are normally my default) and because its so cold let it sink to the bottom? also its first light worth a cast or wait till it warms up a bit?

Thanks guys

i was there a month ago and we were getting stockies pretty much cast for cast on olive dragonfly nymphs!
fish by the dam wall, that was the most productive area! didnt see any fish bigger than 800g tho...

[maganything]

 
first light might be your best option... maybe add some yellow and orange into your flies as the fish will be starting to spawn now...

[Lichia amia]

first light might be your best option... maybe add some yellow and orange into your flies as the fish will be starting to spawn now...

 

[WalkersKiller]

IUf you normally fish Olive Woolly Bugger, just change up to Orange and Pancora Woolly Buggers, the fish will be in full spawn and you just need your line to sink to the bottom and pull the flies aggressively with short fast strips. The cock fish are easier to catch at first light but the spawning fish will hit your flies throughout the day if fished correctly...

[Wynand13]

HI Stranga


The pattern you should be looking at is tough, depends on the hatch. Red eye damsel is always a safe bet.


Just my 2c worth. take a fine net, like a petshop fish tank net. pull out a few rocks in the water and have a look at what are on them, use a pattern similar to that. Look at the insects on the water and use something that imitates that.


In stocked dams in that area I have had great success with Orange and White Cats Whiskers.


Best of luck and    Looking forward to the report.

[Stranga]

awesome, thanks guys for the quick responses, will stock up on your recommendation and give it a go....so keen, now just to get the warm gear out cos its going to be COLD!!

[maganything]

 
just got back from swatberg ( see report) http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=14219.0
 
it was freezing!! take plenty warm kit!

[krissi]

Hi Stranga - on your way past stop at the UHTFC - it is on your left just past the school as you come into Underberg - if Alan Payne isn't there, his number is on the door - give him a ring - he is most helpful and I am sure he will point you in the right direction.  Alternatively, pop in at either NUD Sports (Barry) or The Highlander (both near the post office) - they will be able to give you some tips.