The Adventures of a South African Fly Fisherman: Lesotho Yellowfish Trips

Join us (flyloops.net) and Tourette Fishing on a once in a lifetime adventure to the majestic mountains of Lesotho to catch Smallmouth Yellowish (primarily) and Trout! This is a brand new venue and you will be one of the first people to explore these waters with fly. Each trip can accommodate a maximum of 4 people with either a three night/four day option or a five night/six day option.

We have chosen the following periods for this trip:

· 11 - 16 December 2013 (trip runs Wednesday to Monday as Monday is a public holiday)

· 11 - 16 March 2014

Each trip is limited to 4 rods, so early booking is essential!

Tourette Fishing’s Lesotho operations began in 2009 when we launched Trout Trekking Trips, offering guests the opportunity to fish remote, pristine waters otherwise not easily accessible to fly fisherman. The quality of these fisheries, and the beauty of the country and people, has kept us and our guests coming back for more and exploring new fisheries. In 2011 we made it our goal to explore the countries waterways looking for a world class yellowfish destination that we knew would be there. In 2012, after numerous exploratory trips, hours spent on Google Earth, some intense white knuckle 4x4 trips and epic mountain treks, this goal was achieved!

We are pleased to be able to offer a yellowfish experience like no other. This is dry fly and sight fishing of the highest quality. Yellow fishing as it was millennia ago. We have indentified and set up mobile infrastructure on Three Rivers which give Tourette Fishing guests the ideal platform from which to experience the some of the finest yellow fishing available in Southern Africa, as well as immerse themselves in the magic that is the Lesotho highlands and her people.

Angling (species): Smallmouth yellowfish (primarily) and trout. All fishing is strictly catch and release fly fishing.

The Fly Fishing and Lesotho Wilderness Experience

Sight fishing to yellowfish on remote rivers in the highlands of Lesotho is without question the pinnacle of fly fishing for most anglers. The Three Rivers are unspoiled and only fished by a handful or hardcore, dedicated, and well informed fly fisherman each year. The fishing is technical and rewarding.

We endeavour to fish dry flies as much as possible, with the yellowfish in the Three Rivers showing a great affinity for terrestrials. Early morning and late evening hatches of caddis and mayflies are not uncommon, as well as some very heavy flying ant hatches. Standard nymphing techniques are also very productive. Guests can expect to be kept busy each day fishing to sighted fish or drifting flies through likely looking lies. A comprehensive list of suggested flies and tackle will be sent to all guests prior to the trip.

If sight fishing to yellowfish in crystal clear mountain rivers was not enough, the beauty of this harsh mountain wilderness is astounding, and reason enough to spend time in Lesotho. Surrounded by drastic basalt cliffs and big skies, passing locals as they drive their livestock between pastures, and hiking through small hillside villages is all part of the magic that is Lesotho. Nights are enjoyed around the camp fire, under a blanket of stars, and days filled with clear rivers, feisty fish and unforgettable scenery.

Three Rivers modus operandi and mobile fly fishing camp details

Three Night Option:
The Three Rivers trip starts and ends at Ha Lejone, Lesotho (a 430km drive from JHB). Here guest meet with their guide and follow the guide on good tar road to our secure vehicle parking where they will leave their vehicle and transfer to the Tourette Fishing mobile fly fishing vehicle. Those who wish can follow the guide in their own vehicle, as long as it is a 4x4 or SUV type vehicle.

From the pick-up point the group departs to the first mobile fly fishing camp 1 (MFFC1), giving access to Rivers 1 and 2. On arrival the camp is set up and guests fish the home stretch that evening. Guests spend three nights (2 full days) at MFFC1 fishing Rivers 1 and 2. Guests taking the 3 night option spend a further half day fishing Rivers 1 and 2 before departing after lunch on Day 4 to get back to their vehicle where the tour ends.
Note: the upland sections of River 2 also offer endless small-stream dry fly opportunities for small rainbows on the lightest gear.

Five Night Option:
On the morning of day 4, guides and guest break MFFC1 and drive to MFFC2 (2hr drive). On arrival, guests fish the home stretch of River 3 up to MFFC2 where they meet for lunch. That afternoon is spent fishing upstream from camp until early evening. The following full days is spent fishing River 3 returning to camp for the last night in the early evening. The trip ends on the morning of day 6 when guests are returned to their vehicle.

The mobile fly fishing camp approach and benefits it offers:

Due to the remote location and lack of infrastructure is these areas, and to avoid driving long distances from the mediocre accommodation that is available to the various rivers, we have modelled this trip on mobile camping safaris. An approach that Tourette Fishing has vast experience in.

We have identified two mobile fly fishing camp sites, both within walking distance of the Three Rivers you will be fishing. We use a fully kitted land cruiser safari vehicle to move between, and set up, camps. Accommodation is in 3mx3m canvas tents. Camp beds and all other mobile safari equipment is provided. The mobile camp comprises 1 tent per two anglers, a kitchen area, and undercover living area. Each site has a toilet built specifically for the fly fishing groups. Hot camping showers are available each day. We have fridge facilities for drinks and meat. All cooking is done on gas stoves and the camp fire.

Having three rivers, all offering world class sight fishing and dry fly action, each originating in different catchments allows previously unimaginable flexibility. Although the aim is to fish these rivers as per the itinerary, weather can affect water conditions. The mobile approach allows guests the option of moving between the rivers if the need arises. Having the choice of three rivers, and the infrastructure to easily move between them is invaluable when fishing the high altitude rivers of Lesotho and ensures your time is as productive and enjoyable as possible.

Catering:
There is a catered and non catered option. For self catering groups, all utensils, storage, fridge/freezer space, and cooking equipment is provided.

Self Drive:
Guests with their own 4x4 vehicles are welcome to bring their own vehicles for the duration of the trip and do not need to park them at Ha Lejone if they would prefer not to.

Community Involvement:
Both MFFC’s are setup with the local communities’ involvement. A daily levee from all guests is allocated to the community which is used for community school projects. This community based initiative ensures the operational integrity in all areas guests fish, as well as stimulating job creation within these remote areas.

Pick up and drop off point: Lejone, Lesotho

Trip Itinerary:

Day 1: Meet at the Ha Lejone and Transfer to MFFC 1. Set up camp and fish the home stretch.
Day 2: Fish Rivers 1 and 2
Day 3: Fish Rivers 1 and 2
Day 4: Three Night Option - Fish to lunch time. Transfer back to Lejone.
Day 4: Five Night Option – Break camp and move to MFFC2. Fish River 3.
Day 5: Fish River 3
Day 6: Fish to lunch time. Transfer to Lejone. Tour Ends.