Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre Review

On the very cold long weekend in August we made our way to majestic Drakensberg Mountains. This would be my first taste of the Berg’s streams and we opted to explore some lesser known rivers. The Thonyelana, Mnweni  and Ifidi Rivers all fall in the same catchment and drain into the Woodstock dam. We stayed at the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking centre, a community run project. Jo-Anne and Ian Glen from Chameleon Adventures hosted us during the weekend, they work closely with the centre and host large groups for hiking adventures.

Accommodation

The accommodation at Mnweni consist of 5 comfortable 4 sleeper Rondawels  with 4 single beds (linen provided) and a coffee table that is supplied with coffee, tea and hot water. There is a central ablution block with hot showers that is shared by all guests. The communal kitchen has all the necessary cutlery and crockery for self catering, or you can arrange with the manager for a catered option. During our stay Jo-Anne from Chameleon Adventures catered for us and we were pleasantly surprised with some proudly South African dishes such as an authentic Durban curry bunny chow.

View from the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre (Photo by Ross Garrett)

The centre is located in a rural setting between the Royal National Park and Cathedral Peak National Park. The centre is situated close to a village and some of its residence have been trained and accredited as guides, rock art custodians and porters. Guests that are interested in hiking can arrange these porters for their expeditions in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Each morning when we stepped out of our rondawels we were met by a different nature scene, one morning with a misty blanket over the Drakensberg peaks the next with a sunrise coloring the peaks with different  shades of yellow and red.

Fishing

The first day after our arrival we decided to fish the Thonyelana River for the remainder of the day. With a cold front moving in and some dark clouds around I was not to optimistic that we would catch a fish. The river was very low and skinny and I decided to use a French leader with two flies, a size 14 black jig with a silver bead and a smaller brown nymph on the tag.

The first thing I noticed about this river was the amount of black mayfly nymphs walking on the bottom of the stream. I have never before experienced a stream in such a pristine condition, crystal clear water, plentiful insect life, the only thing that was missing now was a lot of fish…

Pool on the Thonyelana River

The fishing proved to be tough, I worked each pocket and pool carefully, however I just couldn't manage to get a single take. As the day went on the weather got worse, first it started raining softly and then it turned into sleet.  My spirit was fairly low at this point, I got to a nice section of the river with a lot of pocket water as a I made my second drift through the first pocket  I suddenly felt  my fly disappear. I made a short wrist flick and I saw a silver flash shoot through the pocket, after a few nervous moments with the fish trying cut me off on every possible rock I managed to slip my hand under the fish.  It was a beautiful  11 inch Rainbow Trout that took my black jig, unfortunately I did not take a photo as I thought my Go Pro was on and I was sure that I would catch more fish (this proved to be a big mistake as it was the only fish I managed to catch). A few pockets further I managed to spook another fish, this was the last encounter I had on this stream before we had to call it a day with the daylight fading fast. I estimate I only covered approximately 5% of the river as you need to hike and camp to fish the upper reaches of the river.

The next day we fished a few sections of the Mnweni River and the last pool of the Ifidi River. The Mnweni had a lot of sandstone sections that gave some of the pools a fantastic turquoise color. Although we noticed a lot of fingerlings in the river we couldn’t manage any fish. The cold front had really settled in and made fishing conditions really tough.

French Nymphing on the Mnweni River (Photo by Ross Garrett)

This venue as great potential and for the adventurous fly-fisherman there are kilometers of river to explore. Due to the steep gradient of these rivers do tend to flood quite quickly during warmer months and it is recommend to fish these rivers before and after winter. During warmer months Natal Yellowfish migrate from the Woodstock dam into these rivers to feed and spawn, which offer the fly-fisherman another exciting target. I would recommend that for fly-fisherman that would like to target the upper reaches of the streams they should arrange with Chameleon Adventures to hike each of the rivers.

In Summary

Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre offers a unique and very affordable fly-fishing experience in crystal clear streams that offer the angler Natal Yellowfish and Rainbow Trout. If you have a boat you can also fish for Natal Yellowfish and Largemouth Bass in Woodstock. I will definitely head back to this venue in the feature to explore these rivers and target Natal Yellowfish on dry fly!

Venue Photos

 

Mnweni River (Photo by Ross Garrett)

Mnweni River (Photo by Ross Garrett

Little Rainbow Trout caught by Ian Glen the day before our arrival

Baby Trout on the Mnweni River

The Video

Mnweni Fly Fishing from flyloops.net on Vimeo.

Sharptooth Catfish on Fly Video Clip

Two weekends ago I visited my home town Kroonstad and went for a quick morning session of fishing for Sharptooth Catfish on fly. I used a purple and red JM platanna and got a small one and then hooked up with a decent fish. Here is a photo of the fish and fly: 

The Video: 

Sharptooth Catfish on Fly from flyloops.net on Vimeo.

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. 

Costs:

Three Night/Four day Option - 4 rods: R5,050.00 per person

Five Night/Six day Option - 4 rods: R9,150.00 per person

Price Includes:

• Meet and greet at Ha Lejone, Lesotho
• Tourette Fishing professional guide for duration of trip
• Mobile Safari Vehicle and Mobile Camp Equipment
• Fishing Licence
• Community Levies

Price Excludes: 

• Transport to Lejone
• Catering*
• Drinks
• Gratuities
• Tackle

*Catering on request R900 per person for 3 night option or R1500 per person for 5 Night option

Booking and Enquiries:

To book for these trips, or for further enquiries please email: pieter@flyloops.net

Fly-tying Preparation for my trip to Haenertsburg

On Eastern Weekend I am heading up to Haenertsburg, Limpopo, to fish some of the dams and rivers in the area.

Here are some of the flies I have been tying for the weekend:

EARP (Easy and Reliable Pattern by Mario Geldenhuys) Red Wire Rib Variation

EARP Orange But Variation

EARP White Bead and Rubber Tail Variation

Synthetic Frenchie

Synthetic Mercury Frenchie

Red Tag Jig

Orange Tag Jig

Orange and Hen Back Soft Hackle

Orange and Hen Back Soft Hackle -  Another Angle

Welgemoed Lodge - Rainbow Trout on the Bokspruit

Welgemoed Lodge was our first venue we visited in the Rhodes, Eastern Cape area during the December holidays. A review article will follow soon, have a look at the video for now!




 
Welgemoed Trout Lodge from flyloops.net on Vimeo.

Tying the Mercury Brassie

So me and Craig Stockden from flyloops.net attempted our first fly-tying clip. I manned the vice and he played camera man. We started of with an easy pattern the Mercury Brassie featured in one of my favorite books Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies by Pat Dorsey

Vaal River - Heritage Day

So myself, Craig Stockden and Jeandre van Schalkwyk decided to head down to the Vaal River near Potchefstroom to do some early season flyfishing for Smallmouth Yellowfish, or that was the plan.... What unfolded during the day was not what we expected or hoped for, that is fishing for you!

As we arrived at the venue we headed up to the pool above the rapids, fish where surfacing everywhere and we got all excited! We quickly rigged up and head down to the water! The fish where taking caddis adults that where emerging, we noticed two different species small white caddis and a dark brown caddis. Craig managed on hook-up in this period, unfortunately his tippet parted!Jeandre fished below and in the rapids with no success!

I decided to fish on the other side of the island in a deeper flowing rapid. I made my way across the rapid towards the opposite river bank and noticed some Sharptooth Catfish in the shallows. I changed to a 1x tippet and tied on the biggest fly that I had on me, a Red Eye Damsel, and selected a school of fish to target. I slapped the fly a few times near them and one catfish turned around and grabbed the fly. After a short fight the fish was safely in the net and I immediately phoned the other two to come and join me.

First fish for the day!

About 5 minutes later I was into my next fish, this one gave me a good bend in my new Sage One five weight, although it was no match for the serious backbone of this rod and after about 2 minutes the fish was in the net. Craig and Jeandre showed up just as I netted the fish and I could take a better photo of the fish.

The Upgrade

We continued to fish with little success and eventually Craig managed to hook a smaller catfish with a Black and Red Woolly bugger.

Craig with a Baby Catfish

After this fish we couldn't manage to get any catfish to take our flies and we decided to call it a day! Hopefully on our next outing the gold bars will give us a showing!