The frequently asked questions (FAQ) about flyfishing at Treeferns Trout Lodge are :-

• flyfishing only is permitted

•  what imitations to use

•    CAR  permitted

•   sizes of fish stocked

•   float tubing  allowed

•   wading  allowed.

• how is the fishing

Flyfishing only.

Only flyfishing with barbless hooks is allowed.

Imitations.

In general the most successful flies are the woolly buggers (olive and black), DDD dry, White Death, Hamils Killer, Walkers, Mrs Simpson, Red Eye Damsel, White cats whisker. As the weather is always a determining variable we will update this section regularly. ( See also “Fishing Strategies” under “Flyfishing”).

Catch-and-release (CAR).

We not only allow CAR, but we encourage it, “live and let live”, but according to the golden rules of releasing fish. However, flyfishers are becoming more and more convinced that CAR makes fishing much more difficult, because some memory remains. We also believe that Treeferns trout fishing is becoming increasingly challenging, and we have not been able to find another explanation for it. Good luck !

Sizes of fish stocked.

We can only stock what is available. We have a standing order with Katrinasrust for the best fish available, which varies between 1 and 2 kg. An average of 1 kg is normal. Sometimes bigger fish are ordered to satisfy trophy hunters. When stocks are running low, we have smaller fish delivered, and occasionally fingerlings for growing in a separate pool or cages.

Are float tubes allowed ?

The answer is yes. The dams are not big, 1 hectare being the largest, but because some are difficult to access because of weeds, we actually recommend float tubing, but at own risk.

Is wading allowed ?

Again we have no objection to that but also at own risk. In some dams the drop is quite sudden into the original flow of water.

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Delivering a load of trout

B

elow is a brief summary of the current situation in regard to the trout permitting system :

“• There is what is referred to as the “Promulgated Fly Fishing (Trout) Zone ” which is a demarcated area where trout have been stocked for many years. Anyone who owns property within this zone is entitled to stock trout once they have obtained a permit.

• Farms that occur outside the zone trout are not permitted but an application can be made to stock and this has been granted in many cases. For new establishments a risk assessment has to be conducted and if there deems to be a risk an E.I.A. will then follow.

•  As a  producer of trout we are required to obtain an exemption permit  to Catch, Transport, Sell and Release Trout . We have been applying on your behalf for this permit for a number of years now but more is required.

• You, as the landowner, are also required to get a permit to RELEASE TROUT into your waters. Once you have been issued with the initial permit we can then do your annual application.”

Issued by Tim Brewer, Katrinasrust, Thursday, March 5, 2009.

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Trout industry stakeholder meeting in Belfast: permits required for all trout stocking.

A meeting for stakeholders in the trout industry was held on 10^th December 2008 in Belfast and organised by the Federation of SA Flyfishers (FOSAF). Peter Mills of FOSAF opened the meeting by stating that the objective of the meeting was to consult with stakeholders regarding issues arising from the draft regulations in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act of 2004. He said that the draft regulations in their present form were unworkable and FOSAF wished to assist the industry in having them amended so they were acceptable to both the industry and the authorities.

Mr Francois Roux of Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Board said that trout breeders, lodges, clubs and landowners had little to worry about if they had followed the correct procedures in the past and had obtained permits for stocking trout. This applied to all permit holders whether they were within or outside what was called the proclaimed flyfishing zone in terms of the provincial conservation Act. Mr Roux stated that Mpumalanga was fortunate that the provincial legislation already recognised such a flyfishing or trout zone and in fact for permit holders it should be ‘business as usual’.

After some discussion it appeared that a number of persons did not hold permits for stocking trout and Mr Roux emphasised that it was their responsibility to rectify the situation. This should be done through the proposed forum.

With regard to stocking new waters Mr Roux said that even if these were outside the trout zone this might not be an expensive process even though an Environmental Impact Assessment would be required. He cited an example of a lodge in the Carolina area where only a simple scoping report was needed.

The meeting decided that a forum be set up as quickly as possible to represent the Mpumalanga trout industry and review the existing proclaimed trout zone and other related issues. FOSAF indicated that they would be prepared to assist in convening such a meeting, but stated that they hoped it would be before 20/01/2009 as the authorities wished to finalise this matter for the whole country on 22/01/2009 in Pietermaritzburg. If there are any further queries regarding the arrangements for the forum people are welcome to contact Peter at email: mwardern@mweb.co.za or 011-8823051.

At  Treeferns Trout Lodge the accommodation  for fly fishing and other guests consist of five stonebuilt chalets over-looking some of the dams,  four sleeping 6 people each in three separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, and open plan kitchen-diningroom-lounge. A new chalet, called Eros, has one bedroom with double bed.  Two more chalets, Panorama and Arum, have a double bed each, and the rest singles. They are fully equipped with bedding, towels, cooking-, and eating utensils, fireplace, braai, and carport. All the chalets have the necessary electric appliances, plus a micro-wave. Eskom power is available. Gas cookers and rechargeble lanterns are supplied in case of power failures. The chalets are self-catering but serviced on a daily basis.  Catering can also be arranged. The accommodation is private, but also ideally suitable for groups. A thatched lapa with washing-up, braai, toilet, and DSTV is very enjoyable. The water to the chalets is reticulated from the spring, and is certified for domestic use.

For more info, and pictures on, and availability of individual chalets go to “BOOKINGS.”

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Tim and Lesley-Anne Brewer, third generation Brewer, are the proud owners of Katrinasrust Trout Farm.

Katrinasrust Trout Farm was established in 1949 by Tim’s grandfather and two other partners. The farm did not do  well and in 1954 Tim’s father, Eric, took over the farm from the owners. He drove down through Africa from the Sudan in an old Citroen car with his pregnant wife and baby.

It was a real struggle in the first few years as there were many logistical hurdles to overcome. The roads to Johannesburg being dirt much of the way, were atrocious. The fish produced were sent to a depot in Johannesburg and distributed to  restaurants. Trout angling was not popular in those days.

The food for the trout was made on the farm daily using old horses, fishmeal, offal, blood from local abattoir, vitamins, powdered milk, and semels. This was a wet food that was thrown into the dams. As  can be imagined the feeding of the fish was a constant problem. In later years after the advent of the dog pellet, Tim’s father, Eric, thought it was time that trout were also fed on a dry food and engaged the food companies on the possibility of producing trout pellets. Wet food is no longer used by anyone.

When trout angling became more popular in the 60′s Eric started trout stocking as it is known  today. In the old days people used to stock fingerlings into their waters and the State offered up free fish to landowners. It was very much hit and miss and it was at this point that experiments were started with the stocking of larger fish. The first two farms used for this purpose were Santa and Driehoek, two well known farms in the area. The experiments proved to be a great success and the rest is history. Over the years the average size of stocked fish went from 300 gms up to 700 gms. Big fish up to 3kg are also supplied on prior special order. The era of instant gratification had arrived.

For the last twenty years Tim Brewer has been managing the family business and has specialised in the supply of quality angling trout to the recreational industry. Katrinasrust only uses large earthen ponds to rear trout in order to keep the quality as good as possible. During  winter months Tim breeds brown, golden and rainbow trout and in the summer months eyed ova are imported from either Denmark or United States.

Katrinasrust also offers a free advisory service on the development and management of trout waters.

Contact details : (013) 256-9063/ 082 570 1673

e.mail : timbrewer@cybertrade.co.za

Related Articles:

Trout Species
Stocking and Fishing Policy

In South Africa the two main species of trout are Rainbow and Brown Trout. In some waters the so called Golden Trout also occur, but they are hybrid and not a pure specie. However, trout are not indigenous to South Africa.The differences between the species are :

Rainbow Trout.

Rainbow trout are distinguished from Brown Trout by a pinkish or red longitudinal band, with varying numbers of dark spots, and pink or red gills. Rainbows favour clear, cool streams, but can survive in warmer still waters. They are spectacular fighters, and frequently jump from the water when hooked.

Brown Trout.

Brown Trout are recognised by their brownish, butter colored sides, and black, red and orange spots laterally on the body. They are extremely wary and are most difficult to catch, and are stubborn fighters when hooked, but not so acrobatic as the Rainbow.

However, Brown Trout are known for their intelligence and cunning. Normal fly fishing tactics often fail with Browns, but it is therefore all the more challenging and rewarding. They tend to go deep and hide underneath some shelter.

Golden Trout.

“Golden Trout found in South Africa are no more than Rainbow Trout displaying unusual colours. How they got into the country is not known but the most likely route is through the importation of eyed ova from either Europe or America.

The Golden trout are a recessive gene which occurs in nature from time to time as one also sees in white lion, black impala etc. Some people have suggested that they are Albinos but this is not the case and they are sexually fertile.  This means we are able to breed with them. When breeding with two goldens many of the progeny revert back to normal rainbows. Some people believe that Goldens are engineered fish but this is not correct. In captivity we are able to increase numbers.”
( Tim Brewer, Katrinasrust Trout Farm)

Related Articles:

Katrinasrust Trout Farm, supplier of live trout

Stocking and Fishing Policy

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Treeferns buys its trout from Katrinasrust Trout Farm, near Machadodorp. We have a standing order for delivery and stocking all the dams every month. The species, numbers, and sizes depend on availability, but averages 1 kg.  This practice causes the dams rather to be overstocked than otherwise. Occasionally smaller fish or fingerlings are placed in a pool to grow, but also to accommodate children.

We keep a dam and fishing register to more accurately control stocking levels, and fly fishers are  urged to record their catches correctly.

              CAR is allowed but anglers are required to adhere to the golden rules of CAR.

                                  Flyfishing and barbless hooks only are allowed.

                                                 

( See also Flyfishing Strategies and Fly Tying Desk.)

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Related Articles:

Katrinasrust Trout Farm, supplier of live trout
Trout Species

 Fishing information

                                                      by Gordon Stupart 

• Most suitable equipment – 4 or 5 weight rod with a weight forward floating line. Intermediate lines can also be used in the larger dams. There is no real need for a sinking line.
• Leader and tippet should be about 10 to 12 foot long, with the tippet 6 lb breaking strain.
• Flies Winter – Egg Patterns, Orange Woolly Buggers, Black Woolly Buggers, White Death, Mickey Finns, Polystickles, Midges (Emergers) and Matukas.
• Flies Summer – DDD, Mayfly Patterns (Dries & Nymphs), Caddis (Dries & Nymphs), Woolly Buggers (Black, Olive and Chartreuse), Gold Ribbed Hares Ear, Midge Patterns (Dry, Emergers & Suspender Midge), Red Eyed Damsels & Filoplume Dragon Fly patterns.
• In winter, look for the fish near the inlets to dams and where the water flows out of the dam. Most fish will not be feeding excessively and you need to either present a fly right on the nose, or induce a take out of aggression.
• I also firmly believe that a dropping barometer adversely affects the fishing, so if a cold front is approaching, fishing can be very difficult.
• The water is also very clear in winter and if you are able to make a long cast, this will increase your chances, as the trout are less likely to see you. Also try to crouch and walk quietly up to a dam.
• Optimum water temperature is between 16 and 19 degrees, for trout to be most active.
• In winter, forget early mornings and very late in the afternoon. The fish will usually only come on the bite from about 10am to 4 pm.
• Try to encourage barbless flies, as this will increase the fish’s chances of survival, if released.
• I would suggest that you consider stocking the smaller dams with smaller fish, but in larger numbers (About 600 to 700 gm), for beginners and kids and make your 3 big dams the trophy dams, possibly catch and release only, with larger fish ( 1,5 kg plus)

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1. FAKTORE WAT FORELGEDRAG STIMULEER

a) Suurstofryke koue water

b) Stabiele atmosferiese– en hidrostatiese druk

c) Sterk noorde wind

d) Konstante temperatuur – geen skielike dalings nie

e) Aktiewe insek- en akwatiese insekaktiwiteit

f) Onthou: MATCH THE NATURAL COLOUR AND ONE SIZE SMALLER THAN THE NATURAL

1. FAKTORE WAT FORELGEDRAG INHIBEER

a) Suurstof arme en warm water

b) Dalende lugdruk

c) Windlose toestande en helder skerp sonlig.

d) Skielike dalende temperatuur

e) Afwesigheid van insek- en akwatiese insekaktiwiteit.

1. WAAROM VANG EK NIKS NIE

a) Lees nie forelgedrag nie.

b) Hengel die beste patrone sonder vertroue.

c) Kunsvlieg strook nie met akwatiese insekaktiwiteit of die forelle se wei-gedrag nie.

d) Het geen lyn in die water nie of kyk rugby tydens hatches en rises.

WENKE:

Laat vlieë toe om te sink alvorens “retrieve” begin.

Wend verskillende “retrieves” aan om die lyn eenkeer in te bring.

Winterpatrone behoort oranje te bevat.

Vlieghengel in winderige toestande is meesal produktief.

Witpatrone is effektief voor sononder en sonop, maar behoort op of hoog in die wateroppervlakte gehengel te word.

Indien forelle nie die droë vlieg wil vat nie, gooi lyn uit en laat droë vlieg stil lê. Na ‘n ruk gee die lyn ‘n pluk of ‘twitch” en bring vinnig net onder die oppervlakte in.

Hengel damkant waarteen die wind vaswaai.

Bepaal allereers die weigedrag van Forelle en hengel daarvolgens.

Lees Deel 1 van Scenario’s vir Vlieghengel hier

SCENARIO’S: VLIEGHENGEL VIR FOREL IN MPUMALANGA

opgestel en aangebied deur en met toestemming van

DR KRIEK VAN DER MERWE

(Transkripsie van ‘n Radio-program wat op 13 Oktober 2007 in Hengelparade oor Radio Pretoria uitgesaai is,)

Die korrekte kunsvliegkeuse vir forel word grootliks bepaal deur die verband tussen die forel se metabolisme met lugdruk, lug- en watertemperatuur, suurstofinhoud, insekgedrag en hidro-atmosferiese toestande te bepaal. Hierdie verband kan dikwels volgens sekere atmosferiese senario’s vasgestel word. Die vlieghengelaar moet egter in staat wees om enige veranderings dadelik waar te neem en kunsvliegkeuses daarby aanpas.

Lees Deel 2 van Scenario’s vir Vlieghengel hier.