The flyfisher’s news update:

It’s been exactly one year that my wife and I decided to exchange the rat race for Treeferns Trout Lodge.

Over the past few months, I realized that there is more to life….and fly fishing is one of those things that fills up some of the blank spaces in a dull and colourless life.

I am in this fortunate position to fish at least 5 times per week and with 13 dams to choose from…..well, what can one say ? With an abundance of fish that vary from 600 grams to almost 4kg’s, the fishing on Treeferns’ dams  provides me with everything a fly fisherman can only dream of !

Nine out of 10 clients ask me when is the best time to fish, and I think a lot of anglers will differ from  what I have to say about this:

For the past 2 years, I’ve fished most of the waters in our region (Dullstroom and Belfast) and for me the best time to fish is only starting now in August up till April. During the winter months with the sudden drop in temperature, spawning season and a dry, cold weather fishing is more challenging. However, I like the months October – March. What I noticed was that the fish were more active this time of the year especially after rain and thunder storms because new hatchings of insects then take place…and more fish will be attracted to these spots.

BUT: This is not necessarily the situation at all the lodges. What makes Treeferns unique, is the fact that all our dams are fed with fresh cool spring water 365 days of the year and  the water temperatures are a degree or 2 cooler than your normal trout dams.

We have also implemented a new permit system to keep record of each and every dam and it’s fishing population. This helps us a lot to stock the right fish at the right time in the right dam.

The best is yet to come. Our first Treeferns Trout Classic will take place on 30 October 2010 Unfortunately, we’re already fully booked for the competition. So, remember to book this date in your diary: Saturday 29 October, 2011!!

In conclusion…fishing was fantastic the past 12 months thanks to all our angling friends’ advice, participation, and their passion for fly fishing. The record for this year stands on 3,8 kg. Let’s see who’s going to break this one! Our best fly patterns for the past months was Black Woolly Bugger (‘Mpumalanga Spietkop’), DDD and  White Death.

Till next time then!

Morne van Rensburg (Manager @ Treeferns)

072 403 1895.