| Date of Report: Monday, 27th July 2026 |
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Name: Andre Burger Email: pafly@netactive.co.za Web: http://www.presentafly.com Phone: 083 632 8729 Eastern Free State. The situation regarding the Klein Caledon at De Molen remains unchanged with the river still open for trout fishing despite it being in the spawning season although there is stocked stillwater on the property. The river itself is still flowing well for this time of year after a summer of good rains. There are several other stillwaters in the Clarens district which offer fishing, but preference is usually given to anglers who have booked accommodation A report received from Josh Wampach of the Ash River Outfitters in Clarens (josh@ashriveroutfitters.co.za) which manages a stretch of the upper Ash River. The flow for the Ash is provided by the decant from the Lesotho Highlands project providing a large volume of clear, cool oxygenated water throughout the year. The trout are therefore not subjected to the stress found in our natural rivers, especially in summer and there is an abundant supply of food so the fish feed throughout the year and many reach a surprising size for river trout. Access to the upper section is restricted so overfishing is not a problem. Most of the fishing is from drift pontoons with minnow patterns being the most successful. Lesotho. Keith Clover reports that conditions have changed little at Makhangoa’s main camp which is closed for the winter, but Rosehip Cottage remains open for anglers targeting trout in the nearby Bokong River estuary, where it enters Katse Dam, now at 87% capacity. The Bokong River itself is closed while trout migrate upstream to spawn. Anglers should be prepared for very cold weather and possible snowstorms.
A lovely Ash rainbow taken from the drift boat. |
