At one stage, I thought the second coming of Noah was at hand. We’ve barely seen a blue sky these last few months, the consequence being that in WildFly country we’ve yet to enjoy the Brown Trout season. The rest of SA seems to have suffered a similar fate in terms of torrential, turbid rivers.

It does bode well for an action packed May though, despite giving only a small window in which to walk the Mooi river catchment.

We’ve had far too much time to contemplate how we intend assaulting our Trout waters and I’m not one for preaching more time behind a vise than we can spend with a rod in hand, but sorting one good, go-to fly box, is where it should all start. The creations which have evolved at the hands of these devoted or rather, possessed bar flies sure do look juicy and the itch to feel line taken from my grasp is almost overwhelming.

Thank whatever you call God, Trout season is kicking off. And what a rewarding few months it promises to be!

Dams have hardly stopped overflowing, with nutrients pouring into habitat and a fairly constant water temperature making a factory of food for the cold water contender that has been lying low. It’s time to go knocking on the door. Last season measured 1685 Trout caught and released during the festivals with a few 9lb Rainbows recorded and many more ‘Trophies’ testing tippets and hence why it’s wise to tackle up properly.

I have no idea what fly will reign supreme this Autumn / Winter, but I won’t leave much to chance on breaking strain. Fluoro might cost you more than a great single malt, but unlike some scotch you wont have any regrets.

It’s wondering what fly, before we strap anything on, that starts the old motor running. After many fine celebrations last year, word soon spread about that new killer pattern, which had hundreds of tying pundits scratching for more material, trying to fill their fly boxes with the latest sure thing.

It’s always boils down to water temperature, the seasons producing the varied menu for Trout and right now we’re recording the lower dams at around 19 degrees and some of our higher altitude waters a little lower. Minnows and Platanna are still prevalent and for the dry fly addict, Hoppers abound with every step you take in the veld. In my opinion, it’s a little early for any gaudy attractor flies….although we do give fish more credit than due when it comes to selective versus opportunistic feeding.

All I can tell you is that my box is never empty of Dragons or Damsels and the complete array of Midge patterns that will inevitably sit on point.

But I’ve yet to wet a fly line on our Trout waters and I’ve no doubt that the fervour behind the vise amongst the brethren will reveal a few variations that tip the scales. So stand by for our Bi Monthly Trout Report, where we’ll keep you updated on the feeding habits of fish in WildFly Country.

Raise a glass and celebrate, because your time spent on the water with great mates, is what it is all about!