Far from the maddening crowd, just 45 minutes from Johannesburg, set on the banks of the Vaal River below the Barrage, lies the tranquil abode of Yellow Fish Paradise.

The 750 meters of river frontage provides both fast and slow runs flowing into large rocky pools with ideal eddies for holding both large and small mouth yellow fish, amongst other species common to the Vaal River system.

Yellow Fish Paradise is now not only a popular fishing venue. Patrons are now also enjoying the five self catering rondawels with its "on the river bank lapa" as a popular party venue for After-wedding parties, bachelor and birthday celebrations. The fact that a "all in stock" shop and well stocked liquor store exists on the premises with realistic prices adds to the convenience.

Ready for a challenge?...

The Vaal River in summer is a true paradise for flyfishers. The ability to wade out in warm waters and catch some of our top angling species...but what happens in winter? Cold water results in things suddenly going quite and our usual techniques to catch yellows on fly suddenly stop working. So should we stop fishing the Vaal?...in short...NO. Although things change due to the cooler water and weather, there are still quite a few techniques which can be just as addictive as during summer, but the key is to remember that the fast flowing rapids are no longer your best friend, time to start looking at the calmer stretches of water.

I can see clearly now...

With less rain, comes about a lower flow rate, which means clearer water. This clear water is going to be your primary tool during the cold winter months. Your best option is to sight-fish, patrolling the banks of the river looking out for surface activity. Long leaders with dry flies are key. This is the best time of year to really put out your longest casts with pin-point accuracy. Your aim is to drift your fly within a few centimetres of the visible rises. Keep your line well mended to avoid any drag. We will talk about technique in more detail shortly...The key thing...clear water means skittish fish. So always keep your profile as hidden as possible. This may mean wading in the water to stay low, or to keep as far away as possible from your targeted area.

The technique...

The key is reading the rise. Are the fish sipping the surface of the water, or are they taking emergers just below the surface? For fish that are sipping the surface of the water, tie on a dry fly (obviously matching the insect hatch) most likely a dun/spinner pattern will work). Fish that are just below the surface indicate using an emerger pattern, just below the surface (1-2 cm). Remember that you should try stay away from blind fishing, i.e. you should always actively sight-fish during this time of the year. Your goal is to cast within a meter or two of the active rises, careful not to spook the fish and to retrieve with a dead drift. Keep your line well mended in order to detect strikes. You will need to strike at any takes if your line is not mended enough, which is often the case on the Vaal, with faster flowing water. With both techniques ensure that you have a long leader - 12 to 16 feet and 4-6lb tippet. The best times of the day are during the hatches, which are usually around 9:30am to 10:00am up until about 4:00pm.

Due to the increase in Electricity and wage costs Patrons must take note of the adjustment in Tariff changes.

Please CONTACT US for any information about our resort.

Don't forget to visit the Gallery to see the photos of what you can expect to catch.

If you have any comments feel free to visit our Comments page.

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