General
description and habitat:
The Natal Yellowfish, also known as
a 'scaly’ is duller in colour
than the Small Mouth Yellowfish. Its
body is more compact and it reaches
a maximum weight of just under 10lbs.
Fish over 5lb are considered trophy
size. Like their small mouth cousins,
these fish are extremely strong fighters,
their stream lined body and large
forked tail tribute to this quality.
They are widespread in KwaZulu-Natal
rivers. Our fly fishing efforts are
however focused on select sections
of the Duzi and uMgeni Rivers. The
private beats you will fish on the
Duzi River, deep in the Duzi valley
offer undoubtedly the finest KZN Yellow
Fishing in the country.
Scalies reside in both the rapids
and pools of the rivers they inhabit.
Generally these fish move upriver
in summer and retreat downstream in
winter. They feed on a variety of
foods, from algae to invertebrates
such as crabs and aquatic insect nymphs.
Angling Tackle and Tactics:
Fly:
5wht fast action fly rods are the
norm. In some instances, on the small
streams you may fish, 3wht rods have
an application. Standard WF floating
line and reels loaded with 80 yards
of 15lb backing will complete the
hardware. 3X nine foot tapered leaders
and 4X and 5X fluorocarbon tippet
material are used. Some of the deeper
pools on the Duzi will require long
leaders of up to 16ft, in these instances,
your TF guide will tie-up the appropriate
leaders for you.
Upstream nymphing and Czech nymphing
techniques are most productive. Productive
flies include black dragon fly nymph
patterns in Size 10 – 16 (12
being most popular), case-maker caddis,
black and olive bead nymphs, corixid
imitations and black flash back nymphs.
A selection of heavily weighted caddis
and Czech nymphs also has a valuable
place in your fly box. These flies
are used when either Czech nymphing
or fishing a tandem point and dropper
rig when trying to get smaller flies
down to fish holding in fast flowing
water.
Strike indicators, lead putty and
light split shot are necessary extras.
Good quality rubber soled wading
boots, a wading stick and polarized
glasses will also be useful.
For more info of Natal yellowfish
ing have a look at the following article:
• Duzi
Scalies
For details on the areas Tourette
Fishing targets Natal yellowfish ,
go to the following page:
• KZN
yellowfish ing safari
