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