Trout Brown

CRAIGROSSIE TROUT LODGES
Self Catering Cottage Accommodation
in Clarens, Free State, South Africa

At the foot of the Clarens and the majestic scenery of Golden Gate, lie the spectacular trout waters of CRAIGROSSIE.

CRAIGROSSIE extends over 170 hectares and is perfect to stretch the legs and fill the lungs with fresh air. The farm is situated 10 minutes from the picturesque town of Clarens. Facilities such as restaurants, walking and hiking trails a challenging golf course, tennis and squash courts as well as a number of shops, art galleries and interesting curios can be found in the town.

We have 2 large trout dams - one of 4 hectares and the other 5 hectares in size which are stocked with brown and rainbow trout.

There are 2 pairs of lodges on the farm. The lodges known as Woodland & Lakeside are double volume comprising an open plan living/kitchen area a shower room and a bedroom downstairs. The upper floor has another bedroom with a mezzanine with 2 made up beds on it. The lodge Lakeside has the same lay out except that the bedroom on the ground floor is en suite and has separate shower room off the living area. Each lodge sleeps 4 privately and 6 maximum in twin beds.

The lodges known as Poplars & Mountain View, which are single storey are approximately 200 metres away from Lakeside & Woodland. Poplars is wheelchair friendly with ramps and wide doors for access. The shower can be accessed by a wheelchair. This lodge comprises spacious open plan living/dining/kitchen area. Two separate bedrooms, with twin beds in each, and a shower room. Mountain View has the same layout with the difference that the main bedroom is en suite with a full bathroom with bath, and shower. It has a double bed and its own private deck with sliding doors off the bedroom. Both lodges sleep 4 people privately and a maximum of up to six. The couches in the lounge can be made up as extra sleeping space.

All the lodges have fully equipped kitchens, with all utensils, micro wave oven, gas stove and hob and fridge/freezer etc. Each lodge has its own braai area and jetty.

Sorry, No Dogs Allowed!
All activities at your own risk.

Caught a beautiful Golde Trout on a dry fly – a Bee Imitation Fly (I’ve tried to include a pic), which I bought in a lucky packet mix of flies in a store called Canadian Tire a year before when I was in Canada on a holiday. Much to my co-fishermen surprise, especial after I had to endure ridicule as to whether this particular fly would ever catch anything in its life.

Fly fishing only is permitted at Lake Naverone, and is available year-round on the 23ha lake and the 3 ha lower dam which are well stocked with brown and rainbow trout. In season, the 7km stretch of Umzimkulu River can be fished for wild rainbows. There is no rod fee and rods are available for hire; there is free tuition for beginners.

Try your skills on the lake or the river.

The lake and ponds both hold rainbow and brown trout, from smaller stock fish to magnificent specimens of 3kg and more. The Naverone angling record has stood at 3.75kg for some years, but Parks Board hatchery managers have netted fish of up to 4.5kg (about 10lb) for breeding. We stock with top quality wild spawn trout (80% rainbow, 20% brown) which, because of the near-perfect conditions at

Lake Naverone, grow rapidly from 50g or so at stocking, to around a kilogram within 12 months. They are also exceptional fighters, on account of their genetic makeup, so be warned that you should use at least a 6lb tipped, together with a decent length of backing, in case your fly tempts a heavier fish. Our 7km of rivers teem with wild rainbows, providing some of the best angling of its type in South Africa. The section of the Mlambonja River immediately upstream of our eastern boundary has been improved with stone weirs to retain more holding water for trout. These fish tend to be small, (mostly under 30cm), but they are superb fighters. Light tackle and fine tippets are advised

The river meandering through the property creates a number of excellent and exciting fishing spots, including the feeding of five well-stocked dams containing rainbow, golden, and the elusive brown trout. The pools below the 100 metre waterfall not only challenge the connoisseur to test his skills against wild trout, but is also home to breeding colonies of the endangered Bald Ibis. For the non-angler there is hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and above all, tranquility.

All our rustic, though luxury cottages are equipped with fireplaces and braai's with ample wood supplied, what more does a couple need to experience an enjoyable, quiet and tranquil romantic evening. Though the cottages are fully equipped for self catering and serviced once a day, catering, by prior arrangement, is available.

Guests may make use of the recreation facilities. Hiking, a short 4x4 trail to waterfalls, bird watching, rod hire and fly fishing tuition is also available.

GPS Coordinates:
a) At Reception:
S 25 deg 34.081 min E 030 deg 20.785 min

b) At Turn off onto the sand road:
S 25 deg 33.348 min E 030 deg 18.939 min

Truly a piece of HEAVEN ON EARTH!! The Kashmir Valley snuggled away within the majestic Himalaya Mountains… I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been able to visit this area and even more fortunate to have fished these crystal clear glacier rivers. My guide’s name was “Wali” and he has lived in this area is whole life, as has his parents and his parents, parents, in fact he says that his family has been there for more than 100 generations. Due to the remoteness of this location my good guide and now my friend, Wali does no own a fishing rod and has been fishing these waters his whole life with a hand line since he was a lad. Now lets just understand something, these are wild brook, brown and rainbow trout that inhabit these beautiful waters. Hand Line! I was amazed and shocked to say the least. Nevertheless I was indeed out done by my friend Wali at the end of the day, even with 10 years flyfishing experience and with all my expensive and fancy equipment. Should one every wish to venture out to extreme locations to catch truly wild trout in remote locations this is for you and Please let me know because I want to go with, again!

Inyamazane and Forelwater, - two prime trout fishing venues in Mpumalanga offers pristine natural beauty, clean crisp air, cool weather, sunny skies. Whether you experience lazy summer days, chilly misty days or cold winter evenings you are safe and free to explore its natural splendour.

Situated in the heart of the Highlands Meander on the picturesque escarpment of Mpumalanga, just a mere 2 hours drive from Gauteng lies Inyamazane: a popular accommodation and fly-fishing venue, tourist destination and an ultimate revitalizing week end hide- away.

Attracting fly-fishers and nature lovers, Inyamazane and Forelwater are situated a mere 10 km outside of Belfast. Conveniently, but unnoticed, next to the N4, on your way to the Kruger Park or Mozambique, in a Malaria free area. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surroundings and many attractions in the area of Belfast, in the heart of the fly fishing country.

Nestled amongst oak, pine and bluegum trees, 2 fully equipped self catering cottages overlook a large 12 ha dam, regularly stocked with rainbow trout, offering unsurpassed tranquility and outstanding natural beauty. Forelwater guests are able to fish from the banks, from weirs or from two boats which are supplied, or endless hours can be spent in float tubing.

Accommodation facilities include a beautiful farmhouse and 3 smaller cottages housing parties from 2 up to 20 people. The recreational facilities offered at Inyamazane include six fully stocked dams varying between 1 to 5 hectares and provide exciting fishing for both novice and experienced fly fishermen and -women. With rainbow trout stocked every six to eight weeks good fishing is provided. Fish are real fighters and Inyamazane has become a favourite venue for trophy fishing. Hours of unforgetable angling are spent here. For the explorer there are four hiking trails to enjoy.

We are fortunate to have over 2.5kms of the Umgeni River meandering along one of our boundaries. Every year the river is stocked and fishermen are welcome to cast their lines in the winter months. When the river is too high, dam fishing is available locally.

Activities:

Trout Fishing:
Highland Lodge provides fly fishers with an excellent array of fertile stillwaters, all providing wonderful sport for naturally grown-on trout. Four pound rainbow and brown trout are common captures and 7and 8 pounders frequently landed.

Clay and Wing Shooting:
Owner Luke Bell, has fifteen years wing shooting experience having trained and bred champion field trial pointers. Luke will organise your clay pigeon and wing shooting, ensuring that you have a memorable shoot

Historical Sites & Rock Art:
Relive the tribulations of the Boer war in the Stormberg by visiting a skirmish site where the famous Boer General and later statesman Jan Smuts and 200 Boer horsemen narrowly escaped capture by sliding down the escarpment enabling them to break through to the Cape. The Stormberg is rich in rock art with a great variety of imagery. At Highlands you can explore some of these interesting sites.

Other:
Enjoy a well- marked hike through the Stormberg with its panoramic and breathtaking views of the mountains, dams and roaming game. For the bird enthusiast there are a good variety of birds including the rare Rudd’s Lark found on the property. Why not consider taking time out with colleagues or clients to brainstorm next year’s strategies.. In between “ think tanks”, we will devise a field program for you – fly-fishing, clay pigeon and general outdoor craft- using experts. Business after all is about enhancing important relationships.

14 DAMS
5 WEIRS IN CATCHMENT RIVER
3 KM'S WILD RIVER

Our wide selection of waters are spread over our 500 hectare estate and offer fishing for the amateur to the professional.

We stock rainbow, brown and golden trout from 600 g to 3 kg

Fly fishing only.
Barbless hooks only.
Catch and release is preferable, provided that you know how.

Each cottage booking is inclusive of keeping 2 fish, all other fish kept will be charged for at R60.00 per kg.
Float tubes welcome.
Tuition available provided that you book this at least 7 days in advance.

Record catch:
October 2005
Dayanand Rajaram
3.2 kg Rainbow.

There are three fishing dams on the farm. The main dam is 3ha in extent and is stocked with both brown and rainbow trout. It is for fly-fishing only and is marked as dam 3 on our directions boards. We stock the dams twice a year and we do not feed the fish. The other two dams are stocked with trout and black bass.