Yellowfish Largemouth

My Biggest Yellow yet! Caught in the Vaal River and weighting in just over 4kg’s. I can remember it like it was yesterday still… It’s catches like this that keeps one going back for more. I was watching a old movie I have of this monster fish which took about 10min to land on my x4 line and 4/5 weight rod back then. The fly used was a home tied Vaal Shrimp imitation, tied with flashback and epoxy glue (very simply). I have to admit that some of my best catches have been on simple flies that most other people said won’t work.

Oh, one important note is that I was starting to come out of the water as there was a good old afternoon thunder shower approaching and while wading out I was taking short breaks and nymphing the faster and deeper spots and that when this beauty took! There has to be something said for that drop in atmospheric pressure prior and after rain that triggers these yellows (and other fish like Trout) to feed. I would image that therein, lies a close bond between the environment, insect and fish.

All the best :)
Roman

Lake Heritage is situated on the property of the Heia Safari Ranch, it is ideal for canoeing, fishing and team building.

Fish Eagle have made the Lake their home!

Experience these majestic creatures while basking in the tranquility of our lake.

Yellow fish Paradise was bought by the present owners in 1980 and had no more improvements other than a 2 bedroom house, a dilapidated garage and a small bungalow.

The property now comprises of 5 bungalows, several camp sites (with and without electricity), ablution facilities, braai facilities, play park for the children, swimming pool, putt-putt, a fully stocked shop, a fully licensed bottle store and a 5 bedroom house - occupied by the owner.

During the summer months, the temperatures reach maximums of 30 - 33 degrees, making this the ideal place for sunbathers. It does however get just as cold during the winters, but all the more reason to cuddle up around the camp fires. The rainfall season is usually around late December to mid January and then again late April to Mid-may.

There is lovely scenery and an abundance of bird life on the half a mile of river frontage. The waters are ideal for wading, just remember to wear old shoes and use a wading stick when wondering into the water. The yellow fish, bass and carp fishing is an absolute must for the fly fisherman.

Directions:
From Johannesburg, proceed along the N1 towards Bloemfontein for approximately 65kms. On route, you will pass through the Grassmere Toll Plaza, proceed straight ahead until you reach the Potchefstroom / Vanderbijlpark (Exit 9) offramp (3rd offramp after toll gate). Take this offramp. At the top of this offramp, turn right towards Potchefstroom. Proceed along this road for 6,8km. At the signboard indicating BARRAGE, turn left, proceed along this dirt road for 1,3km. Turn right just before school (blue and white buildings). Keep to the right for 1,1km. Open / close farm gate and proceed for 0,5km. Report at the house / reception.

Welcome to the best fly fishing water for yellows on the Vaal. We offer about 20 km of pristine fly fishing water for small and large mouth yellow fish. Floating trips can be organized or you can enjoy the streams around the lodge and experience catching that big yellow.

A basic Fly Fishing Shop is available on the lodge. Fly fishing trips can also be organized with experienced guides, these trips must however be booked in advance.

Each year the lodge hosts the Annual small & large mounth Bell's Windknot Fly Fishing Festivals. For more information contact our booking office.

With deep holes and rapids, Dimalachite is the ideal fishing venue for fly as well as deep-water fishing. Our motto is “catch and release”. So please take a nice photo, and release the fish as soon as possible. We rent out rafts to paddle to the islands and rapids, or you can bring your own. Met diep gate versprei oor die oewer, bied ons u die geleentheid om daardie grote aan te keer. Grootbek geelvis van tot 11,2kg is al hier gevang en vrygelaat, en kleinbek geelvis word gereeld aangekeer. Koning- en volskub karp van tot 15kg vat gereeld die aas. Onderbek van 3kg en baber van tot 20kg laat gereeld die katrolle sing.

Discover the peace and tranquillity of nature from the banks of the Vaal River...

Named after the MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Aloeda Cristata), that nest along the banks of the river, DIMALACHITE NATURE RESORTS and RIVER LODGE is
situated in the crater of South Africa's latest World Heritage site, the "Vredefort Dome". The crater was created 2000 million years ago by the
biggest and oldest Meteorite that ever struck the earth: It was 10 km in diameter (as big as Table Mountain)!

Caravan and campsites with a lovely view over the river are available, or make use of our regular 4 to 6 bed self-catering chalets. If you want to spoil the family, book them into the luxury 4 to 6 bed River Lodges. Bring only towels and something to eat.

Come and enjoy the thrill of White-water Rafting, Quadbike drives and paintball. Join us for sunset cruise on rafts just before sunset, with snacks or a bonfire braai.

For the kids we have a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, DSTv, pool table and a playground. Let them bring their bikes/mountain bikes, too - there's plenty of space for that.

Dimalachite offers the ideal facilities and activities for corporate teambuilding and functions. Full conference facilities with
mouth-watering meals and bar facilities are at your disposal.

We also cater for school and youth camps. Accommodation, meals and a wide variety of activities as well as conference facilities.

Dimalachite is also a fisherman's Paradise - excellent for bank fishing. For fly-fisherman and people who would like to catch fat big yellow in
the streams, we rent out 2 man rafts, or bring your own along if you
have one.

Our kiosk sells ice, wood, charcoal, cool-drinks, ice-cold beer.

Campsites on the riverfront, Big-mouth yellows up to 11,2kg. Small mouth yellows, Mudfish 3kg - Carp 15kg, Barber 19kg.
Guided outings for yellows.

The waters in front of Carryblaire River Retreat offer some of the most challenging fly fishing as experienced by many who have visited Carryblaire in the past. Yellowfish abound and test fly fishing skills as they prove to be true adversaries...

Should luck not be on your side on the day, the views from all sides will be sure to enthral and mesmerise...

Our usual accommodation is available to all visiting fisherman. Fish by day be spolit by night...

VAAL DE SIOLEH CHALETS. Conferences, Teambuilding, Weekend breakaways, Fly fishing (yellow fish). Wedding venue with beautiful chapel overlooking the river and mountains. Tucked away in the Dome on the banks of the Vaal river, this multifunctional venue offers the best of the newly listed World Heritage Site. Enjoy all 400 hectares of mountain-bushveld and 2km of the Vaal river, only 17km from Parys and 90 minutes drive from Johannesburg. 6 luxury self-catering thatch roof chalets, fully equipped for 4 people. The first floor of the venue sleeps up to 40 people, ideal for school breakaways or teambuilding events, weddings. Magnificent conference centre, ideal for weddings and special events. Hiking trails and mountain biking in a safe area. Swimming pool and braai facilities. Each chalets has own weber for braai. One eight sleeper thach roof wooden cabin on bank of the vaal river with a lovely sight of river and mountains.

VAAL DE SIOLEH CHALETS. Conferences, Teambuilding, Weekend breakaways, Fly fishing (yellow fish). Wedding venue with beautiful chapel overlooking the river and mountains. Tucked away in the Dome on the banks of the Vaal river, this multifunctional venue offers the best of the newly listed World Heritage Site. Enjoy all 400 hectares of mountain-bushveld and 2km of the Vaal river, only 17km from Parys and 90 minutes drive from Johannesburg. 6 luxury self-catering thatch roof chalets, fully equipped for 4 people. The first floor of the venue sleeps up to 40 people, ideal for school breakaways or teambuilding events, weddings. Magnificent conference centre, ideal for weddings and special events. Hiking trails and mountain biking in a safe area. Swimming pool and braai facilities. Each chalets has own weber for braai. One eight sleeper thach roof wooden cabin on bank of the vaal river with a lovely sight of river and mountains.

We offer self-catering accommodation, camping, river rafting and fishing safari's into the Richtersveld National Park. Rafting trips and fishing safari's are available from 1 - 5 day trips. Good, experienced river guides on the best part of the Orange River - Great adventure & excellent fishing guaranteed.

Please visit our website for the best rates you will find and more info.