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Fishing Methods
The majority of the fishing is done off the drift. Here our attentions are focused on the river structure, which comprises fallen timber, long sand banks, steep drop-offs and rocky outcrops. When conditions dictate, we also make use of sand anchors and tying up to structure mid stream to focus our attention on a specific stretch of water. All fishing is done off 18ft aluminium boats. This river has received very little fishing pressure over the centuries, and with the controlled fishing venture will continue to do so. The system is also extremely rich in baitfish (predominantly red finned barbs). The combination of these factors has resulted in this population of tiger fish obtaining otherwise unheard-of sizes. Trophy fish in this system are measured above 15lbs. So be prepared to have you tiger fishing paradigms shifted! Rainy Season: During the rainy season the water becomes stained and murky as the level rises. This time is generally difficult and the preferred method is drift bait fishing as spinners or lures are not easily visible and Tigerfish are visual hunters. However, the rain does introduce new oxygen into the system which improves the fishing. The catfish/vundu/Kitoga run is an experience on its own. Fly fishing is not generally good at this time of year unless access to rapids is possible, where the water moves faster and is cleaner. As the rain intensifies and the water becomes more dirty, small backwaters and channels offer the best fishing. As the rainy season comes to an end. (April/May) fishing in the main river will become tougher while fishing on the rapids will improve but the size of the fish is average. Dry Season: As the rainy season ends so the water level will begin to drop and the colour of the water will begin to improve. (July-November) This is when spinning and fly-fishing gear can be brought out of hiding and dusted off. Travel up river becomes important at the beginning of the dry season. As the river subsides so the fishing improves, though not as many are caught, fly fishing becomes very good and spinning is a great method as well. Often at the lowest point of the river the Catfish will begin to move and feed. This is because there is a lot of food available and can lead to the Tigerfish being pickier about which lures, they will take.