Private paradise

Living where I do does have it's perks. Among those are knowing people that know people. A friend of mine invited me to a private piece of Ash river very few people will ever see.

I love fishing the Ash. But what I experienced yesterday tops everything else I have seen so far.

Have you EVER seen anything like this in South Africa:

Got this beautiful specimen within the first 5 minutes post arrival

Fishing pockets

It is always a good idea to fish small pockets of water in between the rapids. you will be surprised how much those pockets can produce. It is definitely worth spending time on. I once saw a guy pull a 3kg yellowfish out of a crack on the rocks with what I thought contained a puddle of water.

Rule number one:

STAY LOW!!!!

I chose to sit down here behind a big rock while working the pocket of water behind it. More difficult than it looks.

Nice Action shot (Thanks Neil)

Although I fell in the freezing river, drowned my phone, wallet, lost a fly box containing about 250 plus flies, it was so awesome to be in this paradise and fishing the most beautiful piece of water I can remember, I will gladly do it again.

Prior to landing this young man, I had two hits which I missed. I can say I was lucky that this Rainbow cock fish still honored me with quite a battle. He got into a piece of water under a rock face where I did not even know he would be able to swim and he went deep. Took quite a bit of rod flicking and switching hands to get him back out. The fish here are very strong due to ideal conditions and very oxygenated water,

Close to victory:

  

I enjoyed this outing immensely even though I had a few losses due to lack of balance my side. This also reminds me to take the time to zip lock valuables before getting to the waters edge. If you do fall into freezing water just concentrate on breathing and don't fight the current. Just go with the flow until you are close to the edge and get yourself out there. I fell into really deep water. I fell in feet first with some velocity and I never hit the bottom, I had to let go of my rod and use my hands to swim back up. Once I got out I dusted off my ego and took everything out to dry. While everything was bathing in the sun, wallet, credit cards and a few notes, smokes etc I got in a bit more fishing time with my bare feet on the rock face. I could not help but laugh at what just perspired.

I hope to be doing this again some time next week, (without the swimming I might add) and will report back, as I have a few new ideas on flies that need to be tied for those pocket waters. I also have to re-tie some streamers and dries since I drowned my prime fly box.

Until next time.

Clarens and surrounds

Wow, I can't believe it has been this long since I've slapped ink on parchment. Fishing is slow due to the cold weather creeping up on us bit with it the trout fishing is improving. I went up to the Ash earlier this week and we got a few on attractor patterns and streamers. It is nice to see that the fish are breeding naturally and it is very important that should you fish the Ash river, that you practice a strict catch and release policy.

This is a very sensitive area and breeding is difficult due to very few spawning beds and very fast water all over. With the breeding season approaching take due care when catching and releasing fish. Wet your hands before handling fish.

This goes to show that natural breeding is taking place:

There are some nice large fish around and this hen took to a Crystal flash bugger at the edge of the white water:

The fish are in excellent condition and let us keep it that way by taking due care. If you do fish this river please do so with someone that knows the water and report any misconduct to local authorities.

Should you be interested in fishing the Ash river you can contact me at flyfishfreestate@gmail.com

A last word of caution to newbies on the Ash: DO NOT TRY AND WADE THIS RIVER!!!!

The river flows at an intimidating pace. Other than the fact that the water is freezing cold and would incapacitate you instantly, the flow of the water is scary. If you submerge you are going to drown. Nough said yes? Do not stand too close to the sides as the ground is loose and you could easily find yourself taking your last fall. If your wife see's a video of how this river pumps she is not going to let you go. Don't bring the kids unless there is supervision and preferably bring a guide with you. I have been fishing this river for some time and I am still very wary when fishing alone.

The Ash in its full splendor: