Tackle Sales, Rod Hire and Great Advice:
Mavungana:
Address: Lion Street. Phone: +27 13 254 0270
Mavungana boasts a dedicated shop located in town, offering comprehensive information on local fishing destinations and gear. They provide casting instruction, organize corporate fly-fishing events, and offer various other fly-fishing related services.
For local fishing enthusiasts, Mavungana offers access to three distinct day-fishing waters: Fish Eagle Pond, Laverpa, and Bird of Prey Trophy water. These locations are further detailed under “Fishing Destinations” below.”
Sterling Flymen & Sterling Adventures:
Address: 75 Naledi Street.
The Sterling Trophy Pond, conveniently located in the heart of town, has undergone a substantial restocking of brown and rainbow trout, ensuring ample supply for anglers. Fishing permits are available at the Sterling Flymen shop, while permits for the archery/gas gun range can be obtained at the Sterling Adventures shop, both situated at the Wild Olive Centre, 75 Naledi Street, Dullstroom. Operating hours are Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. A day fishing permit can be obtained for full-day access, with a fee for non-anglers. Rod rentals are available. Mishack is at the shop for expert advice or as guide and instructor.
The Village Angler:
Address: Shop 1, The Poacher Building. Naledi Drive. +27 13 254 0156 / 0795272537
The Village Angler is a small, family-owned shop with over 30 years’ experience. Their commitment lies in exceptional service and offering friendly advice. The inventory comprises a diverse selection of reels, rods, and accessories available for purchase or rental. Additionally, access to various day waters is provided, with tuition options available upon prior booking. For inquiries, please reach out at 0795272537 or via email at theangler@dullstroom.net.
Day Fishing destinations in Dullstroom:
Critchley Hackle:
Address:
Critchley Hackle Lodge. 585 Teding van Berkhout Street. Office Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 Tel: 013 136 0200 / 079 387 1392 info@critchleyhackle.co.za
Day Visitors: Non-staying guests can fly fish with prior permission. There is a day visitor fee, please enquire at the Reservations Reception Office.
Dunkeld Country Estate:
Address: 80 Tonteldoos Road, Dullstroom. 078 293 1403 / 010 300 8749
reception@dunkeldestate.co.za
Boasting 23 fly-fishing dams nestled against the Steenkampsberg mountains, each dam is stocked year-round with rainbow trout.
Whether you’re a beginner learning how to tie a Royal Coachman or a long-time fisherman perfecting your dry fly-fishing technique, you’ll enjoy Dunkeld Country & Equestrian’s high-quality fly-fishing environment.
Day visitors need a Day Visitors Fishing Permit that can be obtained from Reception. There is also options Fishing and Casting lessons available on the estate. Rods and reels are available for hire and flies are available for purchase.
All still waters can be accessed by vehicle and are within walking distance to accommodation.
Float tubing is permitted.
Please ensure that you complete and sign a Return Form. This is to be handed back to reception at the end of your fishing day.
While Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate has a catch-and-release policy, anglers are encouraged to keep fish that are in distress. Releasing them into the water when they are in a state of stress makes them susceptible to infections. For more information contact their reception on: Reception
- 078 293 1403 / 010 300 8749
- reception@dunkeldestate.co.za
- https://www.dunkeldestate.co.za/fly-fishing/
Sterling Trophy Pond:
Address: 75 Naledi Street, Dullstroom. For more information, see section “Sterling Flymen & Sterling Adventures” under “Tackle Sales and Rod Hire”.
Mavungana:
For detailed information on these destinations, please contact Mavungana directly, or visit their website: +27 13 254 0270 / https://www.flyfishing.co.za/
Fish Eagle Pond
Fish virtually guaranteed. A dead easy ‘put and take’ fishery. No Catch and Release allowed. Perfect for kids learning how to fly fish and introducing friends to flyfishing. Restaurant and Rod-hire on site.
Adult and kids rates. All fish to be kept. Price per kg. Pay at venue.
Laverpa
Three clear, well-stocked dams just 7km from Dullstroom, offering rewarding fishing experiences. Each dam features diverse structure including channels, reed beds, and drop-offs, with the opportunity to catch sizeable fish. Dry-fly fishing enthusiasts will enjoy targeting trout with this technique, especially at Laverpa, known for its excellent midday dry fly activity.
Venue opens at 7am and closes at 5pm, strictly Catch and Release, limited to 10 anglers daily. Booking at Mavungana Flyfishing center is essential. Enquire with Mavungana at cost per person; no need for high rise or 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Bird of Prey Trophy water
Private Trophy Trout Waters. This exclusive catch and release (C.A.R) trout waters have been producing double-figure fish annually for over two decades. This 3ha lake is home to massive trophy rainbow and brown trout, offering a challenging experience for anglers.
Fishing is strictly catch and release, limited to three anglers with no float tubes for a great walk-and-stalk experience. Booking at Mavungana Flyfishing Centre in Dullstroom is essential. Waders are recommended for fishing over weed beds. The fishery closes if water temperatures exceed 18 degrees Celsius, ensuring well-managed and low-pressure fishing. Seasonal closure during summer months.
Exploring the Time-Honored Tradition of Fly Fishing in Dullstroom.
For over a century, the pristine streams of Mpumalanga have been playgrounds for trout enthusiasts. Introduced in 1903 by the Transvaal Trout Acclimation Society, trout thrive in the headwater tributaries of the Olifants and Crocodile Rivers, nestled amidst the Steenkampsberg and northeastern Drakensberg.
The Olifants System, centered around Lydenburg, hosts a cluster of renowned streams including the Klip, Watervals, Spekboom, and Dorps Rivers, along with the Sterk Spruit. Southward, the Crocodile River and its tributaries, the Lunsklip and Elands, beckon anglers with their waters.
Mpumalanga’s climate, characterized by summer rainfall, shapes fishing seasons. Spring heralds the onset of the fishing season, with water warming and fish becoming more active. However, the thin, clear waters demand finesse and stealth, particularly challenging even for seasoned anglers. Small flies and fine-pointed leaders are essential during this time, and early morning and late afternoon fishing are your best opitions when shadows lengthen and light softens.
If the previous summer was a dry one, the will be so thin during late winter and spring that it is very difficult to cast to a fish without spooking it. Your best bet will be a few deep pools and even there the fish will be crowded and unhappy.
Come summer, water temperatures rise, yet well-oxygenated mountain streams keep trout active. Abundant insect life fuels feeding frenzies, with trout readily taking small, bulky dry flies in riffles and pockets.
Mpumalanga streams favour traditional upstream nymphing and dry fly-fishing, with light rods and floating lines providing the best sport. Deep waters seldom necessitate sinking lines. Essential gear includes polarised sunglasses for clear vision and sturdy wading boots with felt soles for secure footing amidst rocky streams.
Dullstroom’s rivers and streams offer a sanctuary for trout and a playground for fishermen. From the Elandspad River to the Driekloof Dam, the region’s waterways teem with Brown and Rainbow Trout, beckoning enthusiasts to test their skills against these wily adversaries.
