Summer '21 - Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Yellowfish on the Vaal River, South Africa

Towards the beginning of the '21/'22 summer season I booked a last-minute stay at the Vaal River, these are some of the highlights.
The first day was a little tough with the barometer moving somewhat. I ended up randomly bumping into Kevin on the water too, and we enjoyed a fun, late afternoon session. Nice to meet you in person, man!
Day two exceeded my expectations, and I managed to land some decent-sized yellows which all succumbed to the mulberry "hatch".
Me - / al.vs.fish
Kevin - / kev_goncalves

[@fishonlinesa]

Stunning catches man!

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Much appreciated! 😄

[@kevinstern2490]

That was great ! I feel so relaxed after watching that.

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Thanks brother! 😌

[@joedas4563]

Great vid man lekker fishing 🐟🎣❤️📹👍

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Many thanks, Joe! 👍🎣

[@joziflyfishing]

Fantastic video

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Many thanks, Yaqoob! 😄🎣

[@paulodeboer9121]

One of the first videos I’ve seen with a true Euro style nymphing setup for yellowfish. What line class is your rod, as I was a little afraid the light Euro nymphing rods might not have enough backbone for those strong yellows. I hope to squeeze in a day of fishing in September during my holiday with my wife.

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Hi Paulo. Rod used in this video is an 11 foot 3WT Vision Nymphmaniac. I've found it has more than enough backbone if you play the fish sensibly, but a 4WT would probably be ideal since one often hooks carp and catfish as bycatch and some extra strength is appreciated in those situations.

[@paulodeboer9121]

@@AlistairRoutledge Cool, thanks for the information. Much appreciated!

[@YukionChannel]

Great video !!

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Many thanks! 😄

[@christophertomlinson6658]

🔥🔥🔥

[@dd7620]

As a new flyer can you maybe advise were at the vaal would be a good place to go would be? Your video is amazing 👏

[@timothybartosch1372]

Id love to know aswell. About a year ago the fly fishing bug bit me and ever since ive been try to find a place to fish but no real luck yet.

[@CJ_fishing09]

What tipe of flies did you use mainly??

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Most were caught on #16 Blowtorch

[@radinoga]

A little more info on the flies, retrieve and some basic tips would go a long way. Nice video but would like to learn a bit more.

[@AlistairRoutledge]

Hi Grant, most of the fish took a #16 Blowtorch. The flies were dead drifted using Euro nymphing tactics, no retrieve at all.

[@AlistairRoutledge]

th-cam.com/video/RlUV9QXCVko/w-d-xo.html