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FLY-FISHING Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve provides excellent fly-fishing opportunities for both Stillwater and River enthusiasts. Fly-fishing is the only form of fishing allowed at Doornkop and is regulated by appropriate management policies pertaining to fishing ethics, bag limits, the handling and cleaning of fish, rod limits per dam, beat and chalet, equipment (barbless hooks), litter and stocking. A charge per kilo of fish in excess of the bag limit is applicable. Fly-tying in the studio of the main complex A resident fly-fishing guide is on hand at Doornkop to oversee fishing, offer advice and run fly-tying and fishing clinics. The goal is to create a fishery to suit all the needs of fly fishers, from starters to the more experienced, by providing various degrees of challenge on the rivers and dams while maintaining all the natural elements that sustain a food chain and a good habitat for trout and yellows. The resident fly-fishing guide provides advice on technique DOORNKOP FISHING WATERS Fly Fishing at Doornkop is being developed at three distinct levels, namely rivers, weirs and dams. 1. Rivers River fishing is on a catch and release (CAR) basis. The success of the system hinges on anglers’ ethics and recording. When staying at Doornkop you can stalk Smallscale Yellowfish in deep pools along a 12km stretch of the Upper Komati broken by rapids and riffles.
The upper Komati River at Doornkop
Stalking smallscale yellowfish on the upper Komati River Access along the rivers is by paths cleared behind the immediate bank vegetation, which is left in tact for the breeding of insects and to give cover to the angler and his quarry. Indigenous trees and shrubs are being reintroduced to create shade and a food source on banks where invader trees have been removed. Taking up the challenge of catching smallscale yellowfish on fly
The large catchment area produces a perennial flow of fly-fishing waters even during dry seasons. Although flooding does occur during summer and may preclude river fishing for a few days, it is essential for the continuity of the food chain. Whilst somewhat smaller than the Komati River, the Swartwater Spruit is no less exciting. Rising on the highveld above the edge of the escarpment it flows for about 5km across Doornkop descending over several small waterfalls into a Kloof. It then flows through two weirs in close proximity to the chalets before joining the upper Komati River near the entrance of the reserve.
The Swartwater Spruit at Doornkop Upstream of Doornkop there is very little riparian agronomy and no urban use or industry on the Swartwater stream. Unwelcome invader trees are sparse and controlled. The water clears within hours of heavy rain and is always cold. It is neutral to alkaline, clear and well oxygenated, facilitating the buildup of a natural food chain as testified by the quantities of stoneflies and miniature barbell. These two species are normally the first to disappear when pollutants enter a water system. Open riverbanks and access points on both rivers enhance the fly fishing experience and this combined with the removal of in stream obstructions such as debris and tree stumps make fishing and casting a pleasure 2. Weirs Two weirs have been built across the Swartwater Spruit to enhance fishing opportunities for natural species such as Yellowfish, Mountain Eel and Barbel. Weirs conform to nature conservation requirements, ensuring accessible passage for fish up and down stream. A weir on the Swartwater Spruit at Doornkop The weirs contain shallow clear water with visible trout, are within strolling distance of the chalets and are maintained for easy relaxed fishing, 3. Dams Stillwater anglers have access to a number of trout stocked dams totalling over 50 000m2. The object of the earth dams is to provide more challenging fishing, with the opportunity for long casts and the possibility of 2 kg plus sized trout. These dams are located on the east side of the Swartwater Spruit and are fed by cold water drawn from the Swartwater.
Trout dams at Doornkop The largest dam at Doornkop has a surface area of 22 400 sq.m and has been specifically designed for float-tubing.
The main dam at Doornkop provides a facility for float tubing Doornkop owners have access to additional dams in the conservancy. Angling opportunities for other fish species such as Bass, Carp, Barbell and Kurper are available at the Nooigedacht Dam Nature Reserve (3358ha) located approximately 30 minutes drive from Doornkop. |
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