THE STERKFONTEIN YELLOWFISH EXPERIENCE

Text Tom Sutcliffe Pictures by Damon Mathfield

People are now rating this great impoundment as one of the country’s premier fly fishing destinations and deservedly so. Here’s what Jan Korrubel had to say of a recent trip there…

‘I was privileged to spend 2 days of the week before up at Sterkfontein Dam fishing for smallmouth yellows.  I now know why they call Sterkfontein an "Experience" and the smallmouth yellows there "Mini-V8's".  With that expanse of water and the fishing opportunities there, I can also see why folks can dedicate their lives to the place.  The take of those smallmouth yellows is something else - "Freshwater Bonefish" is probably an overused description, but I can think of nothing better...!’

Jan puts it well. And remember the clarity of the water provides plenty of sight fishing opportunities. But I think there’s much more to the fishing here than just the fish. I have seen some of the most spectacular cloud scenery build up over this water – followed often enough by spectacular displays of lightening and thunder and driving rain. It’s a very visceral, earthy experience in a fishing landscape that anyway must rate among the most dramatic in the world.

Here Damon Mathfield shares some of his images of this magnificent venue. It’s a wonderful tapestry showing the place in all its moods.