WALK, WADE AND FISH

In June last year I spent an evening with the Women in Waders – a Fireside Chat. The purpose was to expand their interest in river and stream flyfishing. The follow-up was to be a day on a stream for practical instruction – the fundamentals of river craft and to walk, wade and fish. It took almost a year to co-ordinate schedules, but it eventually happened on the 4th May this year.

To put it mildly it was a new experience for me – enjoyable and refreshing – the envy of all my fishing buddies. It was a far cry from what I’m used to with the bunch of testosterone charged males that I fish with. Apart from the fact that they were much better looking, everything for the day was perfectly planned, the lunch packs they provided were delicious (even an opportunistic baboon who in a blink of an eye, stole one out the truck, agreed) – I didn’t even miss my usual boiled eggs and egg and chutney sandwiches!  I discovered that they talk a lot, often all at the same time, there was plenty of banter, laughter and drinks were never more than an arms length away. There was an air of positivity, the energy was palpable, they are serious about the sport, but also don’t take things too seriously – they don’t like flyfishing, they love it and were keen to learn more. There was a moment of panic when Bridgitte chipped a finger nail.  To her relief nothing that the file on my leatherman couldn’t fix – calamity averted. 

Reflecting on the day on the Bushmans, or the ‘Bushies’  as they call it, I felt that perhaps I didn’t spend enough time explaining the basics. But then I also saw the collective glint in the six pairs of eyes staring back at me that suggested, “let’s go and fish” – so we did.

Is this where my fly should be?

Concentration

Fetching her favourite fly – Deeper and colder than she thought.

Sindi helping Lybdall to spot fish

I was struck with their casting abilities, no doubt gained from the time spent fishing stillwaters. There are however different techniques that they will need to perfect for the best results on rivers and streams. Although there was a lack of river experience amongst the group, it was clear that Linda and Sindi had fished rivers before. It is understandable that to begin with flyfishing can be about as patchy as those squares for the knee rugs that your grandmother used to crochet – proficiency will improve over time and each will find their own way of understanding and achieving all of this. There was great excitement when Rox and Bridg caught their first ever wild river born brownies. The peacefulness of the valley was shattered with screams and whoops as if the Pakistan cricket team had just won the World Cup.

Bridg’s first stream brown.

Happiness – Photo by one of the ladies?

Flyfishing running water is not rocket science, there are many helpful ‘how to’ books, but practice is the key. To think that books alone will do it for you is a bit like taking a correspondence course in brain surgery. Experience and skills are gained through observation, learning from others, time on the water and practice, practice and then more practice.

And, then when the going gets tough Alison sets the pace and takes 5 with a chilled cup of chardonnay.

If my time spent with the Women in Waders is any measure, the future of ladies in our flyfishing community is in good hands . Feeling inspired – thank you Rox, Bridg, Sindi, Alison, Linda and Lyndall for a rewarding experience. I hope there will be a next time in the coming season.

It was a good day on the Bushman’s with the Women in Waders. Photo Lyndall Blakie

 

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WINTER BLUES – REALLY?

Winter blues, described as A mood disorder characterised by depression that occurs at the same time every year – it is patently clear that this doesn’t apply to flyfishers.

This is stillwater time, lakes, dams and farm ponds – frosty mornings, blue sky days, cold water, iced up rod guides, big trout and days when fingers and toes lose all knowledge of the brain. There are cosy cottages and evenings spent before a roaring fire with good friends, reflecting on the days events, of battles won and lost, stories, hearty meals, red wine or something stronger..

All images and copy in this post are copyright Peter Brigg Photography © 2019. All rights reserved

THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE

It is almost 3 months ago that I was in Wild Trout Country for the annual Rhodes Trout Festival and I’m already feeling that urge to return. Looking through my images today, I was transported back to the many pilgrimages I have made to the North Eastern Cape.

It is said a picture says a thousand words. I have put together a small selection of pictures from my recent visit together with some of my favourites from earlier trips. These pictures reflect my love of this part of our country.

But firstly. This years road trip, with Ian Cox, Jan Korrubel and Miles Divett for the annual Trout Festival, took just about 8 hours despite making use of a few dirt road shortcuts. We stopped only twice, once for a beer and Miles Divett’s gourmet cheese and salami sandwiches at our traditional spot for a break along the Pitseng road on the banks of the Luzi River and then at the top of Naudes Nek Pass for a drink to celebrate our arrival in wild trout country.

Beer and lunch Miles style.

It’s here from our vantage point at 2590 m above sea level overlooking the vast expanse of the Bell River valley where my heart begins to beat a little faster as excitement mounts and the expectations grow for four days fishing in some of the finest trout waters South Africa has to offer –  Each time I visit Rhodes something stirs inside me. It’s  hard to put my finger on the reason, but I do know that it is more than the infectious charms of miles and miles of sparking waters and the trout that live in them. Maybe it is reuniting with the part of my soul I left on previous visits, or then maybe it’s the remoteness, the beauty and the ambiance the place exudes.

 

The dictionary says “ambiance” means it’s the character and atmosphere of a place, the aura, mood, feel, quality, complexion, impression, flavour, spirit; setting, backdrop, environment, conditions, circumstances, situation, context; vicinity, locality, habitat and someone suggested, unpretentious ….. that’s about it as far as words can convey the feelings I have. You really need to go there to understand.

This years Dirt Road Traders sponsored festival was a resounding success, the hospitality, friendship, fun, stories and laughter. Dave Walker and his staff at Walkerbouts ensured all were well fed, organised and entertained. The bar at the Centre of the Universe was a focal point, a hive of activity, a place where friendships were renewed and new ones formed, stories were related and where the length of personal bests tend to grow by an inch with every passing hour. 

The fishing conditions were as close to perfect as we could ask for. The weather Gods were kind to us with rain before our visit and then four days of clear, sunny skies. The rivers and streams flowed quick, cool and clear with many hungry trout. Things have turned around in the North Eastern Cape after the devastating drought of 2 to 3 years ago – the countryside is looking better than I have seen in years, the streams are in prime condition and the trout population is back to normal. It bodes well for coming seasons.

Every time I leave Rhodes I leave behind a little of my soul and thoughts turn to the next opportunity to visit the area.

All images and copy in this post are copyright Peter Brigg Photography © 2019. All rights reserved

THE BARE ESSENTIALS

In my opinion we overburden ourselves with more gear than we really need for river and stream fishing – time to scale down. In the past few season I have been drastically reducing the extra baggage that at one time I thought was essential, or someone told me I needed it, or just fashionable to have the right appearance. I ditched my fly vest that I bought over 15 years ago at Filsons’s flagship store in Seattle. The story goes that they locked 12 of the best guides in a room and were only let out when they had designed the best fly fishing vest – true or not, they did a good job with enough space to accommodate the average man’s worldly possessions. It served me well until I realised that I was carrying a lot more than I needed. There were things in the pockets that I hadn’t seen for years or didn’t remember putting there or what they were for. It was bulky, heavy and hot.  I have now more or less come full circle from when I first started fly fishing. In those days in a shirt pocket I had one of my Dad’s old Three Nuns tobacco tins with a few flies and a packet of split-shot, in my shorts I had a spool of nylon for leaders and tippets and a Joseph Rogers pocket knife that in those days was used mainly for gutting my catch.

I now use a belt pack also made by Filsons, or a small Frost River shoulder bag. In there is a fly box, although bigger than I need I kept my lucky Wheatly fly box, floatant, forceps, a couple of spools of tippet indicator yarn and a few other essentials. My small 10 L backpack is for my camera, waterproof jacket, spare leaders and something to eat and drink. Since a dentist capped a tooth and changed my bite, my once useful cutting tool is no more so I hang a pair of nippers in an easy to reach spot off the backpack shoulder strap. And, that’s about it.

 

 

Multi-talented Marcel Terblanche is extending his crafted items to include beautiful hand-stitched shoulder bags – perfect for anyone wanting to take that step to scaling down. The bags are also personalised with his artistic pyrography talents. Anyone wanting further information can contact Marcel at driftflyfisher@gmail.com

 

 

The scaling down has extended also to the flies I now use. There was a time when I carried a couple of large fly boxes, both filled with an excess of flies some well-known, others experimental and many nondescript. Ostensibly these were there to match any aquatic or terrestrial insect likely to be found in or around our streams, I never wanted to be caught short – 95% of them never made it out of the box. I rethought what I needed in the way of flies reducing them to a core selection of generic patterns that will do the job in most situations – it works for me and I have seldom been found wanting.

One of the aspects that prompted me to simplify my fly tying and the patterns that I carry, was the number of days I have had where all that was needed was a single, seemingly irresistible fly. We have probably all had those ‘one fly days’. It has happened now far too frequently to be ignored.

On the first occasion despite trying a CDC and Elk I was fishless after 20 minutes. I changed to a Wolf Spider and took a pretty small rainbow on the first drift. From there on the trout rose to it steadily all day.  The only fly changes were to replace the battle scared spider for a fresh one.

Not long ago with trout rising freely I just couldn’t go wrong with a Mayfly Spinner despite no sign of spinners on the water. I suspect that there had been a fall the night before and they were keyed into coming onto them – I’m sure it was the familiar profile that got them excited. On another occasion when the trout were rising to emerging mayfly nymphs, I had a similar ‘one fly day’ with my variation of the Klinkhamer, the Klinkie.

 

 

dav

dav

And then, on my last outing of the season in 2018 I used a bushy CDC and Elk as the indicator with, a small lightly weighted nymph below – the Rooinek, a simple yet effective pattern that is nothing more than a GRHE with a red thread collar and a hint of UV dubbing blended with the hares ear. It took a mess of trout. I never felt the need to change, why would I? The same has happened a few times since then.

And, a couple of weeks ago to end of the season Philip Meyer’s excellent Para-RAB was all I needed. I’m probably inviting debate, apologies Philip, but I don’t see anything of the RAB in this fly. It deserves a name of its own.

Having cut my gear to the ‘bare necessities’, I feel unencumbered and comfortable, and I know where everything is. The preparation for a fishing outing is a lot easier, as is the choice of fly.

 

HOPPER MAGIC.

As another River season draws to a close I look back and reflect on things that have stood out, including the flies that proved their worth.

Once again the little hopper pattern amongst a handful of others, has been a standout fly especially during the sweltering dog-days of summer.

I have also recently had a number enquiries about my hopper that prompted me to write further about the new variant. It also formed an integral part of a recent lopsided deal that ended with me being the proud owner of a beautiful, handcrafted net from Andrew Savides. I think the ‘deal’ was more tounge-in-cheek than anything else.  In truth it was rather a case of the generosity of Andrew, a reflection of the hallmark of the man. But, to hold up my end of the deal, I will show him how to tie the latest version of my hopper.

I wrote a piece for Tom Sutcliffe’s Newsletter, The Spirit of Flyfishing, a few years ago. For want of a name he referred to it as Pete’s Hopper. It’s kind of stuck.

The Original

Since then I have made a few changes to improve it’s fish attracting qualities. These little terrestrials are widespread and consistently active during the summer months in the vicinity of the rivers and streams. Many end up in the water and struggling to reach the safety of terra firma again. It’s no surprise then that hoppers are familiar and recognisable insects to the fish, something they have seen, eaten often and enjoyed.

The new Variation

What is of course important is to have a fly that has features that represents the natural insect’s distinguishable profile, legs, wings and colours. Movement is another trigger and the inclusion of materials that will achieve this helps.

Materials and procedure.
Hook – my preferred hook is the TMC 103BL in #13 and #15’s. Alternatively Grip 11011BL in # 14 and #16s.

Abdomen – yellow foam cylinders heated and shaped into a blunt taper.

Head and wing – deer hair. It takes a little practice to achieve the right length of the wing after forming the head. The deer hair is added facing over the eye after securing the abdomen. Make sure when the hair is secured that a space of approximately 2mm of the shank is left clear behind the eye.

Underwing – orange Antron. I also add a CdC feather on some after the underwing. It helps more with movement than to aid floating.

Head and wing – At this point the deer hair needs to be folded back forming the head and main wing over the back of the fly.

Legs – grizzly rubber legs are the final addition before securing and whip-finishing.

All images and copy in this post are copyright Peter Brigg © 2019. All rights reserved

 

SPIRITUALLY RAVENOUS PILGRIMS

I’m awake. It’s 4.15 am, beating my alarm by 15 minutes and retaining my 100% record of never having been unceremoniously startled by the alarm. I throw the gear in the car and meet Grant by 5 am. We pick up Mark in Hillcrest. It’s still dark. Under a large yellow moon sliding towards the horizon, we point the nose of the truck west and follow the ribbon of tar towards the Drakensberg . A quick stop for a coffee at the Windmill Ultra Stop outside Notties and we we’re soon back on the  road arriving at Giants Castle after negotiating the perilous potholes in the district roads, many that could have resulted in us being added to the list of missing persons.

The Bushmans at Giants Castle is typical of the many Drakensberg streams. Beginning modestly below the escarpment, slowly gaining momentum as they are fed by a latticework of capillaries, natural springs and small tributaries. A staircase of cascading, cold, gin clear water, flowing through deep valleys, shadowy indigenous forests and over submerged bedrock, worn stone and gravel bars – pools, plunges, runs, riffles and pockets.  They keep their secrets close, are unpredictable and have an ambiguity that holds an attraction – full of surprises much like the trout that live in their waters.

But, there is more . . . . . . . . something I wrote a while ago.

The pursuit of wild mountain trout leads to some of the most beautiful, uncluttered, crystalline places this country has to offer, unspoiled natural environments, places where the air and water is clean, where eagles soar high in wide skies, where the only sounds and smells are natures own. Here a rudimentary sense of connection to the big wild earth will creep into awareness, where the seeds of a relationship with the natural world will flourish – these inspiring places are also uncompromising, where man is the intruder, where the earth works its magic …. if you let it in, it will run deep in your soul.

I am are drawn to these waters a little like an eager, spiritually ravenous pilgrim.

In the low, clear icy conditions, the trout were wary. If they spotted you first it was too late. Success only came when they weren’t aware of your presence. I was reminded of the importance of stealth, slowing down, keeping a low profile and using natural features to camouflage your approach.

While some of browns were feeding, others with reproduction and the perpetuation of the species on their minds, were already in their sideways shuffle over the gravel bars – they didn’t give our offerings as much as a passing glance.

It was tough fishing, but a good day to finish off my season. Another ‘one fly day’.  I have had a few this season. I stared with a Philip Meyer Para-RAB and ended with the same fly, a little battle scared, but still recognisable.

The drive home involved again running the gauntlet of cavernous potholes on the road through the Kamberg valley and the hundreds of 16 wheelers road-hogs on the N3. We arrived home safely, hungry, dog-tired and content.

All images and copy in this post are copyright Peter Brigg © 2019. All rights reserved

CONVERSATIONS IN THE TENT

It was some years ago. It had rained for most of the day. After 4 hours in the confined space of the hiking tent and just when it sounded like it was easing off, it bucketed down again. There are just three positions in a hiking tent, none of them comfortable  for long – lying, sitting or kneeling. I’m no yoga guru.  We brewed coffee, snacked on energy bars and made the occasional quick excursion to answer a call of nature, returning dripping wet. We had plenty of time to talk, and we did.

The rain showed no sign of letting up – the joys 😉 of camping far up the upland trails on little known streams in backcountry. The conversation turned to our preference for rainbow or brown trout – what, apart from appearance, makes them so different?

We agreed, more or less, that rainbows are generally bad tempered, wary and suspicious, they are aggressive, rapacious and refuse to give in to piscatorial conformity. They tend to hang out in places where they are expected to be, favouring deeper holes and quick water, moving around with a certain boldness and flare, striking viciously, violently at its prey. 

 

 

Whereas browns have a moodier temperament and are more introspective trout, they shun the predictable. They tend to accept a wider range of conditions, are mysterious and often found in unexpected places, favoring low light conditions, at dusk and somber, misty, rain filled days – times when the light is opaque and uncertain. Browns are skilled predators, persistent hunters, they are patient, brutish and explosive when striking.

 

 

When it comes to story telling browns are the stuff of legends.

I told the story of a brown closer to -4 lbs than -3 that I caught one evening in the Maletsunyane River below Semonkong Lodge. “How do you know it was a 4 pounder and not -5 or -6 lbs?”MP asked, like it was some kind of inquisition. “I don’t know, it just felt like 4 lbs or so”, I said. “Sounds like a bit of a guess”, MP replied with a questioning look and raised eyebrows.

The rain stopped, we grabbed our rods for a few casts before the light faded. On his first cast MP took a 10 inch brown, netted it, turned to me, grinned and said, “little fatty, feels like about 4 lbs to me.” We laughed long and hard – there may have been a lesson in there somewhere?

We agreed on one thing, we preferred catching brown trout, especially on dry flies.

All images and copy in this post are copyright Peter Brigg © 2019. All rights reserved