Only 2.5 hours from Gauteng, en route to the Kruger National Park, Picture a log fire, a misty morning, a trout stream. Not a dream - it's Dullstroom.
Whether you refer to this neck of the woods as Trouteng or as the fly-fishing suburb of Jo'burg, makes no difference. This quaint village, known for its high altitude fresh air, has become the place to be.
Be it for a quick break away to country fresh air, for a fine dining experience or for family fun, Dullstroom has a lot to offer.
The village, situated at 2100m above sea level in the Steenkampsberg range, dates back to the early 1880's, when Dutch settlers came to the area. The town derives its name from one Wolterus Dull, chairman of the Dutch immigrants. The "stroom" (stream) refers to the abundance of water in the area: The Crocodile River, which runs through the Kruger National Park, has its origin in Dullstroom. Other major tributaries, like the Lunsklip, Klip River, Steelpoort and Elands River, do not only feed important rivers and marshlands, but have also become synonymous with some of the best trout fishing in the country.
The area is known for its cool, sub-alpine climate and its misty atmosphere, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. It is also known as habitat for the three endangered cranes, a vast variety of wild flowers and rare species of mammals - a true paradise for the nature lover.
But Dullstroom and surrounds is primarily a haven for family fun, fly-fishing and country fresh air. The wide selection of elegant hotels and a variety of country accommodation, eateries, shops and activities, have made this an appealing tourist destination and an ideal stop-over on the way to the Lowveld and Kruger Park.
Dullstroom is arguably South Africa's fly-fishing capital, offering excellent still water and river fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked in most dams and streams.
•Come fish the Vaal river, have you ever caught a small or large mouth yellow on
fly?
•The Vaal is an awesome River that will have your heart beating at a incredible rate
in no time. Some of the following fish can be found
•Yellow fish - protected
•Carp
•Catfish (Barbel)
•Mud Fish
•Bass
•Moggel - protected
•Our target – Small mouth Yellow.
•The area we cover on the river is from below the Barrage right up to Potchefstroom
and offers some incredible bird life as well as picturesque fishing locations.
•Most of the angling done consists of purely hunting down these magnificent yellow
fish in the right riffles and runs, with only about 10 % being sight fishing.
•A challenge to say the least.
•The Vaal offers a selection of fly fishing water, from fast water to slow moving
runs, shallow to deep, allowing the angler to use different fly fishing techniques.
•The aquatic life here is at its best. With a variety of water dwelling insects for
the fish to feed on.
•Many Dry fly and Nymphing patterns work well under these conditions, resulting in
large amounts of fish being caught on a guided expedition.
•CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY & BARBLESS HOOKS ARE SUPPORTED