Personalized Yellowfish Day Trips
New to the Vaal or chasing a trophy? We tailor flies, leader builds and techniques (Euro nymphing or Spannish style nymphing) to your goals and the day’s conditions.
Warm up with our Yellowfish fly fishing tips before you go.
Check out our TROUT FLY FISHING trips to Dullstroom – website below ↓
Best Time to Catch Yellowfish on the Vaal
Plan around water temperature, clarity, and insect activity. Use this calendar as a starting point, then adapt to flow and weather.
| Month | Conditions | Activity | Go-To Tactics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct | Spring warm-up; variable clarity | Rising | Euro/indicator seams; small hotspots (16–18) |
| Nov | Stable temps; more insects | Strong | Two-fly rigs; CDC emergers; pocket-water euro |
| Dec | Storms may colour water | Peak (between rains) | Heavier beads coloured; dry-dropper on banks |
| Jan | Summer flows; terrestrials | Strong AM & late | Short-line nymphs; ant/beetle dry-dropper |
| Feb | Warm; stable | Consistent | Slender nymphs; 2.8–3.5mm tungsten; slow figure-8 |
| Mar | Cooling; clearer | Strong midday | 4X–5X fluoro; size 16–18; dry-dropper |
| Apr | Autumn clarity | Good | Long leaders; subtle PTN/Perdigon |
| May | Cooler | Moderate | Deeper runs with 3.0–3.5mm tungsten |
| Sep | Warming | Improving | Perdigons on seams; emergers on soft edges |
Guide Tip: If you’re getting follows but no hookups, change one variable at a time: depth → size → colour → speed.
Proven Flies & Rigs for Vaal Yellowfish
Carry a mix of sizes and bead weights to control depth and drift speed.
Perdigon Nymph
- Nymph
- Euro/Indicator
- Fast sink
Sizes: 16–18 Beads: 2.5–3.5mm
Pheasant Tail (Hotspot)
- Nymph
- Natural
Sizes: 16–18 Beads: 2.5–3.0mm
CDC Emerger
- Emerger
- Clear water
Sizes: 16–20 Tippet: 4X
Caddis Larva
- Nymph
- Year-round
Sizes: 14–16 Beads: 2.5–3.5mm
Rigging & Presentation Notes
- Euro nymphing: Thin leader, two-fly; adjust bead sizes for the vertical lane. Learn Euro Nymphing
- Tippet: Fluoro 3X–4X for nymphs.
Meet Your Guide – Shayne Prinsloo
REFFIS & THETA accredited. Decades on the Vaal. Specialist in Yellowfish tactics including Euro nymphing.
⭐ What Clients Say
★★★★★
“An incredible day on the Vaal! Landed my first Smallmouth Yellowfish and learned euro nymphing.”
– Johnothan, Johannesburg
★★★★★
“Great instruction and strong conservation ethic. Highly recommend.”
– Martin M., U.K.
What’s Included
- Personalized instruction
- Nymphing & river casting techniques
- Fly selection guidance
- Leader setup
Recommended Gear
- 4–6 wt rod with floating line
- Level mono leader 10–12 lb - high vis orange
- Tippet 3X–4X fluorocarbon
- Nymphs (tungsten beads) — sizes 16–18
- Wading boots feltsole are essential
We follow strict catch-and-release with barbless hooks and fish-friendly handling.
💡 Did You Know?
Fish don’t hear like humans; they detect vibrations via inner ear and body. Heavy footsteps, dropped gear, or noisy wading can alert them long before you’re in casting range.
Safety, Conservation & What to Bring
The Vaal is powerful—pack smart and respect the water.
⚠️ Safety First
- Grippy wading boots; staff in deeper water
- Move deliberately—slimy rocks & drop-offs
- Sun protection: hat, polarized glasses, SPF
- Rain jacket & dry clothing
♻️ Conservation
- Catch-and-release on Yellowfish
- Barbless hooks only
- Keep fish wet; wet hands before handling
- Release gently into calm water
🎒 What to Bring
- 4–6 wt rod with floating line
- Fluoro tippet 3X–4X
- Perdigons, PTN/hotspot, caddis larva, worms; CDC emergers
- Quick-dry layers; small waterproof pack
Vaal River Safety & Gear – FAQs
Is the Vaal River safe to wade while fly fishing?
Yes—treat it with respect. Wear grippy boots, use a staff in deeper sections, and move deliberately. Storms can change flows quickly.
Why must Yellowfish be released?
They’re indigenous sport fish. Use barbless hooks, keep them wet, and release gently for high survival.
What gear should I bring?
- 5–6 wt rod with floating line
- 3X–4X fluorocarbon (nymphs); mono for dries
- Perdigons, PTN, caddis larva, worms; CDC emergers
- Wading boots; quick-dry layers
