Updated: 12 Sep 2025 · By Shayne Prinsloo
Essential Yellowfish Fly List
Carry a size range and vary bead weight to control depth and drift speed. Below are proven producers on the Vaal with quick “when to fish” notes.
Perdigon Nymph
Fast sinker for riffles & pockets. Colours: olive, black, copper and many more.
Sizes: 14–18 · Beads: 2.5–3.5 mm
Euro & indicator dropper; great as anchor in two-fly rigs.
Pheasant Tail (Hotspot)
All-rounder; natural mayfly profile with a touch of pop.
Sizes: 14–18 · Beads: 2.5–3.0 mm
Clear to slightly stained water.
CDC Emerger
Deadly in slicks & soft edges; fish shallow as a dropper fly.
Sizes: 16–20 · Tippet: 5X
Ideal early morning / late afternoon, dropper fly
Caddis Larva
Year-round food item; great in moderate seams.
Sizes: 12–14 (control fly) · Beads: 2.8–4.0 mm
Olive/tan; bright green
Zebra Midge
Year-round food item; great in moderate seams.
Sizes: 16–20 · Beads: 2.0–2.5 mm
Black, fish in riffles and seams.
Hares Ear
Nymph throughout the day
Sizes: 14–18 · Beads: 2.5–3.0 mm
Sizes: 14–18 · Line: Floating, weighted fly
Probe deeper pockets and runs.
Tungsten Bead Size Quick Chart
Match bead to flow depth/velocity; change weight before colour.
| River State | Bead (mm) | Best Uses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low/Clear | 2.0–3.0 | Micro nymphs | Natural drifts; longer leaders |
| Moderate | 2.5–3.5 | Anchor + slim tag | Most Vaal days |
| Deep/Fast | 3.0–4.0 | Caddis anchor | Short drifts; tight line |
Guide Tip: Not getting takes? Change one variable at a time: depth → size → colour → speed.
Adapting to Changing River Conditions
The Vaal shifts fast—reaches can swing from silky glides to pushy seams within an hour. Treat it like a live puzzle: keep flies in the eating lane by adjusting bead weight and leader length as water type changes.
1) Depth Before Colour
If you’re not touching bottom 1–3 times per drift (in nymph water), go heavier or lengthen tippet. Once you’re in the right lane, then refine size/profile/colour.
2) One Water Type, More Fish
In early mornings and late afternoons, target shallow seams and glides. Working the same water type reduces re-rigging and keeps flies fishing longer.
3) Read the Conveyor Belt
Prime lies = food + oxygen + manageable speed. Look for compressed seams, soft cushions behind rocks, inside bends, and tailouts.
Water Type → Bead → Example Rig
| Water Type | Typical Depth / Speed | Bead (mm) | Fly Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shallow Glide / Edge | 0.3–0.7 m · gentle | 2.0–2.8 | PTN #16–18, CDC Emerger #18–20 | Early/late; longer leaders; stealth. |
| Riffle / Pocket | 0.5–1.0 m · fast | 2.8–3.5 | Perdigon #14–18 (anchor) + PTN tag | Short drifts; tight line; tuck cast. |
| Compressed Seam | 1.0–1.5 m · pushy | 3.0–3.8 | Caddis Larva #12–14 (anchor) + Emerger | Angle set in air; minimal mending. |
| Tailout | 0.6–1.0 m · even | 2.5–3.0 | Soft-hackle / PTN #14–18 | Emergence windows; swing/figure-8. |
| Deep Run | 1.2–2.0 m · steady/fast | 3.2–4.0 | Worm / Heavy Perdigon anchor | Short leader, direct contact, low rod. |
3-Step Adjustment Checklist
- Not getting eats? Increase bead or add 10–20 cm tippet to find bottom ticks.
- Now ticking too much? Step bead down one size or raise indicator / shorten tippet.
- Depth sorted? Then adjust fly size → profile → colour in that order.
Guide Tip: Re-work the same productive lane after a short rest—food refills in compressed seams faster than you think.
Rigging & Leader Notes
- Indicator: 9–12 ft leader, 3X–4X fluoro; small low-buoyancy indicator; mend early.
- Euro: Thin leader + sighter; two-fly; swap beads to control vertical lane.
Yellowfish Flies – FAQs
What colours work best?
Keep a natural base (olive, brown, black) and add a subtle hotspot (orange/pink) in stained water. Copper/black perdigons shine in pockets.
Barbless only?
Yes—barbless hooks, quick in-water releases and wet hands protect Yellowfish and improve survival.
Best two-fly combo?
Heavier anchor (perdigon/worm) on point + slimmer PTN/emerger on tag. Adjust bead on point first to set the lane.
