Updated: 13 Sep 2025 · By Shayne Prinsloo
Intro: Species & Habitats
The Vaal River’s Smallmouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus) and Dullstroom’s trout reward anglers who understand how fish sense the world. You’ll encounter a mix of riffles, glides, and pools; each habitat changes how visible—and audible—you are. Mastering stealth across these zones is the fastest way to improve hookup rates.
Senses: Vision, Hearing & Lateral Line
Vision
In clear water, fish pick up silhouettes, flash, and sudden movement instantly. Avoid skyline profiles and keep your shadow off feeding lanes.
- Stay low behind bankside cover.
- Polarized glasses show seams/structure and cut glare.
- Dress in earth tones to blend in.
Hearing & Lateral Line
Sound and pressure waves travel quickly in water. Boots on rocks, dropped gear, and abrupt wades broadcast via the inner ear and lateral line.
- Shuffle, don’t stomp; set gear down gently.
- On boats, cut engines early and drift/paddle in.
- Pause often—steady rhythms spook less than bursts.
Riffles, Glides & Pools: How to Stay Invisible
Riffles
Broken surface masks your approach but shortens windows. Work short, high-percentage lanes; step softly to avoid pressure waves pushing upstream.
- Approach from downstream.
- Present tight, short drifts; reset often.
- Great for Euro-nymphing and perdigons.
Glides
Clear, even currents magnify errors. Extend leaders and reduce flash; prioritize perfect angles and slack management for drag-free drifts.
- Lengthen leaders; fine fluorocarbon.
- Reach set angles before the fly lands.
- Soft hackles/CDC emergers excel.
Pools
Sound carries far; patience wins. Fish the edges and inflows first; avoid wading the heart unless flows force it.
- Low posture; limit false casts.
- Delicate indicators or long leaders.
- Watch for cruising trout at first/last light.
Stealth: Wading, Casting & Clothing
Wading & Positioning
- Move low and slow; pause to scan.
- Use a wading staff on deeper/faster runs.
- Approach from downstream to keep silt behind you.
Casting & Presentation
- Favor side-arm or roll casts to limit splash.
- Present once; then let it fish—avoid “helicopter” false casts.
- Pre-set angles in the air; feed slack for natural drift.
Clothing & Colour
- Neutral/earth tones; break up outline with cover.
- Dark-brim cap to control glare.
- Stow reflective accessories.
Need fly patterns & bead sizes? Read: Top Yellowfish Flies.
Gear Entities: Euro-nymphing, Fluorocarbon, Polarized Glasses
Euro-nymphing
Thin leaders, coloured sighter, and tungsten beads give precise depth control and instant feedback—ideal in riffles and complex seams where contact equals takes.
Learn more: Euro vs Indicator
Fluorocarbon
Lower refractive index and abrasion resistance make fluorocarbon the stealth choice in clear glides and pressured pools. Step down tippet before downsizing the fly body.
Polarized Glasses
Cut surface glare to spot seams, lanes, and fish body language. Polarization also prevents your own micro-movements from flashing on the surface film.
About Shayne Prinsloo
Shayne Prinsloo is a R.E.F.F.I.S & THETA accredited guide with over 20 years of experience guiding anglers on the Vaal River and in Dullstroom. Known for his expertise in targeting Smallmouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus) and trophy trout, Shayne combines scientific understanding of fish behavior with practical on-the-water tactics.
When he’s not guiding, Shayne is fine-tuning Euro-nymphing rigs, experimenting with fluorocarbon leaders, and scouting riffles, glides, and pools for prime Yellowfish lies. His hands-on knowledge ensures that every client learns not only where to fish but also why fish behave the way they do.
Fish Behavior – FAQs
How do fish detect anglers?
Vision, hearing, and the lateral line. Avoid skyline silhouettes, splashes, and heavy steps. Move low and slow.
Where should I stand in riffles, glides, and pools?
Riffles: approach from downstream, short drifts. Glides: long leaders and delicate angles. Pools: stay low, fish edges/inflows first.
What gear helps with stealth?
Polarized glasses for seeing lanes; fluorocarbon for low visibility; Euro-nymphing setups for precise depth control.
