Updated: 23 July 2025 | By Shayne Prinsloo
Want to improve your odds on the Vaal River? Whether you're new to fly fishing or refining your Yellowfish game, this guide explains the “why” behind the “what” so you can fish with confidence.
How to Fight Yellowfish
Yellowfish are strong, fast, and love to run hard in current. Keep steady pressure without locking the rod. Use the midsection of the rod, let the drag work, and keep the rod angle low when the fish surges. Don’t rush the net—wait until the fish is tired and turns sideways. A soft-action 5-weight rod helps absorb shock.
- Side pressure: Change angles to turn fish out of snags.
- Low rod on runs: Protects knots and tippet.
- Drag set “firm-smooth”: Enough to turn, not pop.
Guide Tip: Never try to drag a Yellowfish upstream. Move your feet, use the current, and net head-first when the fish turns broadside.
Why Tungsten Beads Matter
In fast Vaal runs, getting down quickly is everything. Tungsten is ~1.7× denser than brass, so your fly reaches the strike zone faster and stays there longer—crucial for Euro nymphing where contact equals takes.
- High flows / deep slots: 3.5–4.0 mm beads.
- Low, clear water: 2.5–3.0 mm for natural drifts.
- Perdigon bonus: Slim, slick bodies cut turbulence and sink fast.
Best Flies for Summer Flows
From October to March, fish feed higher and move more. Carry a mix for clarity swings and current speeds.
- CDC Emergers — deadly in slower, clear slicks.
- Tungsten PTN — the all-rounder with natural profile.
- Hotspot Hare’s Ear — pops in stained water.
- Perdigons — Euro rigs in fast runs; size 14–18.
Size 14–18 is the sweet spot. Mix natural and high-vis patterns and adjust bead size to control the vertical lane.
Euro Nymphing vs Indicator Nymphing
Euro nymphing shines in fast pocket water with precise depth control and instant feedback. Indicator nymphing excels in wider, slower runs with long drifts and visual strike detection.
- Euro: Tight line, two flies, bead swaps for depth and speed control.
- Indicator: 9–12 ft leader, occasional bottom tick, early mends.
We teach both styles and bring custom leaders, sighters, indicators, and bead options to suit any stretch of the Vaal.
Understanding Fish Behaviour & Senses
Approach low and slow. Fish detect movement, vibration, and pressure changes via vision, hearing, and their lateral line.
- Vision: Stay low, avoid skyline silhouettes, use shade and cover.
- Vibration: Quiet feet; smooth wading to reduce disturbance.
- Light & clarity: Dawn/dusk are forgiving; in clear water, lengthen leaders and go slimmer.
- Wind/current: Approach from downstream where possible.
Practical: Scout first, plan your path with cover, use polarized glasses, and make side-arm or roll casts to keep splash down.
