Smallmouth Yellowfish

With Smallmouth Yellowfish on everyone’s mind, week one in Lesotho opened with the kind of energy you only feel at the start of a new season. The camp was dialled, the guides were sharp, and the system was alive. Heavy early storms pushed the river high and cold, so we shifted to the dam. Slowing things down, twitching nymphs in deep water, and working tight to rock ledges gave you the best chance of finding fish. The bites came steadily, proving once again that adapting early sets the tone for the week.

Waiting for the Push

As the days rolled on, you could feel that familiar tension build — when will the yellows push up? With each degree of warming water and every centimetre the river dropped, the signs grew stronger. Flashes of gold began to appear in the current. You start looking harder, walking slower, paying attention. The Bokong was beginning to wake up.

Dry-Dropper Season Arrives

By the end of the week, things clicked into place. The river cleared, fish moved, and you could finally target them the way you love: dry-dropper rigs in skinny water, clean shots into pockets, sight-fishing that rewards patience and punishes rush. When the Bokong starts behaving like that, you feel yourself slot back into rhythm.

The Fish of the Week

In a strong week, one moment stood out. Richard, a beginner angler, stepped into the laminar flow above Salad Bar and began picking off a few trout. Then everything changed. A heavy eat, a tight line, and suddenly he was sprinting downstream with a yellowfish ripping into his backing. Fifteen minutes of pure tension followed — rod high, line tight, and a guide shouting instructions that definitely weren’t PG-rated.

When the fish finally slid into the net, the size of it stopped everyone. 68cm of golden, broad-shouldered Lesotho yellowfish. A proper Bokong trophy. Watching it power away afterwards was even better. Moments like that set the tone for a whole season.

Evenings That Make the Place

Back in camp, the mood was exactly what you’d hope for. Hearty meals, tired legs, the kind of easy banter that comes naturally after a long day in the highlands. Week one felt warm, familiar, and full of promise.

The season has begun — challenging starts, strong finishes, and clear signs that things are shaping up beautifully.

Want to fish the Bokong this season?

If you want to experience this fishery at its best, now is the time to plan your trip. Get in touch to secure your preferred dates.