Bokong

The early-season mood on the Bokong shifted the moment the second group arrived. You could sense it in how quickly everyone settled — return anglers slipping back into familiar rhythms and first-timers feeding off the buzz. The river was running high and cold after solid rain, but the yellows were already pushing upriver with intent. As soon as the water began to clear, fish started feeding in the lower columns of Beat 1, giving the group proper shots far earlier than expected.

Working the Windows on the Bokong

Most days followed the same pattern: thunderstorms building, clouds stacking, and everyone moving between beats to make the most of each gap. You would have found success by keeping things simple and getting down. Dark PTNs with a hint of flash turned out to be the workhorses, cutting through the heavier flow and reaching the fish that were holding tight.

Surface Shots Still Happened

Even with the elevated water, the surface wasn’t entirely switched off. Hopper patterns drifted through the pockets, and every now and then a yellow would break formation to eat on top. Those small windows reminded the group why Bokong dry-fly moments stay with you long after the season ends. Think about your own dry-fly sessions — what’s the one eat you still replay in your head?

Dean’s Highland Trifecta

The week’s defining story came in the final afternoon session. Dean had already put down a standout 67 cm yellow at Salad Bar earlier in the trip. Then, in front of camp, he produced something almost unheard of on this river: a 63 cm yellow on a nymph, followed shortly by a rainbow trout and a brown trout. Three species, all in the same session, all on the highlands. A rare and impressive trifecta.

Momentum Into the Season on the Bokong River

High water, shifting weather, committed anglers, and fish that kept pushing — Week 2 had all the ingredients you look for during early-season Bokong sessions. If you’re planning your own trip, think about how you’d approach those early conditions. Would you lean into the nymph game, or hold out for a dry-fly window?

If you want help shaping your own Bokong experience, reach out by clicking here.