Makhangoa Community Camp fishing
Makhangoa Community Camp fishing this week delivered everything from dirty water drama to explosive dry fly eats. The rains returned to the Bokong catchment, and while the river looked prime in terms of flow, visibility tanked—turning it chocolate brown and pushing the yellowfish down into the dam.
No one flinched. We inflated the boats and got stuck in.
Dam Sessions and Big Fish Highlights
What followed was a proper session. Anglers were into fish all over—twitching nymphs along cliff walls, probing rocky ledges, and dragging flies through the flooded grass and scum-lines. Standout catches included:
- Seamus with a 66 cm smallmouth yellow
- Francois with a 65 cm bruiser
- Francois Jnr. with a solid 62 cm slab
The dam produced the goods, with backing knots tested and reels singing.
River Turns On and the Hopper Shines
After two dry days, the river cleared and the fish pushed back upstream. Gold flashed in the shallows, and riffles came alive. The brown hopper stole the show—yellows were all over it, hitting hard in pocket water and fast seams. It was all about visual eats, and some of them were savage.
Francois Jnr. (age 9) was relentless, catching fish after fish and grinning through the arm fatigue. He put in serious time and it paid off.
Special mention goes to Frank, who euro-nymphed a stunning 62 cm yellow from a clear run in the river—textbook stuff.
Camp Vibes and Shared Moments
Off the water, the week was just as rewarding. We ticked off some fantastic bird sightings, swapped stories over excellent meals, and worked through a fair few Maluti lagers each evening. Seamus lost a few good fish and let the whole valley know about it—always entertaining.
Makhangoa Community Camp fishing continues to prove itself as one of the most consistently rewarding experiences in Southern Africa.
Gear Notes and Tips for High Water Success
When the river blows out, don’t pack it in
The dam becomes the main arena. Look for fish holding near ledges, flooded vegetation, or in open water near debris lines. Float tubes or inflatables make all the difference for accessing these zones.
What worked this week:
- Twitching nymphs near structure in the dam
- Dragging flies slowly through floating debris
- Euro nymphing in the river once the clarity returned
Fly of the week:
The brown hopper (foam body, rubber legs) produced outrageous topwater eats in riffles and pockets
Lines & Leaders:
River: floating line with 12–14 ft leaders for subtle presentation
Dam: intermediate or sink-tip lines to stay in the zone longer
Ready for Your Own Makhangoa Moment?
Whether you’re after sight fishing in skinny water or twitching flies to slabs in the dam, Makhangoa Community Camp fishing brings the goods. Spaces fill quickly in peak season—don’t miss out.
Get in touch to book your trip or find out more about upcoming availability.
