Makhangoa Fishing

Makhangoa Fishing: A close-knit group of friends from Ireland and the UK decided it was time to swap the hustle of their busy lives for the remote and rugged mountains of Lesotho. Their plan? To chase some epic fishing memories in the mountain kingdom. But as they touched down, they seemed to have packed a little too much of the UK with them—namely, the rain.

Rainy Beginnings and Challenging Conditions

The first two days were a soggy challenge. Torrential downpours caused the river to rise with speed, turning its waters into a chocolate-brown torrent. Fishing the river was out of the question, so the group made do with the dam. While a few trout came to the net, they weren’t the trophies anyone was hoping for. Still, the rain wasn’t all bad—it was the catalyst needed to nudge the yellowfish upstream for their spawning migration.

Cultural Immersion in a Lesotho Woolshed

One particularly dramatic afternoon at the dam, a massive storm rolled in, sending everyone scrambling for cover. Their refuge? A local Lesotho woolshed. What could’ve been a washout turned into an unforgettable cultural experience. Inside, they were welcomed by friendly locals and treated to an impromptu lesson in sheep shearing. Watching the wool being clipped, sorted, and prepped for its journey to Port Elizabeth felt like something straight out of a travel documentary—a special moment that connected them to the rhythm of Basotho life.

Spectacular Yellowfish Action

By day five, the clouds finally parted, and the sun took centre stage. With it, the river began to clear, and the yellows started their upstream push. The fishing suddenly went from sluggish to spectacular. The yellows were hungry, the rods were bending, and the guides were running around like headless chickens, netting fish left, right, and centre. Double- and triple-hookups became the norm, keeping everyone on their toes.

Record-Breaking Catches and Unforgettable Moments

The standout moments? Chris Horn and John Beel each hooked into monster yellows measuring 57cm and 59cm, respectively. These golden slabs didn’t give up easily, charging through the river and putting every knot to the test. With nerves frayed and adrenaline pumping, both fish were successfully landed—moments that left the group buzzing with excitement.

The Magic of Makhangoa

But this trip wasn’t just about the fishing. Evenings were spent around the campfire, sharing belly laughs and hearty meals under skies ablaze with starlight. The Makhangoa mountains, with their sweeping beauty, provided a stunning backdrop to every adventure.

Watching the Basotho people go about their lives with their donkeys, horses, sheep, and goats was a humbling reminder of the simplicity and resilience of mountain living.

What started as a week of tough fishing turned into an unforgettable journey filled with golden fish, cultural riches, and memories to last a lifetime. If you’re ready to create your own Makhangoa fishing story, start planning today—your next adventure awaits!