Orange River Fly Fishing
Four adventurous anglers from across the globe gathered on the secluded banks of the Orange River, ready for a fly fishing experience like no other. Their backgrounds were as varied as the fish they sought: one from the misty hills of North-West Ireland, another from Kenya, and the final pair—a father and son duo—just arrived from the coastline of Cape Town. With rods in hand and anticipation high, they were eager to embrace the excitement of Orange River fly fishing.
Fly Fishing for Largemouth Yellowfish on the Orange River
The fish were around, and biting they were! In the late afternoon, the youngest angler, a six-year-old with enthusiasm only rivalled by the river itself, decided it was time to get serious. After asking one of the guides to rig up his rod, the young lad trotted off into the fading sun. About 15 minutes later, all peace was shattered as the unmistakable cry of “It’s a largie!!” echoed through the valley. The rod bent, the reel screamed, and the six-year-old was locked in a battle for the ages. With sheer determination, he finally wrestled a bus largemouth yellowfish into the net. Not a bad catch for a kid whose legs are still shorter than the fish itself.
Exploring The Smallmouth Yellowfish of the Orange River
The next morning brought its own challenges. After a tough few hours that had both guides and guests questioning if the fish were still in the river—the group decided to mix things up. “Let’s try the small side channel just above Trainwreck,” one of the guides suggested, scratching his head. The weapon of choice? A humble tan Sex Dungeon fly. Three casts in and—bam—game on! The fish, not pleased with being hooked, decided the best course of action was to head straight for the nearby rapids. A savvy bit of angling and some intense reeling managed to turn the fish. After another back-and-forth, gruelling battle, a 69cm smallmouth yellowfish finally surfaced—a true bus of a fish and a well-deserved prize.
Stories and Laughs on the Orange River
As the trip wrapped up, the tally of good fish, great laughs, and unforgettable memories grew. The Irishman, the Kenyan, and the father-son duo all had stories to last a lifetime. Birds were spotted, rocks were fished from as well as slipped on, and fireside conversations stretched late into the night. Even the notorious howling headwind that whipped across the river on day four couldn’t dampen spirits. It was a successful trip in every sense, with fish caught and friendships forged.
Why the Orange River Stands Out as Southern Africa’s Premier Fishing Destination
As the group packed up their gear and bid farewell to the river, one thing was clear: the Orange River had offered them more than just fish—it had delivered adventure, excitement, and enough stories to keep them talking for years to come.
Now it’s your turn to create your own fishing story. Ready to embark on your own Orange River fly fishing adventure? Book your trip today and experience the thrill for yourself!
