Sight fishing smallmouth yellowfish

In a thrilling day of sight fishing smallmouth yellowfish, angler Richard Gibson landed an unforgettable catch. Exploring the hidden channels of the river, we navigated through narrow bends, carefully scanning the shallows for the perfect sight fishing opportunity.

Targeting Barbel Among Yellowfish in Shallow Channels

Pushing far up a side channel, we found ourselves sight fishing smallmouth yellowfish when we came upon a spectacular scene: large barbel prowling through the shallows, actively hunting yellowfish in the tight channels. Richard swiftly positioned his nymph in front of a hefty barbel. Without a hint of hesitation, it took the fly and continued cruising as if unaware it had been hooked.

Landing the Trophy Barbel

The ensuing fight was one to remember, as the barbel powered through long, forceful runs. The guides scrambled across rocky outcrops, with several tense moments, until they finally had to jump into the pool to wrestle the fish into the net. At 120 cm and 10.8 kg, this was a true trophy fish and a remarkable feat for Richard, who managed to land it on a 5wt rod with a 3X tippet.

This day of sight fishing smallmouth yellows and barbel in the remote channels highlights the incredible challenges and rewards of fly fishing on the Orange River. If you’re ready for your own unforgettable adventure, reach out to book your trip and experience the thrill of landing trophy fish in pristine, wild waters!