TIGER FISHING ON THE UPPER ZAMBEZI

How time flies! 2009 came and went with alacrity and here we are with one eye on the World Cup and another on the weather. Last year the upper Zambezi experienced record floods - the third good annual flood in a row. Now we wait to see what the weather deities have in store for us. The trend on the upper river is that at the beginning of the year it is the rainfall from northern Zambia and Angola that will determine the extent of the flood and the prospects for mid-year when the "season" proper gets under way.

An ample flood season allows for good breeding of the minnow species on the floodplains. However, not only does this allow the river to regenerate its fish population, but when the water drops and the minnows trickle off the floodplains and back into the main river, the tigers have plenty to feed on.

Last year was a good year in which some impressive tigers were caught as well as the usual sprinkling. of other species. Not only did we latch on to some lovely double-figure tigers, but also some specimen nembwe and, later in the season Pink bream ( formerly known as Pink Happies). Surprise of the year was a lovely Threespot tilapia in the fast water near the rapids ( where we very seldom find them).

A TIGER SEASON TO RECALL

If you weren't on the Zambezi in 2008 then undoubtedly you missed one of the best seasons for many years.

The Quests took place from June to October and only on one visit did the groups fail to land a double-figure fish on fly. Not that emphasis is laid on big fish - wild fish are far too canny for that sort of guarantee - for if you don't go to enjoy the full range of what the Zambezi can offer, you'll miss out on some extraordinary sights. and many memorable moments as well.

While there were many highlights, double delight was expressed by well-known flyfisher Louis van der Westhuizen and Max and Trudi van Os who in three days landed 94 tigers out of 115 hooked (82% success rate using the 'wireless' technique) with three double figure in amongst the captures.

.Biggest fish of 17 lb was landed by Gerrie Venter towards the end of the season and Malcolm himself had a surprise when he landed a 12 lb. and 13+lb tiger on an October afternoon - before and after the Currie Cup semi-finals.

Earlier in the season there were some excellent days off the floodplains with tigers and nembwe (Olive bream) also coming to the fore, but a surprise package was the number of Pink Happies that took hold as well as a specimen Threespot tilapia. Naturally Sharptooth catfish were not uncommon especially during their "congregations" in July and August. Some monster 'tigers' were lost during this time when the fish headed for the fosia grass instead of open water.

Most of the Quests took place over four days but some were scheduled for a while longer. No matter how long one went for the opinion was always expressed " we should have stayed a day longer."

Thank you to all that participated. It was great to experience the friendship as well as the fishing.

FOR VISITORS TO SOUTHERN AFRICA

Not sure of what you'd like to experience on your trip to Southern Africa. Here's a summary of some flyfishing opportunities to consider. Flyfishing for Visitors

TIGER QUESTS FOR FLYFISHERS

Tiger Quests are ideal for small groups of flyfishers (minimum 4 for a minimum period of 3 nights) wishing to accelerate their success on the upper Zambezi - a pretty formidable Southern African river. The acknowledged season is June - October and Malcolm hosts the group, offers insight into where to go and techniques to use, but otherwise it's really informal and no different to any outing with friends.

For the past two years the Quests have been held at lovely, comfortable Impalila Island Lodge, which is about 70 kms upriver of the Victoria Falls and easily accessed from Livingstone, Kasane and Vic Falls itself.

The lodge is situated in the middle of some excellent water. Not only 30 - 40 kilometres of the Zambezi beckons, but also unrestricted access to the Kasai channel, the Chobe river and the Mambova rapids.

It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or not. In 2008 the biggest fish was landed by an angler who only picked up a fly rod at the beginning of the trip and a good proportion of the bigger tigers were landed by newcomer flyfishers. While every angler hopes to tangle with a monster, the 2 - 4 pounders deserve a great deal of respect as the tiger is one of the - if not the - hardest freshwater fighter around.

Catching a tiger fish on fly is a flyfishing dream for many anglers! And then, of course, there is the nembwe - the olive bream - and a number of other angling species including the Sharptooth catfish.

The minimum requirements are for a minimum of 4 anglers to stay for a period of 3 nights or more. That means, if time is an issue, a Friday to a Monday trip can be a plan to consider.

If you're keen to know more for your friends, clients or family, please email or click here for more information on the Tiger Quests

More Flyfishing Links for you to check out

Trout fishing and accommodation at Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga

More wild rainbow and brown trout fishing near Underberg in the beautiful waters of Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve

Tiger fishing on the Zambezi

International Links

For outbound flyfishers there's a world of flyfishing to be experienced. See if anything here catches your fancy.

It's great to have a fishing venue that one can call "home water" - a special place that holds you in its grip year after year. On the other hand, one of the attractions of flyfishing is that it can lure you to places far and wide; places that provide a challenge whether it is in the conditions that they pose or the type of fish they offer.

BOOK TITLE -

REMARKABLE FLYFISHING DESTINATIONS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA - R180 (includes local packaging and postage)

This is the latest in the flyfishing titles by Malcolm Meintjes. Read up on wonderful flyfishing destinations within Southern Africa that will capture your imagination, both in freshwater and the salt. An A3 size book with superb photographs to illustrate each chapter. Also includes relevant techniques for trout, yellowfish and tiger fish amongst others.

Published by Struik

This exciting site reveals more of this continent's jewels, and offers insight into many popular fly-taking species such as tiger fish, Nile perch, tilapia as well as bass and trout.

FLY TYING THROUGH THE "GUILD"

Have you tried the gentle and time-consuming art of fly tying.One such resource is the Transvaal Fly Tyers Guild