Elandspad River, an otherworldly fishing session!
- Arno Convers
- Nov 21, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 29, 2024
"Every session on the Elandspad is about fishing for beautifully colored rainbow trout, being disconnected from the world, in the bush. Each time, it's an amazing experience! "
How to get there ?
The Elandspad is the largest tributary of the Smalblaar River, which I mentioned in a previous article. The confluence point is located at the exit of the Huguenot Tunnel (when coming from Paarl via the N1) or the Du Toits Kloof Tunnel via the old mountain road.
Elandspad is a completely wild river at the bottom of a mountain valley, where you'll find all the typical fauna and flora of the Cape region. This area is accessible via a hiking trail managed by Cape Nature.
Caution! The number of visitors is limited to preserve the wild nature of the place. During the summer months (December to February), I recommend arriving before eight o'clock (if you just want to hike), or access to the area may be denied.
To fish, you'll need the necessary permit to pass the filter.
To obtain the fishing permit ?
"The Elandspad River is divided into four beats (sections), and you will need to make reservations with the CTPS (Cape Piscatorial Society) to fish there (mandatory). The advantage of booking a beat is that it ensures you have exclusive access to that section of the river."
Just like the Smalblaar (see my article on this incredible spot), it is also administered by the Cape Town Piscatorial Society (CTPS) according to specific rules.
To fish this spot, you need to purchase a permit from the Piscatorial or go through a guide.
Each fisherman will be dedicated a section. You won't have to share it with other anglers. This can enhance your fishing experience and give you the opportunity to enjoy the solitude of the river.
This river is populated only by rainbow trout and can only be fly-fished (fishing with lures is strictly prohibited according to the CT Piscatorial Society's rules).
Early fishing is mandatory
Elandspad is divided into four "beats" (river sections) that you must reserve in advance with the CTPS (see my article on Smalblaar to understand how the rivers in the Western Cape Province work). In summer (December to February), I recommend starting to fish around seven o'clock. Nine o'clock is the ideal time: the sun rises, hatches occur, and the trout become active. From that point on, the sun will start to flood the mountain slope, and generally, catches become less frequent after around two o'clock.
Read also: A pure trout fishing gem near Valencia. Arriba !
A Place out of this world !
"The water is very clear, slightly brown due to the characteristic color of African soil, and somewhat acidic, which explains why the fish don't exceed 30 cm"
"However, they are numerous and beautiful. And you'll be fishing in a dream environment, completely isolated... except for the occasional baboons!"
Where are the best fishing spots of the Elandspasd river ?
Elandspad River beat 2, Paarl
"Beat No. 1" is the one I recommend the least for two reasons: swimmers and heat. It's actually a fairly short beat, consisting of very large pools spanning several tens of meters.
These large pools attract tourists during the hot summer because of the slow current and easy access. Consequently, starting from 9-10 in the morning, all these water spots become impassable. Moreover, the warming of the water is more noticeable in these low-current areas.
"Beat No. 2" is my favorite. It is the opposite of the previous beat. Difficult to access via a very steep and slippery path, it is composed of highly diverse fishing spots, small pools, rapids, riffles... It's truly the most versatile section of this river in my opinion because you can fish dry flies or nymphs here."
The “beat N°2” : my favourite.
It's the complete opposite of the previous beat. Difficult to access via a very steep and slippery path, it consists of highly diverse fishing spots, small pools, rapids, shallows... It's truly the most versatile section of this river, in my opinion, as you can fish dry flies or nymphs there. It's a beat where you won't encounter anyone throughout the day because the river is far from the hiking trail. You're completely secluded from the outside world.
Attention: book this beat in advance with CTPS as it's one of the favorite spots for local anglers.
Beat number 3 for large pools.
It is actually similar to beat No. 2. However, you will find three large pools that are somewhat difficult to fish. Besides that, the real difference from beat No. 2 concerns the size of the fish, which are smaller but more numerous. It's also a very good beat in summer because there are many rapids, highly oxygenated, and you can enjoy the large pools for swimming at lunchtime.
Beat 4 is the most technical. Here, the river narrows with many trees along the banks, making casting more technical. You'll need to fish using the "crossbow technique," and the fish will be smaller. The scenery is stunning, and you'll reach a waterfall where, in summer, you might encounter hikers.
Which flies ?
Regarding flies, I recommend the same basics as in my fishing on the Smalblaar:
Small size 14 parachutes
Medium-sized DDD
Size 16 Cadis
The marvelous giant mayfly that you can only find in South Africa, which all rainbow trout love.
"My favorite: a wonderful giant mayfly that the South Africans recommended to me: the rainbow trout love it. A hit!"
Good to know / Where is the fishing spot ?
From Cape Town, head towards Paarl and then the Huguenot Tunnel (A1). Make sure to arrive in the Huguenot Tunnel parking lot at sunrise because it will take you at least 30 minutes to reach your beat.
However, plan to finish your fishing session by three to four o'clock at the latest because the sun sets quickly in Cape Town (5 PM in the fall and winter). If you need to return to Cape Town (an hour's drive), it's best to avoid driving at night in South Africa.
!! Contact the Cape Town Piscatorial Society, and they will provide you with the permit and give you all the instructions to reach your fishing spot.
It's crucial to follow their guidance because the bush can be impassable and potentially dangerous with animals like baboons and, in this area, possibly cheetahs...although we've never seen them !
Also worth visiting in the area
In short, make a detour to Stellenbosch or even Franschhoek (a bit further but a little corner of France in South Africa). These two wine towns are known for excellent wine, according to my father and his South African friends.
My mother, who dislikes wine, recommends the fantastic burgers at De Vrije (Stellenbosh) : "Terrible because they are too good." Address: 13 Drostdy Street, Stellenbosch
Comments