Herewith this week’s report from Jan at the Kingfisher in PMB. “The previously mention Prime Time of the year got a rather chilly wakeup call with the massive frontal system that moved across the country last week.  The first frost is usually expected on 1^st of May, and since it was still on the warm side on May Day, the country was blindsided by the cross-country sweep that occurred a day later … the mid to upper single-figure overnight temperatures dipping below the zero line in the blink of an eye in The Midlands!  And when the Durbanites start wearing socks and puffer jackets to the beach … well, then you know winter has arrived!
 
While the rivers might still be a tad on the high side and showing signs flood debris from the recent high waters, levels are dropping … in fact, much of the river(s) are also 100% clean and quite fishable now.  Water temperatures are dropping, and reports showing 14-16deg.C The quick flow areas will benefit you to be fishing with weighted nymphs, but the slower pockets and pools are definitely worth covering with a dry fly.
 
The river anglers of the Natal Fly Fishers Club have been champing at the bit waiting for levels to drop and the rivers to clear, and both the Bushman’s and Mooi river NFFC beats have seen some action.  The returns report fish in the 7-9 inch / 18-23cm bracket, through to the 13-15 inch / 33-38cm class, taken on a variety of flies including nymphs and dries.
 
The season is fast running out, Saturday 31 May being the official closing of the trout river season.  That being said, May is an “iffy” month at best, and once the fish have done their nuptial business, they simply drop out of the system and lie low for the winter.  TOP TIP: if you can get out for a day on the river, don’t miss it…
 
With The Midlands drying out and a 4×4 not being imperative to visit your favourite piece of water, the NFFC stillwater anglers have also been at it.  One report mentions “lots of fish around, but only half committed … resulting in missed takes” … the good news of course is the “lots of fish” and the even better news is those that committed ranged from 13-15 inch / 33-38cm bracket all the way up into the 21-23 inch / 53-58cm class.  Some great fish coming to hand now, and with water levels still up, expectations are high for a great stillwater season.  Woolly Buggers and dragon / damselfly nymphs are your “go to” patterns at present, and with the waters cooling, brighter colour patterns (the ever-favourite orange) will come to the fore.
 
Bass are still on the bite!  Good numbers of (smaller) fish being reported from Midmar, and after the recent lack of fish, the fish at Albert Falls are back on the take.  No info on what’s doing the business … TOP TIP: with the cold spell, a great excuse to cuddle up to your favourite bass angler and “nudge nudge, say no more…” get the inside track on what’s biting.” Thanks Jan.
 
For the best in tackle and advice, pop into any of the seven Kingfisher stores, they are open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm on public holidays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Please remember to leave the areas that you fish in a better condition than when you got there. Take a few moments to pick up some litter and take it to the nearest bin. Tight lines and screaming reels.
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