Yellowfish on the fly (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis & aene

[FlyfishKim]

Hi from sunny South Africa. Had some good catches lately in the beautiful rapids of the Vaal river. Took two Largemouth yellows (L. kimberleyensis) late yesterday on #12 olive caddis larvae patterns, 1.2kg and 1.9kg. Good fun and an excellent fight on a light 5/6wt rig! Being part of the Northern Cape Yelowfish Working Group, we only practise CAR - especially with the largemouth which appears on the IUCN red list for endangered species.
Some good pics on our club website of these magnificent creatures and the waters they frequent.
http://www.flyfish.kimvertise.co.za/gallery.htm

[dudley]

From the looks of the tails on those yellows they must have both speed and power.
Thanks for sharing

[DShock]

Thank you for your report! It is nice to hear about a fish species that I've never heard of.
Do your rivers originate in the mountains? Do you have Springs that feed your streams?
Thanks,
Doug

[FlyfishKim]

Most rivers here originate from the mountains, but also a few natural springs. The Vaal river is one of the more important ones with a few reservoir dams in the system, the Vaal dam and Bloemhof dam being the two bigger ones.
Yes Dudley, excellent fighters - can almost compare with Largemouth Bass, readily taken on various fly patterns, lures and live bait - just not the head shaking type!