The Trout Streams
of KwaZulu-Natal
History, literature, fishing articles, descriptions, and interactive maps to guide the discerning flyfisher wanting to explore these waters or deepen their knowledge of the valleys and rivers.
This series has started with the rivers which I fish, and concentrates on the Brown Trout streams of the central Drakensberg and adjacent KZN Midlands area.
* Note, some info is available only on request and at the sole discretion of the author.
This month’s bonus: One of the river maps made public for this month only: (click the map to experience the interactive map)
Note, these interactive maps contain links to videos, photos, pool names and other information which is exclusively available to Truttablog readers. For example, links to videos here are often not visible to the public on YouTube. This info is updated and added to from time to time, so for those with the enthusiasm to keep checking back, you can be sure to find a growing record of the river valleys and their Trout.
The map below shows the 1600m ASL contour line through the KZN Midlands, together with the various streams running in Trout country. The lines coloured in blue are recognised as Trout streams, even if only feintly so. Given that the lines extend far downstream, I have placed markers at the lowest commonly accepted Trout area. The most pristine and productive Trout waters are typically at or and higher than that 1600m line. Trout survive, and in places thrive down to about 1300m ASL, depending on agricultural and timber activity etc. 50 years ago this could have been said down to an altitude of 1150m ASL.
Click on each river image below to learn more about these KZN Trout streams and to drill down to maps like that above, plus other documents to help you discover the river and its Trout.
The Mooi River
The Mooi in KZN is a premier Trout stream flowing from its source near Giants Castle, through the Kamberg and down to Springrove dam. Explore the Mooi here
The uMngeni River
The uMngeni is a little explored river, dominated by slow meadow water. It rises away from the Drakensberg and offers just 17kms of Trout fishing.
The Bushmans River
One of our larger rivers, which Rises at Giants Castle , and provides a mix of water from fast mountain pocket water, to sizeable runs and pools in the lower reaches.
The Lotheni River
A more remote river, which requires a considerable drive on gravel roads, to reach a beautiful remote mountain stream.
The Inzinga
A Trout stream that has fallen into obscurity........ watch this space
The uMkhomazi
A remote stream
The Elands….coming soon
The Yarrow (AKA Mholweni)….coming soon
Would you like to find out about a stream not listed here, or perhaps one where the info shared publicly above is limited? Click here for help:
For recent info on conditions on these and other Trout waters in the KZN Midlands:
