Monthly report on our waters 

March 2022

By Peter Arderne (FOSAF)

GUBU & MADEN DAMS.

Gubu is now overflowing and impressive at its 109 ha full extent. There was some concern that the weed beds which were flourishing when the dam was well down a year ago might die off leaving this big water comparatively sterile, but according to Devin Isemonger there is a good weed growth at these higher water levels. Being a low altitude dam and relatively warm at this time of year it probably needs another month to cool down before it is worth a visit. The same will apply to Maden Dam. However, if you do go out get your fly well down to the thermocline, especially in the case of Gubu which is a very deep water. Both dams are very well stocked. They were restocked with brownie fingerlings in January which followed the December rainbow fingerling stocking which comprised 15000 in Gubu and 3500 in Maden.

CATA VILLAGE & WOLF RIVER

The AFFC has an agreement with the community to manage the nearby Mnyameni Dam.

This water contains a good population of smallish rainbows, all wild bred from the two streams that feed the dam. There are also browns in the dam and one can expect to catch at least one at each fishing session. It is hoped that they will also breed in the streams to set up a self-sustaining population It did receive another brownie stocking in January. As in the case of Gubu and Maden, the water temperature is probably still on the high side.

The club is also organising a wattle clearing project on the nearby Wolf River and donations towards this very worthwhile project will be appreciated by the AFFC. The AFFC is still to arrange fishing access on the Wolf with the community.

LOCH LOCHIE

This water is stocked with Martin Davies’ famous MTD strain from the hatchery at the Hogsback which harvested ova in late winter from the dam’s rainbows for its use. Martin’s management agreement with the owners comes to an end at the year-end but he has donated some brownie yearlings for stocking. The dam is now full and quite weeded so a float tube or boat is recommended but there are areas where you can fish from the bank. A good number of large fish have been caught, but there is some concern that insufficient younger fish are not coming through.

Proud junior Ryan B