The unspoilt highland streams and rivers of Lesotho are renowned for offering superb technical fly-fishing in a pretty and dramatic mountainous setting. Typical catches include brown trout, rainbow trout and smallmouth yellowfish, all of which were introduced by local anglers in the 1950s, while the indigenous barbel and Maloti minnow tend to be found at lower altitudes.
The fly-fishing season opens each year on 1 September and closes on 31 May. However, rivers tend to slit up between December and February, the height of the rainy season, which adversely affects the quality of fishing, so the peak seasons are from September to November and from March to May.
It is advisable to go with a local guide, who will know the best fishing spots, and can also arrange suitable licences and advise whether permission from any local chief is required. Guides can be arranged through most lodges and hotels that stand close to popular fishing locations and regularly cater to international visitors, for instance Semonkong Lodge, Malealea Lodge, Roma Trading Post, Katse Lodge, Mohale Lodge and Maliba Lodge. For those spending longer in the country, monthly and annual licenses can be obtained directly from the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority.
Equipment that may be used for trout fishing is limited to a rod, line and artificial non-spinning flies. Landing nets and gaffs are not permitted. The bag limit for trout is twelve specimens of at least 25 centimetres in length. Any smaller or excess trout must be returned to the water. Trout fishing is not permitted at all over the midwinter months of June to August, which is closed season.
Popular and relatively accessible fly-fishing spots include the following:
The main reservoir, where a floatation device may be required
The Malibamat’so and Pelaneng confluence 2km upstream from Motebong lodge in Ha Lejone.
The Pelaneng river valley, a few kilometres upstream from the Malibamat’so confluence.
Makhaleng River, 2 km below Molimo Nthuse Lodge.
The confluence of the Ts’ehlanyane and Tlholohatsi Rivers about 2km from Oxbow Lodge.
The Malibamat’so River 2 km below Oxbow Lodge.
Tsoelikana River downstream from the waterfall of the same name.
The ponds of the near the old Sehlabathebe Lodge.
Leqooa River, a four-hour pony trek from the old lodge.
Maletsunyane River upstream of and at the bottom of the Maletsunyane Falls.
© Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation
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