4. Bo-Vlakte, Montagu/Barrydale (October
2001)
Location: Approx: S33 56 25.00 E20 30 27.5. On the right hand side of the road from Montagu to Barrydale.
Facilities: A working fruit and trout farm with Guest house run by the owner and his wife. There is a braai area and ablution facilities near the bottom dam. The top dams are not fully stocked yet but are of a good size and hopefully full of Steal-heads very soon.
Fly Fishing Notes: The wind tends to pick up in the afternoon. Thus early morning or late afternoon is ideal. It is a big dam with good casting from most positions. Some underwater reed-beds will give the tuber an advantage. This is the place to go for big fish. Although my 2.6kg trout was not so heavy, it was one of the few that nearly peeled off all my fly line. (Still looking for those fish that does the same with the backing line!) There is a sizeable golden trout cruising the northern shore. Has anyone ever caught this one?
What to do and see: This working fruit farm is splendid in the spring with lots of areas to be explored on foot or by mountain bike. The surrounding wine area and picturesque Montagu is worth an extra day or two.
When to visit: I guess all year round if you stock up with enough antifreeze.
General Comment: This is an ideal breakaway into the wine lands and can recommend to overnight in Montagu and sample some of the famous Muscadel! My rating:4
Contact Information: Johan & Rosetta Marais 082 572 1905 or jmarais@lando.co.za