Lesotho Makhangoa Community Camp
Makhangoa Community Camp in Lesotho is the result of a long held dream of Keith Clover and Rob Scott of African Waters. This is very unique collaboration between a group of fly fishermen and a very remote community.
The Kingdom of Lesotho, a country completely surrounded by South Africa. It is a land of extreme beauty and ruggedness, a mountainous kingdom with hot summers and frigid winters. With an average altitude of over 2000m above sea level, this small country (just over 11,720 sq miles) has a population of just over two million people. With its high altitude, good rains and 1000’s of miles of pristine mountain rivers, Lesotho also boasts some of the best fly fishing in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Makhangoa Community Camp is a one of a kind fly fishing community partnership, offering fly anglers from around the globe access to a world class guided fly fishing experience in the heart of the Lesotho mountains.
Lesotho Trout Fishing
The river is home to a healthy population of wild rainbow trout that make the lower to mid beats their home. Depending on the season, these fish can be caught sight fishing using small upwing imitations. Spread throughout the rest of the river is staggering number of yellowfish, who are ready takers of dry flies.
The far upper reaches are home to a wily population of brown trout. This part of the river is only accessible via multi-night back country pony treks. This part of the river is suited to fit anglers seeking to explore and challenge themselves with some technical fishing. The experience is not dissimilar to fishing remote creeks in NZ. Brown trout up to 32 inches have been taken on dry fly from the Makhangoa Community Camp.
Lesotho Yellowfish
It is the incredible yellowfish population which really sets this fishery apart. These amazing fish become especially active in the warm summer months. From November to March yellowfish move into the system in vast numbers and readily commit to a well-placed dry fly. For international anglers, the best way to describe the yellowfish, is a cross between a bonefish and a trout. These golden rockets run hard and fast, and go aerial when hooked. They do not suffer fools, and stealthy presentation and drag free drifts are needed in the skinny clear water.
For more information about visiting South Africa and travelling up to Lesotho to fish at Makhangoa Community Camp, please contact us or call the office on +44(0)1980 847389.
To get a feel for the yellowfishing experience, take a look at this trailer to Bokong, a short film we are working on with Cptn Jack Films that highlights this ground breaking project.