The Eastern Cape Drakensberg is world famous for its fly-fishing and around the towns of Rhodes, Barkly East and Lady Grey there are over 200kms of streams filled with wild trout; brown trout and yellowfish can also be found on some of the beats. We are members of the Wild Trout Association, the largest sport fishery of its kind in Africa and unique in that most of the fishing is on mountain rivers, rather than still-water dams.  

From our riverside base at Wildside we offer fishing for trout and yellowfish on the Kraai River, and can also arrange day trips to the exclusive Joggem. The Karnemelkspruit which runs alongside Lupela Lodge is rated as one of the best rivers in the area, with crystal clear running water and deep pools. The Diepsruit that flows through Millard Farm is also an excellent beat.  Which rivers are best at any given time will of course depend on the season and flow of water, so contact us and we give you the best advice that we can.

Both Millard and Lupela Lodge have been featured in The Complete Fly-Fisherman magazine. Lupela has also been included in the beautiful book by Peter Brigg: 'Call of the Stream - a fly-fishers passion for hunting trout in mountain streams'.

Reknowned fly fisherman Tom Sutcliffe had this to say about fishing in the area: 

"There are good streams here, streams that are small and cosy; tight streams with clear water and strong trout. TheDiepspruit is an example, and there are others, like theWillowand the Joggem, all within easy reach. Added to this is the larger Kraai, with rainbows, browns and smallmouth yellowfish. These streams are more dominated by their landscapes, the valleys they flow through, than other streams I know of hereabouts, landscapes that are abundant, almost so splendid you can't find the words to describe them. You would call these rivers nymphing waters, though one of the best fish I ever had when it came to raw power I took from the Diepspruit on a dry fly, a tiny size 18Adams. That fish burned line off the reel and in the end I never got to see it, though it left with me the impression of a hooking a swordfish more than a trout. It was the sort of fish that makes you feel you want to go back, just to test yourself, to see what else the water can offer."

To get the best out of your fly-fishing in the Eastern Cape Highlands we can provide specialised fly-fishing guides to help you find you the best spots and improve your skills. Their local knowledge of the most suitable tackle and casting techniques for the conditions  will prove invaluable. The fly-fishing is only part of the experience. Whilst walking our rivers you will have the chance to explore wonderful gorges with stunning rock formations and San rock art sites. To make your riverside day out complete we can provide a picnic lunch.  

To give your stay here some variety, we can combine your fly-fishing holiday with other activities including hiking, mountain-biking, river rafting, 4x4 trails, and horse-riding to create an activity holiday to remember.