Outeniqua Trout Lodge?

[GrootWillie]

Anyone been to the Outeniqua Trout Lodge outside Plett in De Vlugt lately? What was the fishing like? Water levels etc.? Planning on going with a friend this coming weekend or the one after that. I will phone the Outeniqua people in any event, just thought I'd get a more unbiased opinion as well.

[amfff]

Hi

The last time I was there (about a year ago), I was very dissapointed.
They have 3 little dams (Bath Tubs). It's like catch fishing in a barrel.

We did some river fishing, but it was hard going. We did not catch a single trout in the river. Maybe we were just unlucky. I would not stay there, but maybe book for one day (you never know).

Water levels were low when we were there.
I heard that they stock the river.

They say "WHO DARES WINS", so go for it.

Francois

[Andre]

There are some trout in the river. the lodge sits at the confluence of the Keurbooms, and the Kwaai. The section of the Kwaai is on someone else's private property, so you can't fish there, and the Keurbooms at the moment isn't even flowing that high up at present. Plett and the whole of the garden route and Southern Cape, are in a severe water crisis situation.
As for the "bathtubs", sorry....stocked dams, don't waste your time. I had to conciously stop myself from casting all the way across... (well..almost) At this time of the year, with such a small dam, you have to clear the dead fish from the edges before you start fishing.
I would give it a miss. rather get down to the Keurbooms river mouth or estuary, and get yourself some grunter or Leervis.

[GrootWillie]

lol @ Andre

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm torn. Most definately not keen on the bathtubs..

[poppernel]

Guys, just remember this area had devastating floods not long ago which wrecked this area. At the moment, been declared a drought stricken area in this week, so does not look good, ''sorry'' for this info.

DAVE

[GrootWillie]

Thanks for the input. This what they replied to my email of yesterday asking them what the water levels and fishing was like currently:

Dear Mr Smith



Thank you for your mail received.



* Part of the Keurbooms is stocked with rainbow-steelheads (+- 1kg to 1.3 kg)
* Part of the Kwaai River is stocked with rainbow-steelheads and some wild brown. You have to be patient and cleaver to catch them though.
* After the 2007 flood our river changed, we think for the better although the growth along the river is only showing recovery recently. A resent survey by Grahamstown University shows that our river is in excellent condition and ample food is available thus, making catching even more of a challenge.
* The more experienced fly-fisherman always has successes. Trout in our 3 soil dams and 2 rivers are not fed and have to fend for themselves. We stock during the year depending on the water conditions. We pride ourselves to stock responsibly and according to our permit
* Bookings for day anglers are essential as we give perseverance to farm guests using our accommodation. It is also advisable to contact us prior to arrival so that we can give you feedback on the river temperatures, air and wind forecast. In the past we could fish all year round, after the flood conditions have changed thus we do not fish all year round as before always giving preverance to lodge guests first.
* In general, the peak period for fly-fishing is March to end October. Periods after that from 04h30 to 08h00 and then again from 18h00 to 20h00.



There is a George based fly-fishing club called Southern Cross Fly Fishing ( www.scff.co.za ) you can view their site for various fly fishing spots.



In our area there are two more properties offerings trout fly-fishing but are not open to day visitors. They are Keurbooms River Game Trails ( www.gametrails.co.za) and Williamsburg Mountain Retreat ( www.williamsburgfarm.net)



There are talks of another property offering fly-fishing just outside Uniondale on the De Hoop road but unfortunately I don’t have more information. Perhaps you can contact the Uniondale Tourism Office for more information on www.uniondale.co.za



Best is to book in advance, bring a picnic or order fresh or smoke trout to enjoy at the farm or take home. Come enjoy our piece of “paradise” and see if you can get hooked.



Please contact me if I can be of any further assistance.



Kind regards, Naomi

Does kinda sound like a "default" response..

[chevy]

Sorry to add another nail to the coffin, but i think default response would be correct

I was there in january of this year and the place seemed to be suffering, the kearbooms was barely flowing, the dams were too warm to fish during the day and contained fish too small and fragile to be fished at in any condition. My father and i did however fish the Kwaai but except for four small raindow trout which we saw in the lower section the river seemed rather fish free which,according to Ingo(the owner), was due to the fact that the browns had moved deep into the kloof to seek refuge in the cooler water.

So i would say rather give it a miss. Sorry

[mornesm]

This is an old thread, but has anyone been to the venue recently? I have booked a couple of nights as a stop over during December, and was wondering what the river conditions are like at the moment.

[Andre]

Don't waste your time. There aren't any trout in that river anymore.

[mornesm]

Unfortunately, the owner also replied a few days ago that there is no trout fishing at the moment. Sadly my deposit is paid already. Perhaps I should have enquired before booking...