The Natal Yellowfish or “Scaly” as it is often referred to, is endemic to the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal and one of the more common fish species that inhabit the rivers of KZN. They can be found in different habitats ranging from the Drakensberg mountain streams down to the coastal lowlands.
Although the “Scaly” has become quite a popular angling species, on fly they do not enjoy the same status as their larger inland cousins the Smallmouth Yellowfish. KZN is spoiled for choice when it comes to fly friendly water, with a healthy population of trout in rivers and stillwaters, saltwater species all along the coast and its estuaries and even Tigerfish from the northern parts of the region, Scalies tend to be down the list of species to target on fly.
The biggest Scaly recorded to date was a fish of 65 cm and 4.6 kg, a sight much more common in the Vaal and Orange systems than any of the Natal waters, but when it comes to Scaly “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the
Area Fishing: South Africa
Discipline: Freshwater Fly
Species Targeted: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Yellowfish, Largemouth Yellowfish, Natal Scaly, Tigerfish, Bass, Carp
Rhuan grew up in a fishing family and being raised on the banks of the Vaal River he spent many hours targeting anything that swims. He started out as a lure angler fishing with his father in local bass circuits and money trails. He caught his first Yellowfish on fly in the Vaal River and has been hooked on fly fishing ever since. Nowadays Rhuan spends his time in the KZN midlands fishing the pristine trout waters in the area and every now and then he visits his home waters of the mighty Vaal River.
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