Accommodation

Designed and built to blend in with the mountain environment and to  mirror a traditional Basotho homestead.

The camp comprises 4 traditional Rondavels (round chalets), each sleeping 2 guests in single beds. Built from river stone and thatch, and each has a veranda overlooking the river and from local stone which is an example of traditional masonry.

There is an outside deck, living/kitchen area, which comprises a lounge with large welcoming couches, a fireplace, and large black-wood dining table counter becoming the heart of the camp. 

The camp has a kitchen that comprises gas stoves, fridge and freezer facilities. 

Electricity: 

Lighting throughout the camp is 220v via battery and inverter system and solar. There are plug points in the living area to charge cameras and phones. 

Ablutions are in a separate stone building at the back of the camp, overlooking the estuary system, where the Bokong flows into Katse Dam. The ablutions consist of two flush toilets, two hot showers, and  two hand basins, all with hot and cold running water. 

Bedding and towels are supplied. 

The fishing

Smallmouth Yellowfish

Often referred to as freshwater bonefish, these mountain speedsters are all you can ask for in a freshwater fly fishing quarry. Coming readily to a well presented fly, fish in the 2 -10lb range make the Bokong River at Makhangoa Community Camp their home each year between November and April. Yellowfish are the main target during the summer months as they move into the system enmass to feed and spawn over this time.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout were first introduced to the Lesotho Rivers in the late 1800’s. They have since called this mountainous kingdom their home, taking hold in most of the highland rivers and streams. The Bokong River is home to a wild population of rainbow trout, with fish up to 13lb being taken.

Brown Trout

Brown trout were also introduced to Lesotho in the 1800’s, and like their rainbow cousins, have spread through numerous catchments. The Bokong River at the Makhangoa Community Camp holds a healthy, and growing, population of wild brown trout, and is one of the few rivers in South Africa where one can target browns, rainbows and yellowfish in a single session.

Where to fish?

Bokong River: 

Guests staying at the Makhangoa Community camp have exclusive access to over 20km of the Bokong River, split into 5 beats. There is a limit of 6 rods per day on the river. The prime targets during the summer months are the healthy populations of large and hungry yellowfish that enter the Bokong River to feed and spawn. 4 – 5 wht rods with WF floating lines are standard hardware. During cooler periods, the trout become active and anglers have the chance to target rainbow trout and brown trout throughout the system. Fishing is predominantly sight fishing with dry flies, though nymphing is required if water temperatures drop. The prime river season comprises of 90% return clients, a testament to the quality of the fishery, camp, and community benefication model. This is a one of a kind fly fishing experience, taking place in a truly unique mountain setting.

Katse Dam:

Katse Dam, situated between 1km and 4 km below camp (depending on water levels,) offers sight fishing opportunities to yellowfish cruising the dam edges. The steep nature of the banks makes this not suitable to everyone however. During blow outs and extreme cold snaps during the prime river season, Katse Dam offers a back up to those who wish to fish it.

Gear and equipment

Fly Rods:

9ft 4wht (medium/fast action) is the ideal rod for most conditions on the Bokong River. It allows delicate dry fly presentations with long leaders, and protects lighttippets. It also allows anglers to fish heavier nymph/indicator rigs, and big dry flies in windy conditions if needs be. Our go to rod for the Bokong River is the ECHO3 9ft 4wht.

7ft6 3 wht is useful in very skinny conditions, but not a deal breaker if you don’t have one

A 9ft or 10ft 5 or 6 wht is useful to fish Katse Dam and estuary if conditions dictate

Reels:

Quality large arbor reel matched to your rod. We highly recommend the Shilton CR series of reels that have a superb drag to protect light tippets.

Fly Lines:

Scientific Angler Mastery Trout and Mastery MPX Floating Lines are best suited to for the Bokong River.

Late Season(March–May)there is sometimes applicationfor intermediate andtype 3 sink lineswhen fishing the estuary.

Dry Flies:

Balbyter Ant - #12 to #16

Hoppers #10- #14

DDD’s #12 - #16

Stimulators #12 - #14

Klinkhammers #12 - #16

Parachute Adams #14 - #18

Griffiths Gnat #16- #18

CDC caddis #14 - #16

Elk hair Caddis #12 - #16

Nymphs:

Chief Nymphs #12 - #16

Baetis Nymphs #16 #18

RHE #12 - #16

PTN #14 - #18

Hotspot PTN #14 - #18

Copper John #12 - #16

Clothing Recommended

Recommended Clothing List:

Footwear: Quality wading boots/hiking boots or trail running shoes that you are comfortable to spend a

day hiking and wading in. If you prefer wading boots to hiking boots/trail running shoes make sure they

are vibram/rubber soled. DO NOT BRING FELT SOLED boots as most fishing is off the banks, and felt is very

slippery then. Bring a spare pair of dry shoes, slippers, or sandals for the evenings and around camp.

3xSunshadeShirts(PatagoniaSunShadeHoodyisourgoto)–darknaturalcoloursarebestforstalkingyellowfishand

trout on the Bokong River

1 x Warm fleece for colder evening and mornings

1 x Down jacket

2 x Quick dry long pants

2 x Quick dry shorts

1 x Swimming shorts (for summer months)

1 x Warm long pants

1 x Quality rain jacket

1 x Fishing hat

2 x Buffs

1 x Beanie

1 x Gloves (autumn onwards)

1 x Sungloves

2 x Polarized Sunglasses (1 spare)

1 x SPF 30 to 50 Sunscreen

Season

November to March

IN ADDITION

We offer our customer service without any additional cost, where you can clear up questions about our different destinations, the organization during the pre-trip or any query that arises in the middle. Traveling with Pointer is always the best option.

And this is very important: By purchasing your trip through us, you are elegible to get extra gift and rewards, like a voucher open for 3 years for 50% off in your accommodations on your next Fly Fishing trip to Argentina in one of our lodges, you can choose between Trouts in Northern Patagonia or Golden Dorado in the Paraná river.

Also, you could get a voucher open for 3 years for 100% off accommodations on your next Dove Hunting in Argentina staying in one of our wonderful Lodges.