The Extra Mile
Where's the best place to fish along the Eland's river?
Sunday Times travel editor Paul Ash answers your questions
Q. My wife and I enjoy freshwater fishing. Where might I get information on river fishing along the Elands River, at reasonable rates? - Alistair Steuart
A. As a kid I was lucky enough to spend a few weekends' fishing from a little cottage overlooking a tributary of the Elands River, so I know how beautiful these surroundings are and why casting a fly on these waters holds such appeal.
Today, the cottage is no more than a memory, and while the Elands River flows on, some parts of it that offer easy public access are not recommended due to security concerns.
I tried to reach an organisation called Waterval Boven Trout Association with little joy. According to the most recent information I could glean from various sources, however, the association has access to three fully stocked trout dams as well as 6km of Elands River frontage.
There are certainly plenty of trout dams in the area as well as in nearby Dullstroom.You could try Boven Trout Lodge, previously the town's hotel and now a self-catering lodge.
According to the lodge website, fly fishing is on offer at trout dams and along the Elands River. Rates start from R340 per person per night sharing.
Over the hill from Boven is Machadodorp, the site of the Elands River Lodge which also pops up on fly fishing websites...
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