For Sterkfontein Dam smallmouth yellowfish, you need a 5-6 weight rod, large arbor reel with sealed drag for runs exceeding 50 metres, and weight-forward floating lines. Long fluorocarbon leaders of 12-14 feet are essential in crystal-clear water. Terrestrial patterns—flying ants, beetles, grasshoppers and crickets—dominate the fly selection. Bank fishing from elevated positions demands finesse presentations to spooky fish. This guide delivers field-tested recommendations for every aspect of your setup.

A 9-foot rod in 5 or 6 weight is your best choice for Sterkfontein, providing backbone for aggressive yellowfish whilst maintaining delicacy for clear-water presentations. The 5 weight excels in calm conditions when finesse is paramount; the 6 weight punches through Sterkfontein's notorious winds. Fast to medium-fast action delivers crisp loop control for distance casting whilst protecting light tippets during hard runs.

Progressive action loads easily at close range with reserve power for controlling fish. Many anglers carry both weights for varying conditions. Quality stillwater rods improve casting efficiency from elevated banks.

Essential Specifications:

• Line weight: 5-6 weight (6 weight preferred for wind)
• Length: 9 feet standard
• Action: Fast to medium-fast action
• Features: Progressive taper

A weight-forward floating line designed for stillwater is your primary tool, with extended head length enabling long casts to reach cruising fish from elevated bank positions. The weight-forward taper helps you punch through wind whilst maintaining delicacy at the front. Modern stillwater lines feature low-stretch cores that improve strike detection and control during the fight.

Carry an intermediate or slow-sinking line for deeper fish during midday or cooler months—these sink at 1-3 inches per second, covering the 2-4 metre depth zone where yellowfish suspend.

Essential Specifications:

• Taper: Weight-forward stillwater design
• Type: Floating primary, intermediate or slow sink secondary
• Weight: Match to rod (5-6 weight)
• Coating: Warm-water formula for SA conditions

Sterkfontein's high-altitude location delivers intense sun exposure from dawn, but afternoon storms can bring cold winds and hail. A UPF 50+ sun hoody is your primary layer for daytime protection, paired with quick-dry fishing pants. For afternoon storms, carry a lightweight waterproof-breathable jacket. Polarised sunglasses with amber or copper lenses are essential for reading fish in the glare off crystal-clear water.

A wide-brimmed hat and buff complete your sun protection system. Lightweight merino or synthetic fabrics manage moisture effectively, keeping you comfortable during the extended bank sessions this venue demands.

Essential Specifications:

• Sun hoody with UPF 50+ protection
• Quick-dry fishing pants
• Lightweight waterproof-breathable jacket (for afternoon storms)
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Polarised sunglasses (amber or copper lenses, UV 400)
• Buff or neck gaiter
• Sun gloves (UPF 50+)
• Quality sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Sterkfontein's rocky shorelines require specialised wet wading footwear. During warmer months (October-March), wet-wading shoes with quick-draining designs allow comfortable fishing without wader bulk. These should feature robust rubber soles with deep lugs for traction on wet rocks, plus sufficient ankle support for uneven surfaces. Water drains rapidly, reducing blister risk during long walking sessions.

Snake protection is serious at Sterkfontein—rocky terrain and grassy banks harbour Puff Adders, Spitting Cobras, Rinkhals and Berg Adders. Wear snake gaiters when moving through vegetation between fishing spots.

Essential Features:

• Quick-draining design for wet-wading applications
• Excellent ankle support for rocky terrain
• Rubber or felt sole with aggressive tread pattern
• Lightweight construction for extended walking sessions
• Snake gaiters for protection against venomous snakes

Success at Sterkfontein hinges on terrestrial patterns. Sparse aquatic food has created opportunistic feeders that constantly watch the surface for beetles, grasshoppers, crickets and flying ants blown onto the water. During termite emergences—particularly flying ant hatches—the fishing turns electric. The entire dam can boil with fish rising everywhere to gorge on the ant fall, making these hatches the most spectacular fishing Sterkfontein offers.

Mayfly and caddis adults in sizes 12-16 produce well during hatches. PTN and GRHE in natural olive and brown colourways serve as consistent subsurface backup when surface activity slows.

Essential Fly Patterns:

• Flying Ant patterns - black, brown; sizes 14-18
• Beetle patterns - black, brown; sizes 10-14
• Grasshopper patterns - tan, olive; sizes 8-12
• Cricket patterns - black; sizes 10-12
• Mayfly adults - grey, olive; sizes 12-16
• Caddis adults - tan, olive; sizes 12-16
• PTN (Pheasant Tail Nymph) - olive, brown; sizes 12-16
• GRHE (Gold-Ribbed Hare's Ear) - natural; sizes 10-14
• Damselfly Nymph - olive; sizes 10-14
• Woolly Bugger - olive, black; sizes 8-12