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Some call it the end of the road; others say they are going past the “Honeymoon Huisie”, however you know it, once you’ve fished it, you will long to go back. I have to admit it is one of the best beats controlled by the Wild Trout Association that draws me back year after year. I am not saying it holds monster trout, far from it, most of the fish are in the 8 to 12 inch range, nor am I saying they are shy and weary; nope they are eager to come up and eat a dry. What I can say, is that it is by far one of the prettiest pieces of water you are going encounter almost anywhere.
Cut deep into a gorge, the river winds its way towards quieter waters further downstream, but up here, the Bok Spruit is turbulent and tumbles quickly from large pools to glides to pocket water, back to pools. However the beauty of the beat is not in its waters, but what surrounds them. The gorge’s steep sides and the complete remoteness of the valley take you to a place many years past.
The beat itself is long, not only in walking distance, but it is also a decent drive from Rhodes, also requiring a high clearance vehicle and a bit more traction that just diff lock, especially when it has been raining. The Honeymoon Huisie is a beautiful little farmstead , isolated at the very end of the road that winds its way up the Bok Spruit, hence the nick names, and the orchard behind it has some of the sweetest fruit you will ever taste.
The beat starts at the last low level bridge before the farmstead and runs for almost 17 kilometers to the head, with another farmstead about halfway up. Bassie Vosloo, the current curator of the land will organize you a 3 day horseback ride / fishing trip, to the top, with meals and bedding provided in the evenings, and of course, his famous hospitality is included in the trip. However, we don’t all have to rough it quite like that, there is great fishing right at the house, and will take a good day to scout the river; however, the “good water” for me is about 3 kilometers above the house. The hours hike is definitely worth it, some say you should hike to the waterfall then start fishing.
Advice Conditions – You’re in the mountains, prepare for it. Firstly I dont fish it alone, take a mate... I have had days start out as a beautiful balmy summers day, only to be snowed on in the afternoon. Pack a fleece, a rain jacket and a beanie, wear long pants and good boots, I take a few extras with me, especially when I am going to hike past the waterfall, you never know what you might need, or when help is coming!! Headlamp, firelighters, extra energy bars and a few packets of rehydration salts.
Tackle – Light rods are the order of the day, and flicking a dry fly though the inviting pockets really makes for exciting fishing, however there are times when a serious nymph will be needed to get down to the bottom of the deep holes. My advice is simple, one of you rigs a supper light stick for dry flies and the other, a 2 to 3 weight for nymphing.
Fly’s – RAB’s, ZAK’s and Klinkies, that’s about it… but Pheasant Tail Nymphs and other beadheads are also effective. Don’t foget the Para Adams and a Bright White, for the afternoon rise.
Tactics – Although there are lots of fish around, most people want to catch a decent fish, up there they are anything larger than 14 inches and if you know where to look, you can find them. Hunting them can be quite difficult as they hang out in the heads and tailouts of the deep holes. Look for deep water, in smaller holes, fish them with stealth and accuracy. However, just to throw you completely, there are good fish between the holes, and that’s where a dry will find the mark.
Booking – the easiest way is contact Dave at Walkebouts for a day permit, or if you want to book accommodation, he will point you in the right direction.
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or 045 974 9290
Accommodation – I prefer staying in Rhodes, but you can also stay at the Honeymoon Huisie, a rustic, but comfortable house with hot water and a fire place, what more can you ask for.
Some call it the end of the road; others say they are going past the “Honeymoon Huisie”, however you know it, once you’ve fished it, you will long to go back. I have to admit it is one of the best beats controlled by the Wild Trout Association that draws me back year after year. I am not saying it holds monster trout, far from it, most of the fish are in the 8 to 12 inch range, nor am I saying they are shy and weary; nope they are eager to come up and eat a dry. What I can say, is that it is by far one of the prettiest pieces of water you are going encounter almost anywhere.
