Species › Africa › Yellowfish

Freshwater

Yellowfish

Labeobarbus aeneus · smallmouth yellowfish, largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis), Vaal yellow

Water temp
61–75°F
Peak season
Oct–Mar
Best light
Daytime
IGFA record
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Yellowfish (Smallmouth Yellowfish.jpg)

Photo: Toxicsox · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

OverviewWhere & WhenHow to CatchGearRegulationsRecordsForecastCatches

Overview

Yellowfish are large, golden-bronze barbs of the genus Labeobarbus, with the smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus) abundant in the Vaal and Orange river systems and the largemouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis), a true predator reaching over 40 lb (18 kg), found in the same rivers but far scarcer. Smallmouths feed on nymphs, snails and algae in rapids and runs, taking nymphs and dry flies readily; largemouths hunt baitfish in deep pools and eddies. Several other endemic yellowfish species live in the Cape and Limpopo rivers. Strong, fast and plentiful, they have made the Vaal a fly-fishing destination.

Typical sizeSmallmouth 1–4 lb (0.5–1.8 kg); largemouth 5–15 lb (2.3–7 kg)
TrophySmallmouth 8 lb+; largemouth 25 lb+
Table fareMostly catch & release — bony and protected on most waters

Where & when

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The southern-summer months of October to April are peak as water warms above 60°F (16°C) and flows settle; winter fishing is slow but clear-water sight fishing is possible on mild days.

Vaal River (Parys to Vredefort), South AfricaThe classic smallmouth yellowfish fly waterOrange River (Richtersveld and Upington), South AfricaBig river with both smallmouth and largemouth yellowsSterkfontein Dam, South AfricaCrystal-clear reservoir famous for sight-fishing yellows on dry flies

How to catch

Nymphing rapids and runsFish two weighted nymphs under a strike indicator or Euro-style through knee- to waist-deep rapids and the seams below them, mending to keep the drift natural. Takes are quick; strike at any pause and hold on as the fish turns downstream.
Sight fishing dries at SterkfonteinWalk the clear shoreline on calm, sunny days and cast hopper, beetle and ant patterns ahead of cruising fish or pods feeding on the surface. Long leaders, accurate casts and a delayed strike are essential in water this clear.

Gear

Rod9' 5–6 wt fly rod; 7–8 wt for largemouth
Reel5–6 wt fly reel with a smooth drag
LineFloating fly line; 3X–4X fluorocarbon tippet

Lures

weighted nymphs (caddis and mayfly patterns)terrestrial dry flies (hoppers, beetles)baitfish streamers for largemouth

Baits

earthwormsmaize (corn)bread

Regulations

A provincial freshwater angling license is required in most South African provinces, and yellowfish are a protected species in several, with catch-and-release encouraged or mandatory and largemouth yellowfish listed as threatened. Private riverbank access usually requires permission or a day fee.

Records

IGFA all-tackle world record: not listed. State and regional records are kept by each fish & wildlife agency.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish?

Smallmouth yellowfish are the common, golden, bottom-feeding fish of the Vaal and Orange rivers, usually 1–4 lb and caught on nymphs and dry flies in rapids. Largemouth yellowfish are a separate species with a wide mouth and predatory habits, growing past 40 lb but far scarcer and listed as threatened; they are targeted with streamers, spinners and baitfish in deep pools and are almost always released.

Bite forecast — Yellowfish

Recent catches

Posted by anglers on the live map, filtered to Yellowfish.

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