Wild Species of
the River System
Based on the work of Professor Paul Skelton and Roger Bills of SAIAB.
Species Present in the
Eastern Cape Highlands
The Kraai River and its tributaries support a variety of fish, both indigenous and introduced, making this catchment unusual in offering trout anglers the opportunity to encounter multiple species on the same day.
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
The most widespread and most-caught species in the WTA’s waters. Found throughout the Middle and Upper Kraai catchments. Self-sustaining populations have been in the Highlands since the mid-1920s. Rainbow trout have even been recorded downstream in the Gariep Dam on the Orange River.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Introduced more than 80 years ago, brown trout are now considered virtually indigenous in certain sections. They are present in the Bokspruit (in the vicinity of Gateshead) and in the Vlooikraalspruit at Balloch. Secretive, selective, and challenging, the pursuit of a quality brown trout in the Highlands is a singular experience.
Smallmouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus)
The most commonly caught indigenous fish in the Barkly East region and the WTA’s most important non-trout quarry. Endemic to the Orange-Vaal River system. In summer, smallmouth yellowfish migrate upstream from the Kraai to spawn — prime quarry for wading fly fishers. Present as far upstream as Lovedale, above Rhodes on the Bell River, Birnam on the Bokspruit, Bemerside on the Riflespruit and Knighton on the Sterkspruit.
Largemouth Yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis)
Generally a large-river species, less common than the smallmouth in WTA waters but present in the Middle Kraai. Terminal mouth with a more elongated head than the smallmouth. Silver in colour. Can be taken on fly. Attains 82.5cm fork length; SA angling record is 22kg.
Moggel (Labeo umbratus)
Rounded head, relatively large, small scales (53-68 in the lateral line). Silver-grey colouration, sometimes with pink-orange spots. Inferior mouth with two pairs of small barbels. Attains 50cm and approximately 2.8kg.
Sharptooth Catfish / Barbel (Clarias gariepinus)
Present in the Kraai and its tributaries. Unlikely to be taken on fly, but a legitimate part of the river’s ecology.
Chubbyhead Barb & Rockcatfish / Klipbaber
Both Barbus anoplus and Austroglanis sclateri are present in the catchment, though unlikely targets for the fly fisher.