35 years of
wild trout fishing

Founded 18 April 1991. What follows is the short version.

A Brief History of the Wild Trout Association

The Wild Trout Association was founded on 18 April 1991 through the vision of a small group of riparian landowners and fly-fishing enthusiasts in the Eastern Cape Highlands. The founding chairman was Brian von Holdt, whose energy and dedication to the East Cape Chapter of FOSAF made him a natural leader for the new organisation.

 

Martin Davies of Rhodes University’s Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science was instrumental in developing the framework within which the WTA was established.

1991

WTA established, 18 April. First riparian membership and water access agreements.

1992

First organised event: Spoornet/FOSAF Flyfishing Expo, Barkly East.

1994

Montane Workshop held at the Tiffindell Resort.

1996

First annual Bell’s Extra Special Old Whisky Fly Fishing Festival. Bell’s sponsorship continues until 2009.

1997

Rhodes declared a Heritage Conservation area in July

1998

First Pajero Ladies Fly Fishing Festival, Ugie — the first ladies-only fly fishing event in South Africa. Conceived by the late Elwin Love of Maclear.

2003

Passing of founding chairman Brian von Holdt.

2009

Bell’s Whisky sponsorship ends. Festival rebranded as the Rhodes Wild Trout Festival.

2010

Nelson Mandela University study confirms fly fishing contributes close to R6 million annually to the Rhodes economy.

2011

Year-round fishing introduced on most WTA waters (excluding the brown trout section of Willow Stream).

2012

Wall of Shame introduced. Epson South Africa begins sponsoring festival and guidebook printing.

2018

Epson Printers final festival sponsorship

2019

Dirt Road outfitters join as sponsors and remain on board

2021

WTA celebrates its 30th anniversary.

2026

35th anniversary year, event held with strict bio-security protocols due to Foot and Mouth Disease.
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