A Practical Fly Box
for the Highlands
Fred Steynberg’s selection for the Eastern Cape Highlands proven patterns covering the main food forms.
A Practical Fly Selection
for Highlands Waters
Fly selection for these rivers does not need to be complicated. The following patterns have proven their value across the Highlands over many seasons and cover the main food forms consistently encountered.
General Principles
01
Match the dominant food form, not every insect in the stream.
02
A dead-drift nymph on a yarn strike indicator accounts for the majority of fish caught.
03
Dry fly fishing is most productive during obvious hatches (late morning to early afternoon on warmer days, twilight for caddis).
04
Barbless hooks or flattened barbs are recommended for catch-and-release.
Recommended Patterns
| Category | Pattern | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nymph | Hare's Ear Nymph | #14–18 | General mayfly nymph imitation |
| Nymph | Pheasant Tail Nymph | #14–18 | Excellent Baetis imitation |
| Nymph | Simulium Larva (UV-resin body) | #18–20 | Black fly larva imitation |
| Dry Fly | CDC and Elk | #14–18 | Covers Baetis and caddis emergers |
| Dry Fly | DDD (Deerhair Dry Fly) | #12–16 | Iconic South African pattern, effective as indicator or dry |
| Terrestrial | Bushwhack Beetle | #14–16 | Split-back or tuft-back form. General beetle imitation (Ed Herbst) |
| Terrestrial | Unique Hair Ant | #16–18 | Winged ant imitation (Ed Herbst) |
| Terrestrial | Parachute Hopper | #10–14 | April and May terrestrial |
| Attractor | Royal Wulff | #12–16 | Visible attractor for faster water |
| Attractor | Stimulator | #10–14 | Multi-purpose attractor / hopper |
NOTE: Fred Steynberg’s full article with specific patterns and photographs is available in Articles & Stories. Ed Herbst’s Light Bulb Spider and Slip-Knot Emerger articles are also in the Articles section with full tying instructions.