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A N EW D R I F T, A SC H O O L YO U WANT TO AT T E ND, P RES CRI PT I ON ME DS , BO OTS FO R A F R I CA AND T HAT DA MN CAT F I S H
GET A TASTE OF MONTANA …IN THE MALUTIS with Mavungana Flyfishing’s new Ash River drift. Probably the only trip like it in South Africa (because most of our rivers don’t suit this kind of thing), this outfitter-style day-trip slinging streamers for solid rainbows in fast water sounds like the tits. Based out of adventure-village Clarens, your guide meets you at a local coffee shop for caffeine, croissants and a briefing. A 10-minute drive gets you down to the river on a private farm; you spend the morning fishing down braided channels and holes and across sandbanks; break for lunch under weeping willows; klap it again in the afternoon ending with a final session on foot fishing the evening rise on a tributary, before heading back to Clarens for drinks and dinner. Head guide, Gareth Reid says, “Until now the Ash River has been spoken about in whispers and only attempted by a few. Restricted to walking the very high and unstable banks, fishing in the past has been largely ineffective, with access being the biggest hurdle.
“OUTFITTER-STYLE DAY-TRIP SLINGING STREAMERS FOR SOLID RAINBOWS IN FAST WATER”
With the introduction of a state-ofthe-art, full-frame inflatable drift boat from our friends at NRS in the States, it’s now a completely different story.” According to Reid, the Ash River – which forms part of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project – offers the ideal situation for year-round
DOCTORS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA ARE… …TAKING A LEAF OUT OF FLY ANGLERS BOOKS and prescribing national park passes to patients in an effort to combat rising rates of anxiety and obesity. Through a program called PaRx. eligible patients receive a free Parks Canada Discovery Pass (usually $72) to access the likes of Glacier National Park for a health fix from Mother Nature. It’s an idea we’d like to see rolled out all over the world, because the science is irrefutable - people who spend at least two hours in nature each week report significantly better health and wellbeing. According to our deeply scientific studies at Mission HQ (stokeometer readings of fly fishing friends and family), doing it with a fly rod is even better. parkprescriptions.ca
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fishing, because the flow is regulated 12 months of the year and water temperatures never go above 15 degrees. Throw fish of up to 8lb into the equation and you have all the ingredients for a phenomenal day out. Sounds perfect for a weekend away or bachelor party. flyfishing.co.za.
ENROLL AT… …FAR BANK FLY FISHING SCHOOL. Sage, Rio and Redington’s parent company, Far Bank has stepped out from behind its famous brands and is now front and centre. One of their projects is the Far Bank Fly Fishing School, run by fly fishing and casting pro, Simon Gawesworth. Aimed at people new to fly fishing, episodes contain on-the-water hints, top tips and techniques, in-depth studio analysis, guest talent, and incredibly shot casting footage from the Far Bank Loop Lab. farbank.com
W W W. T H E M I S S I O N F LY M A G . C O M
