Smalblaar
River
SEE
A MAP OF THE SMALBLAAR RIVER BEATS
The Smalblaar River is perhaps one of the most accessible of the waters
managed by the CPS, flowing right alongside the N1, the beats can be slightly
confusing as there is a substantial section of private water between beats
5 and 6.
Access:
Access to the stream for fishing purposes is controlled jointly by the
Cape Piscatorial Society and Cape Nature Conservation, who manage the
Limietberg reserve through which the river flows. Fishing is strictly
controlled and must be booked in advance with the CPS. Day permits are
available to both members and non members, for members season permits
provide easy booking and access.
Parking.
Parking for the Smalblaar river varies with each beat, the parking for
Beat 1 is roadside just past the Klip River junction. For Beat 2 it is
best to park at the pull off parking next to the weir which also serves
as the start and beat parking for beat 3. Beats 4 and 5 allow for anglers
to park at the Du Toit's Kloof lodge and walk down to the water along
the N1. Parking for beat 6 is the same as for the Elandspad River, just
outside the Huguenot tunnel.
The fish.
The Smalblaar River is a rainbow trout stream, again the fish breed well
and stocking has not been undertaken for a good many year. This river,
and in particular the lower beats regularly produce very good fish up
to 20" or more.
The regulations:
The river is fished under strict guidelines, barbless hooks are mandatory,
as is catch and release fishing. THERE IS A NO KILL LIMIT.
The Beats:
Please note that recently all the beats on the Smallblaar were
updated with markings on the National Road indicating the start of the
beats. The start of beat two has been moved downstream from it's original
starting point at picnic pool as easy access to the river is no longer
possible at this point.
The Smalblaar River is divided into six beats, (excluding the Hotel Beat
and the Molenaars Beat). As is usual the beats are numbered from the lowest
section upstream in numerical order. However the private land from the
Hotel to beat six, means that there is a large gap of water without society
or public access.
BEAT ONE starts some way downstream of
the Klip river, the best indication of the start of the beat is a rainwater
channel that joins the river from under the N1 at approximately the start
of the beat. It is also one of the first places where access from the
road to the river can be gained without having to "jump" down
from the normally high retaining wall.
BEAT TWO The start of beat two has been
moved to the confluence with the Klip river . This obviates the previous
need to enter via the Klip River and walk upstream to the start of the
beat.
BEAT THREE starts at the weir on the Smalblaar
River, right next to the parking spot and as such is one of the easiest
beats to identify.
BEAT FOUR Marking indicators on the National
road indicate the start point of a path leading the the start of beat
four.
BEAT FIVE Marking indicators on the National
Road indicate the start point of a path to beat five. Beat five terminates
at the lower boundary of the Du Toit's Kloof resort land, and the start
of the "Hotel Beat".
BEAT SIX Beat six on the Smalblaar River
is separated from the other beats by private land. Access to beat six
is the same as for the Elandspad river and the same parking area should
be utilised. Beat six starts at the top of "swingbridge pool"
a large still pool upstream of the low water bridge and then branches
to the right (facing upstream) at the confluence with the Elandspad. The
top of the beat is indicated by impassable water in the kloof above the
junction with the Krom River.
SEE
A MAP OF THE SMALBLAAR RIVER BEATS
Go back to the top of the Smalblaar
Page.
