Beats

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There is a close resemblance between Smalblaar beat 1 and the upper Molenaars beat. The pools are wide and shallow compared to the rest of the river and the water temperature is notably higher in summer, thus making the fishing a lot more testing than on other sections of the river. However, the average size of the fish on this beat will please you.

The upper beat can be accessed by parking your car at the gate some five kilometers past the Du Toit’s Kloof lodge traveling south towards Worcester along the N1. From here make your way via the path down to the river. The beat starts at the large rock covered with spray paint. From here fish upstream until the start of Smalblaar beat 1.

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The lower Molenaars beat is seldom fished outside of the early season, as it marks the last stretch of survivable water for the trout on the river and warms up very quickly during the summer months.

Fishing on this beat can be very demanding. During the early season larger terrestrial insect imitations work well but when the water thins out in the heat of summer, smaller CDC and parachute patterns fished of fine tippets become essential.

Access to the lower beat is obtained by parking your car as if you were fishing the upper beat, and then walking down the N1 until a cable bridge can be seen over the river. From here make your way down the steep and slippery mountain side and through a farm fence. Continue down until you reach the river.

From here fish up until the large spray painted rock which marks the start of the upper beat. Get out here and make your way up to the old farm road which you can follow back to your car. Access to the lower beat requires good fitness, and stable feet. Please don’t try access this beat alone.