Ash River Outfitters offers guided walk-and-wade fishing on the Ash River, Caledon River and Little Caledon River. These waters provide varied fishing environments and the opportunity to target rainbow trout and smallmouth yellowfish.
Clients may select their preferred river when submitting a booking request. All river selections remain subject to approval, seasonal access, water levels, weather and safe wading conditions. If the selected river is unsuitable, Ash River Outfitters may recommend an alternative.
Every session is limited to a maximum of two anglers per guide. This allows the guide to provide personal assistance with reading the water, fly selection, presentation, wading safely and adapting techniques to the conditions.
These are strictly catch-and-release experiences. Catches can never be guaranteed.
Session Options and Prices
| Session | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quick River Session | 1 hour | R1,000 per angler |
| Quick River Session | 2 hours | R1,500 per angler |
| Morning Walk-and-Wade | Approx. 4 hours | R2,250 per angler |
| Afternoon Walk-and-Wade | Approx. 4 hours | R2,250 per angler |
| Full-Day Walk-and-Wade | Approx. 8 hours | R4,000 per angler |
| Custom Multi-Day Trip | By itinerary | Quoted individually |
Please note: Session times vary from season to season. Final starting and finishing times will be confirmed when the booking is approved.
Quick River Sessions
Quick River Sessions are intended for visitors with limited time, anglers wanting an introduction to the local water, or anyone seeking focused assistance with a particular technique. They are offered as defined one-hour or two-hour experiences rather than as a general hourly guiding rate.
These sessions are available on the Ash River or other suitable water close to Clarens. The final location is selected or approved by Ash River Outfitters according to travel time, access, river conditions and safe wading conditions. The Caledon River and Little Caledon River are not included as standard Quick River Session locations unless specifically approved.
A Quick River Session is limited to a maximum of two anglers per guide. Preparation, safety briefing and equipment setup form part of the booked session time. Bookings longer than two hours must use the standard four-hour Walk-and-Wade option.
Available Rivers
Ash River
A cold, fast-flowing river offering varied fly-fishing opportunities and challenging conditions. Rainbow trout are the primary target species, with smallmouth yellowfish also present.
Caledon River
A seasonal river system offering opportunities to target smallmouth yellowfish and rainbow trout when water levels, clarity and temperatures are suitable.
Little Caledon River
A smaller and more intimate river offering technical walk-and-wade fishing for rainbow trout and smallmouth yellowfish when seasonal conditions allow.
Availability, target species and recommended techniques will vary according to the season and current river conditions.
Group Size
A maximum of two anglers is permitted per guide. Larger groups may be accommodated by prior arrangement if additional guides are available. Send us an enquiry.
What Is Included
- Professional fly-fishing guide
- Access or rod fees for the selected water
- Landing net
- Guidance on fly selection, presentation and fishing techniques
- Assistance with reading the river and wading safely
What Is Not Included
- Rods and reels
- Flies, leaders and tippet
- Wading staff
- Food and refreshments
- Personal clothing and footwear
- Transport unless arranged beforehand
Rod and reel rental is available separately through Ash River Outfitters. See equipment rental.
Full-Day Food Arrangements
Clients must bring their own food, drinking water and refreshments for full-day trips.
Recommended Equipment
Equipment requirements depend on the selected river, target species and current conditions. A detailed preparation list will be supplied once the booking has been approved. Clients should generally bring:
- A 3 to 5 weight fly rod for trout fishing
- An appropriate rod and line setup for smallmouth yellowfish
- Floating and sink-tip fly lines
- Leaders and suitable tippet
- Suitable flies for the selected river and species
- Secure footwear with reliable grip
- A wading staff
- Weather-appropriate, quick-drying clothing
- A waterproof jacket
- A cap or buff
- Polarised sunglasses
- Sunscreen and drinking water
These experiences involve wet wading. Clients should be comfortable walking over uneven and slippery riverbeds and must follow the guide's safety instructions at all times.
Important Information
- All fishing is strictly catch and release.
- The client selects a preferred river when submitting the booking request.
- The final fishing location remains subject to access, river conditions and approval by Ash River Outfitters.
- Booking requests are provisional until approved.
- A 50% deposit is required once the booking has been approved.
- The outstanding balance is payable on arrival.
- Fishing access or rod fees are included in the advertised price.
- Clients must disclose relevant health, mobility or swimming concerns before the trip.
- Sessions may be postponed, relocated or cancelled if conditions are unsafe or unsuitable.