Baitfish

In Part 1, I covered aspects relating to safety and my personal favourite Vaal River lures, and in Part 2 I will be covering the predominant pattern in Spring. With the dawn of Spring, the subsequent days of hot feverish bassing action is to be enjoyed before Summer delivers hot and sunny days where your bassing success becomes more challenging. As I previously mentioned in Part 1, this article is written based on my own personal experiences and with the recent weather pattern changes and pollution spills the current conditions may vary. Consistent success on The Vaal River is challenging none the less and I hope that this series of articles will add to your arsenal of knowledge and improve your success ratio.

Cameron with his Vaal PB caught one rainy September morning on a mojo rigged pumpkin 4" deadringer at "Van Zyls"

Ethic's

There is a lot of debate of whether targeting spawning bass is ethical during this time and it remains your choice whether to target fish during the spawn or not, however to be honest, very few of the most ethical bassers around pass up fishing this period. I would suggest releasing the fish as close to the spot where caught as it has been found that bass caught off a nest may not return if released at another area after capture. Take special care when handling females as we all need to do our bit in preserving the object of our sport and passion.

Water Conditions

An aerial photograph of the barrage and Loch Vaal area

After enjoying the relatively clear water conditions of winter, Spring brings on the rains and subsequent nutrient rich water. Although the river level does not fluctuate as much as in our dams, water conditions that result from excessive rains do. The section of waterway that is usually frequented by the bass angler stretches from the Lethaba weir to the barrage and the water conditions differ from being very stained and muddy in the upper regions to emerald and clear in the lower parts. What I have determined is that bass are resident in both water conditions, however the prevailing pattern may differ between dirty and clean water. As a bass angler, you will be required to adapt your strategy to suit these varying water conditions. Rule of thumb is bigger, flashier, darker lures in the dirty water and smaller, more natural coloured lures in the cleaner water but I have found that by presenting the converse may also be very productive.

The Spots

As the water temperature increases, bass will leave their winter haunts and start staging for the spawn. Often females will be found on the edges of the river channel in 15 to 20ft of water opposite or near to spawning area's and the males will be found in and around the spawning flats. One thing I have noted is that despite the most productive spawning areas changing each year, repeated visits to old spawn area's often still produce great fishing. Two of the most productive area's I have found is Van Zyl's (photo on the left) and the Riveria Boat Club (photo below). One is situated in the cleaner water before Millionaires bend and the other in dirty water close to Vereeniging. I name these two spots is because they consistently produce fish in spring, with my son's Vaal PB of 2,4kg, coming from Van Zyl's in September 2006.

One thing that is common at both spots is a flat hard bottom, jetties, retaining walls and slipways. You will most probably find spawning fish at most spots similar to the two I have mentioned. These fish will be around until early summer. You will also usually find old building rubble in close proximity to the area as when home owners renovate or rebuild launch ramps, the old rubble is discarded in the river. This rubble makes superb cover for nests or staging females.

The lures & techniques

On approaching a spot I would start fishing the periphery (1st target area +-15 to 25ft) with a fast moving reaction bait like a DD22, DLN or similar depth diving crank. Casting perpendicular, parallel and at angles to the river channel drop off would soon locate staging bass. Try and get the bait to bounce off the bottom as sometimes these deflections in action cause the bass to bite. If no reaction bites are forthcoming, slow down and fish plastics or jigs along the area. I would use a jig, texas rigged creature bait or shakey head in this deeper water column.

If no fish are found, move in closer (2nd target area +- 8 to 15ft) and start targeting the ends of launch ramps and the points of jetties. Don't forget to target the open flat area's between residences as the fish could be holding to some submerged structure there. Also keep an eye out for changes in the shoreline structure e.g. where a bank of reeds and jetty meet. These transitional area's need some added attention. Again I would first use a DLN or medium diving crank bait and add a spinnerbait to my options. By employing a technique called "slow rolling", a spinnerbait can be most effective at these depths. I would also rig a plastic fluke or creature bait on a mojo rig and fan cast to this area.

Lastly, move right in and target the shallows (3rd target area - 0ft to 8ft) next to the retaining walls, under the jetties and the edges of the slipways. I refer to this type of fishing as '"close quarter combat" and due to the shallow water, both lure presentation and stealth is of utmost importance. Bass may relate against the retaining walls, so ensure you cast right up against the wall or position your boat up against the wall and casting parallel is another sound option. Here I would use shallow running crank baits like a Baby N and a spinnerbait for the reaction bite and weightless or light mojo rigged plastics. Casting under the jetties will take some practice, but more often that not, bass will use the cover and shade offered by jetties. I would pitch a texas rigged senko or fluke and hop it back to the boat. The Vaal is not really renowned as having a good top water bite, but I would also consider casting a popper in this area.

In summary, Spring brings on some hot action as bass are on beds or are in staging pattern and can be located with ease. Although bass will be found throughout the river system in typical spawning area's, I hope you will be able to refine your efforts and enjoy added success. In part three I will cover the predominant summer pattern.

Vaalboy
Bassing.co.za Pro Staff Member

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