Fishing the Vaal River Part 4

In the previous Fishing the Vaal River articles, the predominant patterns for Spring and Summer were covered and in this final instalment I will be looking at the Autumn and Winter seasons. I just wish to re iterate that these articles are based on my personal findings fishing the river for a few years and are by no means guaranteed. Many factors influence bass behaviour and the factors must be considered in context.

My good friend Errol with some good fish caught from the lay down in the background

Autumn

I personally find the Autumn period to be the most productive period for catching large quantities of good quality bass. This is mostly due to the fact that bass feed like crazy, so as to build up stores for the freezing winter period ahead. The transition from the hot summer days to the more cooler and milder time of the year appears to kick start this feeding frenzy and I have found that bass tend to relate to cover that transcends various depth zones. By relating to this type of cover allows bass to move from deeper more stable water to the fluctuating temperature of the shallows and in doing so still stay close to it's inbred programming. This type of cover includes lay downs and channels that intersect with shallow reed flats. Lay down fishing is for me one of the most exciting as you can deploy various techniques as you refine the particular pattern for the day.

One of the many mistakes I see fisherman make when fishing lay downs is in their approach when targeting this type of cover. Usually some part of the lay down is visible above the waterline and anglers tend to cast to what they can see and forget about the key area that extends in the water column underneath their boats. In doing so, anglers often position their boats over bass rich spots and invariably spook their quarry before they have even made a single cast. On thing to remember about lay downs is that they are often whole trees that have fallen into the water and may extend 10 to 15m into the river channel. The branches and numerous twigs provide ideal shelter and protection for the ambush orientated bass.

The manner in which I approach lay downs is to try and visualise the structure under the water based on what you see above it. Target the outer edges first with deep diving reaction baits such as crankbaits and spinnerbaits. This will interest the active fish relating to the structure and often more than one fish can be caught in quick succession. Changing the casting angles when targeting these peripheral edges is also crucial. Do not be afraid to cast cranks into the branches, however note that it is inevitable that you may loose a crank or five. Coffin lipped cranks tend to get hung up less and I would suggest you invest in a good plug knocker which should also give you the added confidence. If you start feeling a bit of pressure on your line during the retrieve, just pause and allow the crank to float free. Often while the crank floats free, it will produce the strike so watch your line and be alert!

The deadly weapon

In my opinion, the spinnerbait is the most versatile lure to use in these conditions as is can be fished both fast and slow. My all time favourite is a black and chartreuse skirt with a single silver Colorado blade. I allow the bait to "helicopter" down to the bottom on slack line and then retrieve slowly through the branches and twigs. The more the spinnerbait bashes into branches and twigs, the better, as this attracts and triggers bites. Once the outer periphery has been saturated, it's time to move in closer. A great friend and fishing mentor once told me to always target the biggest limb first as prize fish will often jostle for the most optimal spot available in the lay down. As you move in closer, invariably the water column will become shallower so added stealth is advised. Bumping your trolling motor into subsurface limbs will scare fish and render the lay down barren for a few hours. As I move in to the close quarter combat arena, often I will stick with the reaction baits, and will look at pitching the spinnerbait into the thickest and densest part of the lay down and allow it to sink to the bottom. As I retrieve the spinner bait over a limb, I will allow it to flutter down to the bottom once more. Watch out for savage strikes as the spinnerbait flutters down. I would then start picking apart the lay down with texas rigged plastics. Here creature baits displace a lot of water and create lost of movement while a senko will allow you access into those tight spots. Remember to change casting angles and make repeated casts to the same spots within the lay down. Thorough fishing and patience is required.

The one thing to remember about lay downs is that they often reload with fish during the course of the day. The initial fish caught off a lay down are there for a reason, so once removed, others will often take their place. Do not feel disheartened when you arrive at your favourite lay down to find another angler picking up a fish as invariably he has failed to pick apart the deeper sections, so just give the spot an hour or two and return to try out your luck. I also found during the years that for some reason certain lay downs always produce fish consistently, so mark and record your spots carefully. Fortunately new lay downs are created each year due to rains and storms, however conversely old lay downs wash away during flooding.

My daughter, Kristen gets in on the action as well

Winter

As the feeding frenzy of Autumn passes, action slows right down in Winter and catch rates will fall considerably. This does not by any means mean that you won't catch a few lunkers during this period. One of the most fantastic things about fishing the Vaal river in Winter is the almost non existent recreational water traffic, however please be aware of the misty conditions that plague the early mornings.

A tri of Winter bass that fell prey to the "Vaal River Special"

I once heard a rumour that bass do not chow down on cranks in water less than 12 degrees Celsius, so for a winter or two only enjoyed varied success on plastics. This was until 2006 when one icy morning I was faced with a water temp of around 9 degrees and couldn't raise a bite on conventional plastic fishing. I was fishing an area frequented by carp anglers and positioned my boat parallel to a reed bank. I like these area's as I believe that the mielie bomb and pap baits used by bank anglers are any easy meal for bait fish which in turn attract bass. I started casting a medium diving crank as close to the reed edge as possible. On the first cast, I couldn't believe my eyes when a good fish hammered my crank. Out the window went the theory of bass not hitting cranks in cold water. Since that day, winter fishing changed for me and so did the use of cranks during this time.

The lure I fondly call the "Vaal River Special"

As the water is colder, bass to tend to relate to area'swhere the water warms up quickly. Rip raps or rocky area's are good to start with in the mornings and the reed beds are great for midday to late afternoon. I would supplement my fast reaction bait techniques with a slow light mojo or texas rigged plastics. Try and look for holes or pockets in the reed banks and pitch your plastic bait even if your line hangs over the reeds around the hole. Rather worry about hooking the fish first, then worry about getting it out. I trust this series of articles will be of benefit to beginner and expert alike - one thing I can assure you is that I look forward to fishing this magnificent bass water again soon.

My son, Cameron with a good Winter lunker

Vaalboy
Bassing.co.za Pro Staff Member

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