FlY lINeS
BY aNDY FeNWICK SNR
The Nyanga Chronicles
The following is not a chronological
record of one man’s angling experiences
in Nyanga over the past thirty-five years or
so. Such an account would be lengthy and
tend to be somewhat repetitive. It is better
described as a series of sketches related by
the common denominator of trout fishing.
But not all episodes are concerned solely
with the piscatorial side of things: anglers
generally, and trout anglers particularly, are
commonly interested in the natural world.
Where trout anglers are concerned it is fair
to say that their interest is heightened by the
fact that their quarry is found invariably in
environments of great – often stunning –
natural beauty, and it is equally fair to say
that, frequently, the long rod and all the other
appurtenances of his passion are simply
excuses for being in such places, the business
of catching fish – or trying to – a secondary
consideration.
Part 6 -
The Middle Pungwe
W
e used to get to the middle Pungwe by the loop road
which crosses the Temburatedza. Thirty years ago this
could be accomplished in an ordinary family car. Thirty
years ago four of us in a Peugeot station wagon arrived at the river
bank at about six in the morning. The intention was to introduce two
novices to the delights of trout fishing. Doug and myself, having a
couple of seasons behind us, were grizzled veterans by comparison
with our two wet-behind-the ears acolytes.
The Pungwe may not be my favourite water as far as fishing
is concerned, but there is not much doubt that for scenic value it
is supreme. There are places between the middle Pungwe and the
falls that are very hard to describe without having to use the word
magnificent over and over again. Magnificent pools, magnificent
rapids, magnificent cliffs and banks. It is a great pity that magnificent
fish only occur there when there is an effective stocking programme;
wild fish are a rarity in the lower Pungwe.
Doug’s performance, during a demonstration before commencing
serious business, both impressed and pleased me. This was for the
benefit of Neil, his apprentice for the day. He stood calf-deep in the
water which here ran crystal clear over a rocky bed. The light was
P a g e 46
View of the middle Pungwe in flood.
behind him and there were residual wisps of mist on the water as he
false cast and gradually lengthened line. It was a graceful displ ^K