If your dream is going out into the mountains with rod, reel and a keen look in your eyes, then Swaziland is an excellent place for you. The small size of the country harbours a large number of fish species, far more than you would expect in a country as compact as Swaziland. There is a simple reason for this: geology. Swaziland is on the edge of the African escarpment. This means that there is a huge change in elevation from the highveld which is often 1500 metres high and ideal waters for trout and bass, to a few hundred meters above sea level where large fat bream lie in wait for your spinner in the slowly swirling waters. Some of the best scenery in Swaziland can be found in river valleys, many of which are relatively unpopulated and very safe to wander around. It is not difficult to get permission to fish, in fact one shop, the Flyfisher, will sell permits to you at minimal cost. Not the least of their services is expert personal advice on where to go and what to do. Which spinner worked last time, what weight of line to use and the perfect fly for elusive trout. In effect most of the dams and good fishing areas are under the control of clubs who welcome visitors, making it that much easier. The ideal way to tackle trout is to take the gentle, comfortable option of staying at the Forester’s Arms Hotel, situated in beautiful mountainous trout fishing country near Mhlambanyatsi. They pack excellent picnic lunches and can organise your fishing through the Usutu Forest Flyfishing Club. The fishing itself might well be in a nearby high mountain lake where you will almost certainly be the only people there. This is the site of one of the worlds largest pine forests - as well as one of the lowest populated parts of the country. Hawane Dam is a part of Malolotja Nature Reserve, so a part of the dam has been set aside as a heronry, attracting many species of waterfowl. These return to their nests in their hundreds at dusk, the sight of them silhouetted against a glowing sunset is a memorable experience. Fishing permits are easily and inexpensively obtained from the main gatehouse a few kilometres away. Malolotja also has a small dam for trout fishermen, you have to organise a guide the day before. Bass thrive in Swaziland’s highveld, where the climate is perfect for them. Contact the Swaziland Bass Fishing Club through Derek Hopf on his cell, number 602 0590. The prize fighting fish in Swaziland is undoubtedly the tiger. To try for these fish, contact Diccon Robinson on his cell 602 8082. He will direct you to the Van Eck dam near Big Bend. The yellowfish is widely distributed in Swaziland’s river systems. Fish of up to 2kgs have been caught, for more information contact Hans Noddeboe at his office in Mbabane on 404 3537.