Hasings Exclusive

For the last 10 years, anglers from around the country have made their way to Hastings Farm in the Natal Midlands for the Hastings Exclusive, a celebration of fly fishing and the community that surrounds it.

The Hastings Valley sits within the central catchment of the Umgeni River. As winter approaches, the vibrant greens of summer begin to fade into rich autumn colours. These seasonal shifts don’t just transform the landscape, they signal the beginning of KZN’s revered stillwater trout season.

With only a limited number of entries available each year, spots fill quickly. It comes as no surprise that many teams secure their place for the following year before the closing ceremony has even wrapped up.

This year, 28 dams were allocated across the valley for the visiting teams, each with its own character, challenges, and technical nuances. As with most fishing, some waters produced better than others, but between sessions anglers always returned to the farm buzzing with energy and optimism for what the next outing might bring.

Over two days, 80 anglers landed more than 790 fish, a testament to just how exceptional the fishing was this year. While it certainly wasn’t easy, the evenings at the Xplorer pop up shop saw anglers digging through fly trays in search of the “secret sauce” for the following session. The biggest fish of the competition measured an impressive 61cm, a true specimen for the area.

One of the standout elements of this year’s event was the overall quality of the fish. Fin perfect trout with serious power and attitude. Anglers found success fishing both dry flies and deeper setups, but the real key was unlocking each dam’s unique pattern. Those who managed to crack the code were rewarded not only with numbers, but with consistently larger fish throughout the sessions.

Stillwater season is now well and truly underway. Cold, crisp mornings, mist rolling off the water, and fish rising quietly in the margins as the valley slowly comes alive. Fish eagles circled overhead while anglers methodically worked the water below, scenes that remind you exactly why places like this hold such a special place in South African fly fishing.

But beyond the fishing itself, what keeps us coming back year after year are the people. South Africa’s fly fishing community may be niche, but it’s incredibly unique. A gathering of like minded people, all brought together by a shared passion for the sport they love most. What more could you ask for?

To the organisers, exceptional as always. The Hastings Exclusive continues to run an incredibly tight ship. From the management of the dams, to the sponsors, and of course the incredible food and people behind the event’s success, it’s an honour to be involved.

Until next year.

Tight lines,

Xplorer Fly Fishing

PS – checkout our YouTube channel for our Hastings 2026 Showreel.