Posted on: 8 September 2026
For many people, fly fishing is about escaping to the water, slowing down and enjoying the rhythm of the cast. For Lucinda van Niekerk, it has become something much more. A highly accomplished angler from Dullstroom, Lucinda has represented South Africa in international competition and earned recognition as one of Mpumalanga’s top fly fishers.
Based at Walkersons Private Estate, Lucinda has an extraordinary training ground on her doorstep, with trout-filled dams and kilometres of river winding through the 800-hectare estate. Yet her success is not simply a product of opportunity. Behind her elegant casting is an extraordinary commitment to practice, patience and precision.
Meet Lucinda Van Niekerk
Lucinda’s approach to fly fishing is understated, with the emphasis firmly on the sport, the friendships it has created and the privilege of representing her province and country.
“Being able to represent my province and my country is a much bigger achievement for me than a placing or rank,” she told Daily Maverick in 2025.
Her achievements are particularly notable in a sport that has historically been dominated by men. With women’s international fly-fishing competition providing a platform for female anglers to compete at the highest level, Lucinda has established herself as a formidable competitor, earning her place in the South African ladies’ team.
A World-Class Training Ground at Walkersons
Living and working in Walkersons Private Estate gives Lucinda the rare opportunity to practise her craft in her own backyard. The estate’s trout dams and river stretches provide varied conditions, from stillwater fishing to the very different technical demands of casting on a river.
Walkersons is home to an abundance of trout waters, with fishing taking place on a catch-and-release basis. The estate’s river trout population has developed through natural spawning, while the dams are regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout. This combination provides an exceptional environment for both experienced anglers and those discovering fly fishing for the first time.
For Lucinda, however, practice goes beyond spending time on the water. Her precision casting has been developed through countless hours of repetition, even practising on the lawns around Walkersons Hotel & Spa.
At the highest level of competition, the difference can come down to landing a fly with extraordinary accuracy.
South Africa Ladies World Championship Success
The South African Protea Ladies Fly Fishing Team won the FIPS-Mouche Ladies World Championship in Norway in August 2026, with team member Marlize Blom Heyns claiming individual gold.
- Team Gold: The South African ladies team took first place overall in Norway after five intense days of competitive fishing.
- Individual Gold: Marlize Blom Heyns won the individual gold medal.
- Leadership: The team was guided by coach Maddy Rich and manager David Karpul.
- 2026 Squad: The roster included Amy Visser, Marlize Heyns, Amy Tough, Lucinda Van Niekerk, Kristine Page and reserve angler Alecia McAlpine.
The team previously finished 3rd overall at the World Championship in Idaho Falls, USA, in 2025. For Lucinda, being part of a team that has reached the highest level of international competition is another notable milestone in an already impressive fly-fishing journey.
Behind the Cast
For all the discipline that competitive fly fishing requires, Lucinda’s relationship with the sport is also much simpler.
“When I get to the water, I clear my mind and relax,” she told Daily Maverick.
It’s a feeling that many anglers will recognise. Away from competition, time on the water offers the opportunity to slow down and focus entirely on the cast, the conditions and what is happening beneath the surface.
Competition requires a different kind of focus. Meditation and visualisation form part of Lucinda’s preparation, helping her approach the water calm and ready to fish.
It is a fitting reflection of what makes fly fishing so special at Walkersons. Whether you’re an experienced angler or casting a line for the first time, there is something inherently calming about standing beside the water, watching the current and waiting patiently for the next opportunity.
Discover Fly Fishing at Walkersons
While Lucinda’s level of expertise is exceptional, you don’t need to be a competitive angler to enjoy the trout waters at Walkersons.
Guided fishing is available for beginners, while experienced fly fishers can explore the estate’s varied waters at their own pace. All fishing is catch and release.
For guests, fly fishing offers another way to experience the natural beauty of Dullstroom, rod in hand, surrounded by open grasslands, riverbanks and the quiet landscapes of the Highlands.
Interested in trying your hand at fly fishing? Discover the best time for fly fishing in Dullstroom and plan your visit.
Image Credits: Matt Kennedy of The Mission Fly Fishing Magazine & South African Ladies Fly Fishing Team Facebook Page
FAQs
Lucinda van Niekerk is a highly accomplished South African fly fisher from Dullstroom who has represented South Africa in international women’s fly-fishing competition.
Yes. Walkersons offers fly fishing on its trout waters, with guided fishing available for beginners. Fishing is conducted on a catch-and-release basis.
Yes. Beginners can arrange tuition with an experienced guide, making Walkersons suitable for guests who are completely new to fly fishing.
Dullstroom’s high-altitude setting, cool climate and abundance of trout waters have made it one of South Africa’s best-known destinations for trout and fly fishing. Walkersons adds extensive private fishing waters within its estate.