The Wilge River is a tributary of the Vaal River in central South Africa, originating in the Drakensberg at an elevation of approximately 2,040 meters (6,690 feet) near the KwaZulu-Natal border, roughly 50 kilometers northeast of Harrismith in the eastern Free State. The river takes its name from the Afrikaans word for "willow," reflecting the abundance of willow trees lining its banks. From its high-elevation source, the Wilge flows southwestward and then northward before eventually converging with the Vaal Dam. The river plays an important role in the Tugela-Vaal Water Transfer Scheme, which transfers water from the Tugela River basin into the Vaal River basin. Along its banks, anglers are frequently treated to sightings of kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles, making it as much a wildlife experience as a fishing destination. The river features broad pools, gravel runs, and crystal-clear stretches during certain months of the year, offering a diverse range of fishing environments across its course.