Fishing has over the years grown in popularity especially as a sporting and leisure activity. With such growing popularity, the homework on the part of fishing fanatics is to find the best location to enjoy this activity. Below are some of the top ten freshwater fishing spots in South Africa.
Gariep Dam – Gariep Dam near the town of Norvalspont and bordering the Free State and the Eastern Cape provinces is home to some of the biggest Carp and Barbel in South Africa. It is a great fishing venue with excellent accommodation.
Komati – Komati river is home to the Tigerfish. Pristine by nature, there are a few different areas to fish on this river from Badplaas to Komatipoort.The further north you go, the more likely you are to catch Tigerfish. Big Barbel and Carp are found in this river among many other fish species.The best time to visit this place is between October and March.
Impofu Dam -This dam is filled with large Common Carp, Barbel, Kurper, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass can also be found at this location.
Albert Falls Dam/Inanda Dam -These Kwazulu Natal dams host amazing fishing for a variety of species.They are mainly regarded as Bass fishing dams.
Groenvlei -This venue is also known as lake Pleasant. Located in the Knysna area, this is a great place for Bass angling, Bluegill, Hurper and Barbel can also be found.
Clanwilliam Dam – Located on the Olifants River near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape, this fishing venue was established in 1935. It is a number 1 destination for the Small Mouth Bass angler.
Loskop Dam – Located in Mpumalanga near Groblersdal, Loskop Dam is a combined gravity and arch type dam that boasts of having Blue Kurper, Mudfish, Barbel, Carp, Yellowfish, Papermouth and Bass.The Silver Catfish can also be found at this location.
Hartebeespoort Dam – Hartebeespoort Dam is a great angling area with numerous species to catch such as Barbel, Carp, Mudfish and Bass.The dam has been in existence for many years but it is still a great fishing venue.
Dullstroom Area – Dullstroom is a small countryside venue in Mpumalanga.This fishing location has some of the best Trout resources in the country and if you enjoy fly fishing and catching Trout, this is the place to be.
Vaal River/Vaal Dam – Vaal is situated about 56km south of Johannesburg on the Vaal River In Vanderbiljpark.This is South Africa’s second biggest dam by area and fourth largest by volume. Species of fish that you find here include big Barbel, Carp, Grass Carp, Bass and Yellowfish. Vaal Dam is also a favourite destination for water sport enthusiasts.