There are literally hundreds of accommodations across South Africa that offer fishing on-site or within a few hundred metres away. To save you trawling through pages of Google hits, we’ve compiled a list of 48 fantastic – and some lesser known – fishing spots in South Africa.
NORTHERN CAPE
1. Kalahari Water Holiday Farm, Keimoes
Set along the mighty Orange River, Kalahari Water Holiday Farm is an island paradise offering self-catering, caravan, or camping accommodation.
2. Jakkalsdans Guest Farm, Sutherland
Sutherland may be cold and dry, but you can still enjoy a bout of fishing on the Visrivier at the nearby Jakkalsdans Guest Farm.
3. Dundi Lodge, Augrabies
Who says fishing trips can’t be luxurious? Dundi Lodge offers stylish accommodation along the Orange River, surrounded by lush table grape vineyards.
FREE STATE
4. d’Orange Cottage, Vanderkloof
Fancy some of the best fly fishing on the Orange River and the second largest manmade lake in South Africa? Bordering the Northern Cape, d’Orange Cottage is surrounded by the natural scenery of the river and on the doorstep of Vanderkloof Dam.
5. Savannah Game and River Resort, Parys
Savannah Game and River Resort is a beautiful nature resort set on 2,500 acres of bushveld. Stay in a tent house overlooking the waterhole and explore the fishing trail.
6. De Lusthof Guest Farm, Clarens
Enjoy fishing for bass and trout at De Lusthof Guest Farm, in the hills of a spectacular Eastern Free State valley.
NORTH WEST
7. Schoemanshof, Potchefstroom
It’s been said that the Vaal River water is the best for fly fishing yellowfish, and that’s exactly why Schoemanshof is only a few steps away from it. It’s a great choice for group getaways.
8. Kareekloof Game Farm, Derby
Whether you’re visiting for the day or a week, you can enjoy good catch-and-release fishing for bass and tilapia in the deep dam at Kareekloof Game Farm.
9. Boe-Boe’s Nest, Koster
Located between Swartruggens and Koster, Boe-Boe’s Nest borders the Elands River and offers excellent fishing opportunities for carp, barber, bass, and tilapia.
10. Bobbejaan Kloof Bass & Quad Lodge, Hartbeesfontein
Bobbejaan Kloof Bass & Quad Lodge is a family weekend venue with a well-stocked dam of 10 different fish species, of which bass and giant carp are the most common.
GAUTENG
11. Loodswaai Game Ranch, Dinokeng
Enjoy game drives, bird watching, and, of course, bass fishing at Loodswaai Game Ranch. The self-catering Dam Chalet lies on the edge of the large dam and sleeps up to 6 people.
12. Old Willow No.7 Houseboat Charters, Vanderbijlpark
Why leave the waters at all? Fish the Vaal River as long as you like on the Old Willow No.7 Houseboat Charters.
LIMPOPO
13. Harnham Guest House, Louis Trichardt
Set on a 500 hectare farm, Harnham Guest House has 3 dams stocked with various species of bream.
14. Cheerio Trout Fishing Holiday Resort, Haenertsburg
Cheerio Trout Fishing Holiday Resort offers trout fishing in well-stocked dams on the property. Guests can also fish at The Letaba dams, 20 minutes away.
15. Leselo La Bontshi Lodge, Groblersdal
Leselo La Bontshi Lodge is great for energetic outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy dam and river fishing for sharp tooth catfish, bream, carp, and black bass.
16. Rhenosterpoort, Rankins Pass
Set on the edge of a small dam and catering for only 6 people, Rhenosterpoort is a true little gem in the Waterberg. After a day of fishing you can watch the wildlife come to drink in the evening.
EASTERN CAPE
17. Crown River Safari, Grahamstown
There’s no shortage of fishing opportunities at Crown River Safari. Enjoy fresh water fishing on the 5km riverfront around the lodge; tidal river fishing on the Bushman’s and Kariega Rivers; rock and surf fishing along the beaches less than an hour away; and deep sea fishing at Port Alfred only 45 minutes away.
18. Gulu Private Resort, East London
Gulu Private Resort is well known for its fishing experiences from the banks of the Gulu River and from Gulu Beach.
19. Trennerys Hotel, Qolora Mouth
Trennerys Hotel is in the perfect position to enjoy rock and surf fishing, as well as deep sea fishing on the rugged Wild Coast. Fishing tackle is available at the hotel.
20. Kariega Game Reserve – River Lodge, Kenton-on-Sea
Perched on the edge of the Bushman’s River, Kariega Game Reserve – River Lodge offers excellent river fishing and canoeing.
21. Angler & Antelope Guesthouse, Somerset East
The Boschberg Mountain in Somerset East ensures an unusual amount of rain for this region of the Karoo. This makes Angler & Antelope Guesthouse an exceptionally good fishing spot for trout.
22. Gairtney Guest Farm, Lady Grey
Enjoy fly fishing for trout at Gairtney Guest Farm, an easily accessible establishment in a tranquil mountain setting.
23. Cape St Francis Resort
Cape St Francis Resort is an excellent destination for rock and surf fishing. Fishing licences are available at the local post office in St Francis Bay.
KWAZULU-NATAL
24. Tillietudlem Game & Trout Lodge, Impendle
Tillietudlem Game & Trout Lodge offers a unique eco-experience with a variety of activities including trout fly fishing in one of four trophy dams, game walks, mountain biking, birding, and more.
25. Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa, Jozini
Get your adrenalin flowing when you catch your very own tiger fish – one of the most exciting and challenging fresh water game fish – at Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa.
26. The Country Charm, Paulpietersburg
The Country Charm has 7 farm dams where you can fish for black bass, carp, and tilapia. You can also catch yellowfish in the Pongola River.
27. Kwa Jabu Accommodation, Nottingham Road
Combine great trout fishing, a classic golf course, and a conference venue with an upmarket country retreat and you have Kwa Jabu Accommodation.
28. Berghaven Cottages, Champagne Valley
Berghaven Cottages offers a farm-style stay where you can fish for bass in 3 cascading dams. Enjoy the remoteness of the Drakensberg with plenty of adventure and creature comforts on your doorstep.
29. The Old Hatchery, Underberg
The restaurant deck at The Old Hatchery overlooks a waterfall that flows into the trout dam. It’s great if you prefer not to eat what you catch.
30. Three Cities Alpine Heath Resort, Northern Drakensberg
Three Cities Alpine Heath Resort is an excellent outdoor adventure destination for the whole family. Fly fishing is just one of the many activities available.
31. Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge, Ladysmith
Overlooking a waterhole on the Nambiti Game Reserve, Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge offers a luxury safari getaway for up to 10 people. Seasonal fly fishing is available.
MPUMALANGA
32. The Five Assegais Lodge, Machadadorp
The Five Assegais Lodge has rainbow and brown trout in 4 well-stocked dams, the top 2 of which are exclusive to lodge guests. There is no additional charge for catch-and-release fly fishing, but you will pay R95 to keep a fish (no fish over 1kg). Bring your own equipment and use barbless hooks only.
33. Gunyatoo Trout Farm and Lodge, Sabie
Gunyatoo Trout Farm and Lodge is a working trout farm with a processing area, hatchery, nursery, raceways, and 2 stocked dams for the fly fishing enthusiast. Limited stream fishing is available for more experienced fishermen. Private fly fishing lessons and group clinics can be arranged on site.
34. Komati River Chalets, Komatipoort
Komati River Chalets lies at the confluence of the Komati and Crocodile Rivers, in the Southern Kruger Park region. The chalets are no more than 50m from the water’s edge, but mind the hippos!
35. Beth-Shean Country Cottages, Dullstroom
Affordable trout and bass fishing is available at the 5 well-stocked dams of Beth-Shean Country Cottages. Fishing is done on a catch-and-release basis and only barbless hooks are allowed. Tackle and flies are available and the fly fishing technique is encouraged. You can expect the best trout fishing from April – September, and the best bass fishing from October – March.
36. Fire Thorn & Sycamore Cottages, Da Gama Dam
Situated halfway between Hazyview and White River, Fire Thorn & Sycamore Cottages overlooks the beautiful Da Gama Dam where you can fish for bass and trout.
37. Mountain Creek Lodge, Hazyview
Enjoy bass fishing in the mountains of the Sabie River Valley at Mountain Creek Lodge.
38. Hezekiah Game Farm, Nelspruit
Hezekiah Game Farm offers fresh water fishing on a catch-and-release basis on their dam. There is also a peddle-boat for hire, which makes for a unique game viewing experience.
39. Stonecutters Lodge, between Dullstroom and Lydenburg
Stonecutters Lodge lies in the heart of Mpumalanga’s fly fishing region. The scenic property has 2 well stocked trout fishing dams and 3km of free-flowing river supporting wild and stocked trout.
WESTERN CAPE
40. Riverhouse, Velddrif
Riverhouse-Velddrif lies on the banks of the Berg River next to the Laaiplek slipway where locals launch their fishing boats for the day’s catch.
41. Mudlark River Front Lodge, Infanta
Mudlark River Front Lodge lies on the edge of the Breede River, a fishing hot-spot where kob, spotted grunter, and garrick are regularly caught.
42. Amicus, Nature’s Valley
Have your pick of surf, rock, and lagoon fishing at Amicus.
43. Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway, Rawsonville
Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway comprises 9 campsites on the banks of the Holsloot River. Trout fishing is available at an additional fee.
44. Colnera, Herold’s Bay
Enjoy bass fishing at Colnera, a Garden Route accommodation with spectacular views of the Outeniqua Mountains and Indian Ocean.
45. Wolfkop Camping Villages, Citrusdal
Tent or no tent, you can enjoy camping and fishing on the banks of the Olifants River at Wolfkop Camping Villages.
46. Matjiesvlei Guest Farm, Calitzdorp
Matjiesvlei Guest Farm is an angler’s paradise in the Klein Karoo. You’ll find a wide variety of fish species including yellowfish, black bass, eel, and carp.
47. Lagoon and Sea, Fisherhaven
Lagoon and Sea lies at the mouth of the Bot River where you’ll often see wild horses roaming freely. Fishing, water skiing, canoeing, sailing, and swimming are popular in demarcated areas of the lagoon.
48. BakenOord, Bonnievale
See how many of the 12 species of fish you can catch in the Breede River and dam at BakenOord.
If we’ve left out any fishing spots that you would recommend, please let us know in the comment below!
