1. South Africa

Fishing in South Africa

Fishing in South Africa includes saltwater fishing along the coastline as well as freshwater opportunities in rivers and lakes. Nearshore fishing targets a mix of coastal and reef species, while offshore trips often focus on pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel depending on season and location.

Types of species in South Africa

Bass
Bass
Carp
Carp
Trout
Trout
Tilapia
Tilapia
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Want trophy-size catches? These South Africa spots deliver

Top fishing spots in South Africa

catch
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Bronkhorstspruitdam

Gauteng, South Africa

4.5
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Vaal Dam

, South Africa

5.0
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catch
Rietvleidam

Gauteng, South Africa

4.4
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catch
Bloubankspruit

Gauteng, South Africa

4.0
catch
catch
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catch
Midstream Estate (mashie course)

Gauteng, South Africa

4.1
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catch
Albert Falls Dam

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

4.3
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catch
catch
catch
Hartbeespoortdam

North-West, South Africa

4.3
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catch
catch
Rietspruit

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

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catch
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Jackson’s Falls

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

4.8
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Roodeplaat Dam

Gauteng, South Africa

5.0
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Biggest catches in South Africa

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

South Africa fishing reports

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Longfin trevally

Ballito Bay

22 in · 3 lb 3 oz

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Common carp

Roodeplaat Dam

45 in · 20 lb

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Common carp

Roodeplaat Dam

39 in · 26 lb 7 oz

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Spinner shark

Ballito Bay

37 in · 9 lb

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Bronze seabream

Ballito Bay

15 in · 3 lb 5 oz

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Giant guitarfish

Ballito Bay

70 in · 90 lb

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Largemouth bass

Midstream Estate (mashie course)

9 in · 6 oz

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Common carp

Rietvleidam

length · weight

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Common carp

Struben Dam

length · weight

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Common carp

Struben Dam

length · weight

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FAQ about fishing in South Africa

Some of the most popular species anglers target in South Africa include Bass, Carp, and Trout. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across South Africa.
Some of the most popular fishing spots in South Africa include Bronkhorstspruitdam, Vaal Dam, and Rietvleidam. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in South Africa, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.
Explore more
Popular States in South Africa
MpumalangaNorthern CapeGautengFree StateEastern CapeWestern CapeNorth WestKwaZulu-Natal
Popular species in South Africa
Largemouth bassCommon carpNorth African catfishJapanese meagreRainbow troutMozambique tilapiaBlunt-toothed African catfishSmallspotted grunterMirror carpLeerfishSmallmouth yellowfishBluefishSmallmouth bassGrass carpWhite steenbrasBronze seabreamRedbreast tilapiaWhite seabreamGaljoenLargemouth yellowfishAfrican tigerfishYellowfin tunaSouthern yellowtail amberjackOrange river mudfishBluegillExplore species
Popular fishing waters in South Africa
BronkhorstspruitdamVaal DamRietvleidamBloubankspruitMidstream Estate (mashie course)Albert Falls DamHartbeespoortdamRietspruitJackson’s FallsRoodeplaat DamPotchefstroomdamBallito BayStruben DamSandrivierBoskopdamThatchfield Mashie Course PondsVanryndamBrookwoodBottelaryrivierWonderland45Popular Waters