FISHING SPOTS

The idea is to build up a database of Fishing Spots, both public and private Bass fishing venues in the respective provinces in South Africa, and also neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia and Mozambique.

www.farmstay.co.za is a relevant site which has details of private Bass (and trout) fishing on farms around South Africa.

If you have any information which you feel may be relevant or helpful and which you would like to share in order to expand or add to this section, please e-mail the details, preferably in MS Word. Come on guys, I need your help!

This section will also include links to Bass Fishing Guide Services operating in Southern Africa.

Obviously this whole section will take a lot of time and effort to "grow" and will probably never be totally complete. What this section ultimately looks like will, of course, be dependent upon appropriate responses from Bassers in the various areas.

If you need maps of dams or topo-cadastral maps (showing a lot of detail such as contours, drop-offs, buildings etc. in areas flooded by dams), go here or try the Department of Water Affairs' Mapshop.

The list of Bass Fishing Waters appearing below gives some idea of what is in the pipeline ... Links which are currently active are underlined. Not all waters listed may currently have Bass. This situation may change periodically as Bass have a way of getting around!

All waters marked with an asterisk (*) definitely do have Bass at the moment. N = Northern strain Largemouth Bass; F = Florida strain Largemouth Bass and Northern-Florida strain "hybrids"; S = Smallmouth Bass.

Please note that listed dams without an asterisk may not contain Bass.

Any assistance with info for updates or corrections would not only be appreciated, but is imperative!

Bassers are urged to share information about Bass fishing hotspots for the benefit and enjoyment of others and to practise "catch and release" whenever possible or appropriate!

A. SOUTH AFRICA

1. GAUTENG PROVINCE

*1.1 Rietvlei Dam (N, S)

*1.2 Roodeplaat Dam (N, F)

*1.3 Vaal River and Vaal Dam (N, F)

*1.4 Bronkhorstspruit Dam (N)

*1.5 Rustfontein (Private Venue) (N, F)

2. NORTH-WEST PROVINCE

*2.1 Hartbeespoort Dam (N, F) Some big Bass being caught

*2.2 Roodekoppies Dam (N, F) Some big Bass being caught

*2.3 Vaalkop Dam (N)

*2.4 Mafikeng/ Mmabatho area (N, F)

*2.5 Buffelspoort Dam (N)

*2.6 Olifantsnek Dam (N)

*2.7 Lindleyspoort Dam (N)

*2.8 Bospoort Dam (N)

*2.9 Marico Bosveld Dam (N)

*2.10 Klein Maricopoort Dam (N)

*2.11 Klerkskraal Dam (N)

*2.12 Koster Dam (N)

*2.13 Taung Dam (N)

2.14 Molatedi Dam

2.15 Wentzel Dam

2.16 Klipvoor Dam

2.17 Kromellenboog Dam

*2.18 Boskop Dam (N, S)

2.19 Klipdrif Dam

2.20 West End Dam

2.21 Baberspan

*2.22 Disaneng Dam (N, F) Notable Bass catch: 4.2kg (9.24lb) 2006/ 2007

*2.23 Setumo (Modimola) Dam (N, F)

*2.24 Potchefstroom Dam (N)

*2.25 Bass Lodge (Private Venue) (N, F)

*2.26 Riekerts Dam (N, F)

3. LIMPOPO (NORTHERN) PROVINCE

*3.1 Tzaneen Dam (N)

*3.2 Rust der Winter Dam (N, F) Some big Bass being caught

*3.3 Mokolo Dam (Hans Strijdom Dam) (N, F) Some big Bass up to 4.6kg being caught

*3.4 Doorndraai Dam (Sterk River Dam) (N, F)

3.5 Glen Alpine Dam

*3.6 Luphephe Dam (N, S)

*3.7 Nwanedzi Dam (N, S)

3.8 Nzehlele Dam

*3.9 Albasini Dam (N)

*3.10 Vondo Dam (N)

*3.11 Klaserie Dam (N)

*3.12 Ebenezer Dam (S)

*3.13 Magoebaskloof Dam (Lower Stanford Dam) (S)

*3.14 Middle Letaba Dam (N, F) Some big Bass being caught

4. MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

*4.1 Witbank Dam (N, F, S)

*4.2 Heyshope Dam (N)

*4.3 Vygeboom Dam (N)

*4.4 Middelburg Dam (N, S)

*4.5 Ohrigstad Dam (S)

*4.6 Witklip Dam (N)

*4.7 Loskop Dam (N, F) Notable Bass catch: 5.45kg (12.01lb) September 2006

4.8 Rhenosterkop Dam

4.9 Buffelskloof Dam

*4.10 Arabie (Boshielo) Dam (N, F)

*4.11 Blyderivierspoort Dam (N, S)

*4.12 Grootdraai Dam

*4.13 Jericho Dam (N)

*4.14 Morgenstond Dam (N)

*4.15 Westoe Dam (N)

*4.16 Driekoppies Dam (N, F)

*4.17 Nooitgedacht Dam (N)

*4.18 Klipkoppie Dam (S)

*4.19 Kwena Dam (N)

*4.20 Longmere Dam (N)

*4.21 Primkop Dam (N)

*4.22 Da Gama Dam (N)

*4.23 Injaka Dam (N)

*4.24 Dullstroom area (Private Venues) (N)

Fantastic ALL YEAR Bass fishing destination.

Private farm dams only accessible with a guide.

Check out the website www.isivuba.co.za or contact Denise Carey for more information.

Tel:  +27 (0) 82 887 0666
Fax:  +27 (0) 86 535 9706
P.O. Box 26442, NELSPRUIT 1200
Mpumalanga Province
South Africa
Web:  www.isivuba.co.za
E-mail:  info@isivuba.co.za

5. NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE

5.1 Boegoeberg Dam

5.2 Douglas Dam

5.3 Smartt Dam

5.4 Spitskop Dam

5.5 Vaalhartstudam

6. EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

*6.1 Wriggleswade Dam (N, F)

*6.2 Langkloof Dam (N)

*6.3 Elandsjagt Dam (Impofu Dam) (N, S)

*6.4 Binfield Dam (N, F)

6.5 Churchill Dam

6.6 Beervlei

*6.7 Kouga/Lourie Dam (N)

*6.8 Groendal Dam (N, S)

6.9 Van Rhyneveldspas Dam

6.10 Darlington Dam

6.11 Grassridge Dam

6.12 Kommandodrift Dam

6.13 Kat River Dam

6.14 Bridle Drift Dam

6.15 Laing Dam

*6.16 Rooikrantz Dam (S)

*6.17 Nahoon Dam (N)

6.18 Doring River Dam

6.19 Waterdown Dam

6.20 Gubu Dam

6.21 Umtata Dam

*6.22 Kromme River (N)

*6.23 Swartkops River (N)

*6.24 Gamtoos River (S)

*6.25 Kabusie River (N, S)

*6.26 Umtata River (S)

*6.27 Buffels River (N)

7. WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE

*7.1 Theewaterskloof Dam (N)

*7.2 Groenvlei (Lake Pleasant) (N)

*7.3 Wiesenhof (Private Venue) (N, F, S)

7.4 Aspoort Dam

*7.5 Welgemoed Dam (N)

*7.6 Hartebeeskuil Dam (N)

*7.7 George Dam (N)

*7.8 Clanwilliam Dam (N, S)

*7.9 Bulshoek Dam (N, S)

*7.10 Brandvlei Dam (N, S)

*7.11 Quaggaskloof Dam (N, S)

*7.12 Voelvlei (S)

*7.13 Misverstand Dam (N)

7.14 Wemmershoek Dam

*7.15 Eikenhof Dam (Private Venue) (N)

*7.16 Steenbras and Upper Steenbras Dam (S)

7.17 Lakenvlei Dam

7.18 Roode Elsberg Dam

7.19 Pietersfontein Dam

7.20 Poortjieskloof Dam

7.21 Elandskloof Dam

7.22 Duiwenhoksrivier Dam

7.23 Buffelsjag Dam

7.24 Korentepoort Dam

*7.25 Floriskraal Dam (N)

7.26 Miertjieskraal Dam

7.27 Prinsrivier Dam

7.28 Gamkapoort Dam

7.29 Oukloof Dam

7.30 Kammanassie Dam

7.31 Stompdrift Dam

7.32 Wolwedans Dam

*7.33 Berg River (N, S)

*7.34 Breede River (N, S)

*7.35 Olifants River (N, S)

*7.36 Paardevlei (N)

*7.37 De Rust Lure Angler's Lodge (Private Venue, Bonnievale) (N, F)

8. KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE

*8.1 Albert Falls Dam (N, F) Some big Bass being caught (3kg - 4kg)

*8.2 Inanda Dam (N, F) Some big Bass being caught (4kg - 5kg)

*8.3 Midmar Dam (N, F, S) Notable Bass catch: 6.3kg (13.86lb) 2006/ 2007

*8.4 Nagle Dam (N) Notable Bass catches: 6.5kg (14.3lb) and some over 5kg September/ October 2009

*8.5 Hazlemere Dam (N)

8.6 Driel Dam

8.7 Spioenkop Dam

8.8 Woodstock Dam

*8.9 Craigie Burn Dam (N)

8.10 Chelmsford Dam

8.11 Zaaihoek Dam

*8.12 Wagendrift Dam (N)

*8.13 Goedertrouw Dam (F) Notable Bass catches: 6.16 kg (13.55lb) 9 August 2008; 6kg (13.20lb) 20 September 2008; 5.88kg (12.94lb) 8 September 2007; many Bass over 4kg and 5kg

8.14 Klipfontein Dam

8.15 Hluhluwe Dam

*8.16 Jozini (Pongolapoort) Dam (N, F)

8.17 Lake Sibayi

*8.18 Mooi River (N, S)

*8.19 Slang River (S)

*8.20 Eshowe Dam (N, F)

*8.21 Peatties Lakeside Resort (N, F)

*8.22 Crystal Spring Dam (Mount Currie, Kokstad) (N, F)

*8.23 Bivane Dam (N, F)

9. FREE STATE PROVINCE

*9.1 Sand River (N)

*9.2 Allemanskraal Dam (N)

9.3 Erfenis Dam

9.4 Groothoek Dam

9.5 Kalkfontein Dam

9.6 Krugersdrif Dam

9.7 Rustfontein Dam

*9.8 Koppies Dam (N)

*9.9 Saulspoort Dam (N, F)

*9.10 Sterkfontein Dam (N, F)

*9.11 Bloemhof Dam (N, F ? Reports of Bass near Hopetown Bridge over Dam) 

9.12 Armenia Dam

9.13 Egmont Dam

*9.14 Knelpoort Dam (N)

9.15 Welbedacht Dam

*9.16 Gariep Dam (upper reaches) (N, F)

*9.17 Vanderkloof Dam (upper reaches) (N, F)

*9.18 Bloemhoek Dam (Kroonstad) (N, F)

B. ZIMBABWE

1. MATABELELAND

1.1 Antelope

1.2 Beit Bridge O/R Dams

1.3 Insiza

*1.4 Inyankuni (N, F)

1.5 Mpopoma

1.6 Mzingwane

1.7 Ncema Dams

1.8 Shangani

1.9 Shashani

1.10 Silalabuhwa

1.11 Tuli Makwe

1.12 Upper Insiza

*1.13 Zhovhe (N, F)

*1.14 Lake Cunningham (Mayfair) (N, F)

2. MASHONALAND

2.1 Arcadia

2.2 Blockley, Karoi

2.3 Chivero

2.4 Claw (Stage II)

2.5 Harava

2.6 Jumbo

*2.7 Lake Kariba (Yes, Kariba! Bass are now established in the Eastern Basin of Kariba - could the next World Record Bass be caught here?) (N, F)

2.8 Mamina

*2.9 Manyame (Gwebi River Lodge and Hideaway Fishing Camp on Lake Manyame, Darwendale) (N, F) Some big Bass being caught

*2.10 Mazowe (N, F)

*2.11 Mazvikadei (N, F)

2.12 Mufurudzi

2.13 Mwenje (Noakes - Stage II)

2.14 Ngesi

2.15 Rufaro, Nyambuya, Nyakambiri

2.16 Seke

2.17 William Laurie

*2.18 Blackmore Vale, Chegutu (N, F)

*2.19 Centenary Private Dam (N, F)

*2.20 Doug Bean's Dam, Shamva (N, F)

*2.21 Two Trees Dam, Mhangura (N, F)

3. MASVINGO

*3.1 Bangala (N, F)

3.2 Manjirenji

3.3 Manyuchi

3.4 Mashoko

*3.5 Malangani Ranch (Private Venue) (N, F)

*3.6 Mteri Lakeside Lodges (Private Venue) (N, F) Notable Bass catch: 5.2kg (11.44lb) July 2006; 3kg and 4kg Bass are caught regularly.

*3.7 Mushandike (N, F)

*3.8 Mutirikwi (N, F)

3.9 Siya

3.10 Tokwane

3.11 Tugwane

4. MIDLANDS

4.1 Amapongokwe

*4.2 Biri Weir (situated in a private game lodge, Biri River Lodge) (N, F)

4.3 Gwenoro

4.4 Ngezi

4.5 Ngondoma

4.6 Sebakwe (Stage II)

4.7 Shurugwi

4.8 Whitewaters

5. MANICALAND

5.1 Bangazaan

5.2 Mhakwe

5.3 Nyamaropa

5.4 Odzani, Smallbridge

*5.5 Osborne (N, F)

5.6 Rusape

5.7 Ruti

C. NAMIBIA

*1. Oanob Dam (N, F)

*2. Von Bach Dam (N, F)

*3. Friedenhau Dam (N, F)

D. MOZAMBIQUE

*1. Chicamba Dam (F) Notable Bass catch: 5.7kg (12.54lb) in 2003; rumours of two 6.82kg (15lb) and one 7.73kg (17lb) Bass caught by a Zimbabwean Basser in 2007

2. Massingir Dam 

E. SWAZILAND

*1. Maguga Dam (F) Notable Bass catch: 5.125kg (11.28lb) 7 August 2007

F. BASS FISHING GUIDE SERVICES

1. Welman Bass Fishing Guide Service

Welman Bass Fishing Guide Service operates from Kempton Park, Gauteng and arranges Bassing trips to various venues in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Contact father and son team, Eddie and Greg Welman (tel. (011) 975-2477 or 083-233-4922) for details.

The Guides

Greg Welman on the left and Eddie Welman on the right. In the center is Jacques Myburgh, a satisfied customer.

 The Rig

 The Result!

Eddie Welman with a beautiful 4,2kg (9.24lb) Bass recently taken at Malangani Ranch, Zimbabwe. Click on the pic for more info.

2. Crow's Bass Fishing Guide Service

Crow's Bass Fishing Guide Service operated by Lionel Crow from Waterfall, KwaZulu-Natal, near the famous Inanda Dam, offers Bassing trips to various venues in KwaZulu-Natal.

3. Nikao Fishing Adventures

Mike Laubscher (076-299-9445) operates Nikao Fishing Adventures, a charter boat fishing guide service offering Bass guiding as well as Saltwater fishing (Deep Sea and Land-Based), Yellowfish and Trout fishing (Flyfishing) in KwaZulu-Natal (inland and coastal).

  Click on the logo for more details.

4. Bass Fishing Africa

Bass Fishing Africa has recently launched a Bass Fishing Guide Service in Southern Africa.

Click on the logo below for more details.

5. Micropt Safari Guide Service

Micropt Safari Guide Service was launched by Capt. Gareth-John Keough in March 2004. This guide service specialises in trophy bass angling tours and operates from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Contact Gareth-John (tel. (033) 330-2811 or 082-779-1111) for details.

6. Lower South Coast Bass Fishing Association Guide Service

The Lower South Coast Bass Fishing Association has access to farm dams between Port Shepstone and Port Edward on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal and as far inland as Paddock where Bass of between 4 and 5kg have been caught. The chairman of the Association, Thys Hoffman (contact numbers: (039) 319-2118 or 083-252-9244) reports that they have a regular guide (Clayton Bekker) in the area who will take anglers fishing in the dams at a reasonable rate.

Contact Clayton Bekker at (039) 311-2100, (039) 311-2487 or 082-332-5032. Half day (3 hour) guided trip for two: R200-00; Full day (5 hour) guided trip for two: R400-00. All tackle and boat supplied. Just bring hat, sunscreen, lunch and raingear).

7. BASS Fishing Tours

BASS Fishing Tours offers:

• Professional, guided fishing tours on Inanda and Albert Falls dams in KwaZulu-Natal

• Boating skills and handling training

• Boat hire

Contact Carl du Preez (083-677-9372) for enquiries and bookings.

Click on the pic for more info.

8.

9. Wild Sky Adventures

For Guided Fishing Safaris (Bass and other species) contact, Hennie Naude (082-856-8199) or Ig Cordier (082-497-6015). They also have a fax at (012) 651-1615.

Hennie and Ig take regular Bassing trips to Mteri, Zimbabwe.

Click on the above link to access their website - definitely go to "Photo Gallery" and click on the "Client Trophies" link ...

10. Eastern Cape Bass Guides: For guided Bass fishing trips to Eastern Cape venues such as Wriggleswade Dam, contact Darryl Parrish at (043) 702-2244; (043) 742-1579 or 083-708-2709.

11. www.trackafrica.co.za: Carl Walker offers Bass Fishing Safaris in SA, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

13.

14.

15. OK, so this entry is not a Bass fishing guide service, but if you need some of the best Saltwater guides in the business (artlure and natural bait), try Wild Coast Rock and Surf Professional Guided Tours. Speak to Floyd Morrison at (057) 352-4179 or 083-497-5663.

16. Fish the Bubye River Conservancy located in the south western lowveld of Zimbabwe.

Private dams are open only to HHK Safaris clients and these under fished waters regularly produce bass in excess of 3.6kg (8lb). Set in the heart of the Conservancy, Ripple Creek, Fimbiri, Nyati, Malangani and Bozzoli dams are all stocked with Florida strain largemouth Bass. Year round warm waters and the abundance of fodder fish ensure good catches.

The dams are serviced by two ultra luxurious lodges, namely Ripple Creek and Fimbiri Lodge. Both Ripple Creek and Fimbiri offer the serious or weekend anglers either fully catered safaris, scrumptious meals, and ice cold beverages, or arrive and enjoy yourself on a self-catering basis.

Serious bass anglers are encouraged to bring their own boats, however boats can be provided. In addition to the magnificent Bass fishing these lowveld dams have superb bream fishing.

The Bubye River Conservancy is located some 70km north of Beit Bridge along the Bulawayo to Beit Bridge road. With only 17km of dirt road to the main headquarters, the area is easily accessible by two wheel drive vehicles. There is a 2 000m compacted gravel airstrip capable of handling all turbo prop or propeller driven aircraft services within the conservancy a short drive from the lodges.

Contact details:

HHK Safaris (Pvt) Ltd
PO Box CH273
Chisipite
Harare
Zimbabwe

Tel: (263-4) 499165 or 499875
Fax: (263-4) 494897
Email: graham@hhksafaris.com

Note: 1. Goedertrouw Dam is, to my knowledge, the only Dam in South Africa which contains pure Florida strain Largemouth Bass. All the other Dams in this list contain the Northern strain, some Florida strain and some F1 “hybrids”.

2. Nagle Dam and former Natal Provincial Fish Hatchery was where the Florida strain Bass in South Africa were bred and transplanted to other waters in KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of South Africa. Unfortunately this Hatchery has since become inoperative when Tom Pike and Mike Coke left ...

Come on SA Bassers, let’s receive some motivated inputs as to which Dams should be removed from this suggested list and which other Dams should be listed!