When you think of South Africa, we’re sure that nature is the first thing that comes to mind. And rightly so! The luscious hills and green national parks give way to rocky mountains and deserts, all full of stunning wildlife. And that’s before you explore the almost-3,000 kilometres of coastline, numerous lakes, and rivers big and small that are full of prized game fish.
Wherever you are in this vast, diverse nation, you’re never far from a good spot to cast your line. Whether you’re looking for some fly action away from it all or going after monster offshore species, there’s something for everyone. Today, we’re here to give you the rundown of the best fishing spots in South Africa.
We’ve picked our top 8 based on the fish available, scenery, and much more. By the time you’re done reading this, we’re sure you’ll either be packing your car and heading off, or booking your next South African fishing charter.
Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
We’ll start our tour of South Africa’s best fishing spots with a focus on freshwater fishing. Few places come close to Dullstroom-Emnotweni. Located 2,100 metres above sea level, this charming melting pot of a town is your gateway to remote mountain streams and productive dams, full of incredible fly fishing action.
It claims the title of the country’s “fly fishing capital,” and you’ll want to see it to believe it. Rainbow and Brown Trout flourish in the stillwater dams and flowing rivers, offering plenty of excitement. In fact, the town’s Swahili name “Emnotweni” means “place of prosperity.” We’re sure you’ll be amazed with the wealth of angling opportunities and incredible nature all around.
Spend a week wandering around the countryside or simply head up for the weekend for a quick break. After all, you’re only three hours from Joburg and Pretoria! Whatever you opt for, you’re sure to enjoy.
After a long day testing your skills on the fly, you can unwind with a drink in the Anvil Ale Microbrewery, or discover the riches of South Africa’s biggest selection of whiskeys downtown. Looking for culture? You can explore the southern hemisphere’s largest clock collection. Dullstroom shines on all fronts!
Rhodes, Eastern Cape
If you’re looking for a real escape to the wilderness, then this next spot is exactly what you want. High up in the jaw-dropping Drakensberg Mountains, Rhodes is the perfect place to hit some of the most “out there” fishing spots in South Africa. You’ll find a stunning backdrop wherever you go, and there’s no shortage of fishing spots, with the Bokspruit, Bell, Kraai, and many more rivers nearby.
The fishing here is more diverse than in Dullstroom, with dazzling Yellowfish adding to the list of Trout you can target. Again, fly fishing is the name of the game – strictly, and sight casting for Yellowfish in the streams is a joy to behold. Meanwhile, Trout action can be at its best in the dams, especially around spawning season.
Rhodes is remote enough in itself, before you begin exploring the fishing grounds. Thankfully, the locals have realised the potential for fishing tourism, with plenty of BnBs, lodges, and other kinds of accommodation in town. Beware, you’ll need a special permit to cast your line in certain areas, but most guest houses can sort that out for you – with some offering their own fishing guides, boats, and even access to the water.
If you’re happy with the long drive to get here, you can also visit for a weekend. But why not maximise your time here and make a real holiday of it? Come in winter and you can go skiing along with fishing. In summer, mountain biking is popular. Fancy some culture? The San cave paintings are a must-visit – just make sure to book your tour in advance.
Clanwilliam Dam, Western Cape
While staying with the freshwater theme, we’re changing pace a little with this next spot. Of course, you can try fly fishing in Clanwilliam Dam, but light tackle action is what entices many anglers here. Bass steal the show, with Largemouth and Smallmouth varieties on offer, along with plenty of Panfish, giving you the chance to hook a tasty treat. And you can even sometimes find some Yellowfish.
High up in the Cederberg Mountains, this spot is another off-the-beaten-track locale, giving you the freedom to get lost and forget all of life’s troubles. Located just 2.5 hours from Cape Town, it’s a great place to escape for the weekend. When spring and summer hit, the flowers are in bloom, making for stunning scenery. And that’s before you even think of exploring the rocky peaks.
Back in town, you’ll find plenty of history and culture – it’s among the ten oldest towns in South Africa! Hit the museum situated in the old city jail, gaze at the stars from the observatory, or make the most of nature in the Matjiesrivier Reserve.
With so much going on, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of accommodation options. From camping, to BnBs, to higher-end lodgings, there’s something for everyone. Unwind with a glass of local wine and even visit the famous cellars – these are some of the highest vineyards in the country! Or, you can opt for a filling meal in one of the many top-notch restaurants.
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
We’re staying on the Western Cape for our final freshwater fishing spot. Now, you may find it odd that we’ve included Stellenbosch on a list of freshwater fisheries. The city is just a stone’s throw from Cape Town, with a direct highway to False Bay. However, we think you should take advantage of the fly fishing opportunities east of downtown.
The Jonkershoek Valley is home to the oldest Trout hatchery in South Africa, and it’s still going strong. There are six dams in the valley stocked full of Rainbow Trout, and these range from smaller varieties up to a good few kilograms. This is a great place for beginners to learn and pros to get their fix. And the best bit? You don’t have to travel far!
Carp are also on offer in the dams, while the best fly action for Trout takes place in the rivers leading into them. Come in summer when these fish spawn for peak season, but winter is just as productive in the stillwaters.
There’s no shortage of accommodation back in Stellenbosch. The charming university town is also South Africa’s premier wine country, so you’ve got to try a glass or two. Thanks to the students (and maybe the wine, too!), there’s a vibrant nightlife, so it’s the place to be if you want to party. When it comes to culture, there’s no shortage of galleries or museums, but a trip to Kayamandi township is a must if you want to really understand the place.
Cape Town, Western Cape
While Stellenbosch may be just outside of Cape Town, there was no way we couldn’t put the two on the list. This city is the postcard of South Africa, with Table Mountain looking out over the city, football stadium, and towards the ocean. But it’s not just stunning views that this city is famous for – no siree!
This beautiful holiday destination is awash with beaches, marinas, and fishing opportunities. Head south to Cape Point, and you’ll witness the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. You’ll be impressed with the Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo on offer. But wait until you see the Billfish! Blue, Black, and Striped Marlin growing to over 400 kilos (1,000 pounds) are available for you to test your skills and strength, along with Mako Sharks and more.
And that’s not all. False Bay in the east and Hout Bay in the south offer prime inshore action, Kob, Cape Salmon (Geelbeck), Yellowtails, and Snoek are just some of the fish that keep anglers going wild here. Just beware of fishing from shore at high tide, as you could get swept away. Thankfully, there are plenty of charters ready to take you away.
And what about the town? You know all about Table Mountain, sure, but what about its national park? Take the cable car to the top of the mountain and discover incredible nature and even better views. A visit to Robben Island is a must to learn all about South Africa’s troubled past, while the Castle of Good Hope and the former “Malay” Quarter (Bo-Kaap) are also worth a trip. Of course, don’t forget to spend at least one day relaxing on one of the numerous beaches!
Shelly Beach, KwaZulu-Natal
We head across the country for the next fishing spot, as we dive into the Indian Ocean. The tropical greenery inland gives way to the (surprise, surprise) shelly beaches, where you can find lagoons full of bottom-dwelling fish species and access to the deep waters offshore. That means a range of fishing opportunities almost unrivalled elsewhere in the country!
Enter some new inshore species, such as Bream (including Englishmen, Scotsmen, and Slinger), Rockfish, and Pink Salmon. Meanwhile, deep sea fishing offers up a who’s who of pelagic species. Think Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Wahoo, along with plenty of Billfish. Of course, you’ll have to choose between inshore and offshore fishing if you’re only visiting for a short time. But why not stay longer and take advantage of both?
There’s something for the whole family in Shelly Beach, with shelling opportunities along the beaches for the little ones. Did you know that this area has some of the most sought-after pink lady shells in the world? Life savers and shark nets even protect the beaches, meaning it’s also one of the best places to go for a dip. Add to that the incredible snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, and you’ve got a top holiday destination.
The town is rapidly growing as a tourist hub and, in town, you’ll find plenty of malls, restaurants, and bars to choose from. In fact, you’re just a short hop from other charming towns such as Port Shepstone and Port Edward. This stretch of coastline is known as the “Wild Coast,” but all towns have a reputation for hospitality. You won’t need to worry about security here, so that’s just another reason to visit!
St. Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a big province with an even more impressive range of fishing opportunities. St. Lucia in the north of the territory offers a different kind of adventure of all sorts. Thanks to its location near the meeting point of the Indian Ocean, Mpathe River, and St. Lucia Lake, it offers angling like almost nowhere else.
The brackish waters of the wetlands are unlike any other in the country, providing a haven for fish such as Garrick, Grunter, Shad, and Salmon. Then you’ve got the coral reefs just a stone’s throw from the stunning beaches. Here you can find Kingfish, Queenfish, Mackerel, Rays, Sharks, and more.
And that’s before you head offshore in search of big game species! To be fair, offshore fishing hasn’t taken off here as much as elsewhere, but you can still find a captain to take you out on a deep sea adventure if you have your heart set on it.
Fishing “safaris” are otherwise the name of the game, with the chance to explore the wetlands and their incredible nature combined with some fishing. You’ll get to spot hippos and alligators, all the while taking in the stunning surroundings of the greenery contrasted with water and even a sand forest!
The area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 – South Africa’s first – and things have gotten better ever since then. What once used to be a sleepy little village with DIY camping opportunities is now a thriving tourist destination. Hit up one of the numerous lodges in town and make a real holiday out of your visit. There are even miles and miles of beaches to explore ocean-side.
Port St. Johns, Western Cape
Head south down the western coast, back past Shelly Beach, and you’ll leave KwaZulu-Natal behind. But the fishing doesn’t stop. Port St. Johns is the premier angling destination on the Western Cape. At the meeting point of the Mzimvubu River and the Indian Ocean, you’ll have a brackish estuary at your disposal to hook into a number of local favourites.
The area is famed for its sardine run which attracts pelagic creatures, giving you the chance of a Billfish, Tuna, Mahi, or Wahoo catch. Meanwhile, you can also cast a line from shore for Kob, Garrick, and Grunter. Head out to the reefs, and Rockfish and Musselcracker are available, while Sharks are also on the hunt all over. Get ready for a real mixed bag when you visit!
Other than the fishing, the wilderness should be enough to tempt you to come. Port St. Johns is located along the same stretch of “Wild Coast” as Shelly Beach, and you’ll find wild cows roaming the land and taking in the rays along the coastline! This is truly a sight to behold, and something we think sets Port St. Johns apart from many other destinations.
Surfing is a popular pastime in the town, attracting avid sports enthusiasts from all over. You can also explore the Pondoland National Park, spanning over 500 square kilometres. And if you come with the family, you won’t be disappointed either. Go whale watching, marvel at the couple of lighthouses on the seafront, or enjoy the local culture in town.
South Africa – It Doesn’t End There!
That by no means concludes the list of places you can go fishing in South Africa, but these spots just edged their way into our top 8. We could go on for days discussing the merits of Durban and Port Shepstone (both between Shelly Beach and St. Lucia) or Mokala National Park on the Nothern Cape. But we don’t have an encyclopedia to write about it all!
For more information, check out our guide to fishing in South Africa. In the meantime, we’re sure you’re already thinking about your next trip.
And now over to you! Have you ever been fishing in any of these locales? How was it? Do you think somewhere else should be included on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
