Midlands and the Drakensberg foothills
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
The water
Cooler and clearer than the highveld, with seasonal mist and afternoon storms.
The banks
Grass banks, rocky points and boat launch areas. Permits for some dams are through the provincial body.
Gear note
Finesse bass gear works well in the clearer water. A carp rod covers the margins.
Check a setup in the builderWell-known waters
- Midmar Dam
- Albert Falls Dam
- Spioenkop Dam
Permits, access and rules differ by water. Check with the owner or managing body.
Season
Spring and summer are busy, and bass fishing is often strongest around spring.
The fish
Often targeted here
Largemouth bass
An ambush predator that hits lures hard around weed, trees and drop-offs. The reason most people buy a baitcaster.
Common carp
A strong, wary bottom feeder and the centre of a whole style of long-session bait fishing.
Kurper
The friendly everyday dam fish: easy to catch, good fun on light tackle.
Sharptooth barbel
A big, tough, mostly nocturnal catfish found in almost every freshwater system.
Also mentioned: Smallmouth bass in some cooler waters.
Season at a glance
Compare with similar regions
| Region | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng and the Highveld | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good |
| Vaal and the Free State | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good |
| KwaZulu-Natal Midlands | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good |
| Western Cape dams and rivers | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good |
| Lowveld and Limpopo | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Quieter | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good | Usually good |
Dark circles are the months anglers usually rate highest. This is general guidance, not a forecast: seasons shift with the water temperature and the weather.
Before you fish
Fishing in South Africa has rules: sea fishing needs a recreational permit, and dams, rivers and clubs set their own permits, bait rules and limits. Check current regulations with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment or the owner of the water before you fish. Rules change and this site is not an official source.