Mpumalanga lowveld and the Limpopo bushveld
Lowveld and Limpopo
The water
Warm, sometimes murky rivers and dams in bushveld country.
The banks
Rocky and sandy banks, often in reserves or on private land. Access and permits vary.
Gear note
Strong rods and fresh line matter more than light tackle here. Bring pliers and a long-nose for unhooking barbel.
Check a setup in the builderWell-known waters
- Loskop Dam
- Flag Boshielo Dam
- Olifants River
Permits, access and rules differ by water. Check with the owner or managing body.
Season
Hot months bring the most fish, but also the most dangerous wildlife. Winter can be great, with cooler days and clear water.
The fish
Often targeted here
Sharptooth barbel
A big, tough, mostly nocturnal catfish found in almost every freshwater system.
Kurper
The friendly everyday dam fish: easy to catch, good fun on light tackle.
Yellowfish
A strong, indigenous river and dam fish that fights far above its size.
Largemouth bass
An ambush predator that hits lures hard around weed, trees and drop-offs. The reason most people buy a baitcaster.
Also mentioned: Tigerfish in some northern rivers.
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.