South Africa : Sterkfontein

  • Location
  • Harrismith, South Africa
  • Type of fishery
  • Freshwater lake, sight fishing
  • Season
  • September to May
  • Accommodation
  • Guesthouse
  • Getting there
  • 3 hour drive from Johannesburg
  • Related articles
  • Reliving the Gold Rush

Ever imagined a freshwater fish that looks and acts like a bonefish, feeds like a trout, and when hooked, pulls like hell? You need look no further than the inland waters of South Africa where a previously ignored indigenous fish has suddenly burst onto the fly fishing scene - the highly underrated, wily and strong Smallmouth Yellowfish.

Close to the town of Harrismith lies the magnificent Sterkfontein Dam - South Africa's premier still water yellowfish destination. This is a truly world-class fishery and one of the only places where one can stalk and sight cast to feeding yellows in crystal clear water! The fish are plentiful, large, in pristine condition and readily rise to the dry fly.

Graeme Field says: "Stalking a feeding yellow in ankle deep water as it cruises the shallows along the edge of lake is as close I have come to casting at a tailing bonefish on the flats in the Seychelles. Patience, skill and finesse all comes into play when hunting these spooky yet aggressive fish."

The fishing

Sterkfontein is a large, beautiful dam with many bays, rocky headlands, creeks and gravel beds, offering a variety of fishing opportunities with both wet and dry flies. The main species are smallmouth and largemouth yellows, but other available species include carp, bass and barbel. Most of the fishing will be sight fishing but this depends on prevailing conditions, and some blind nymphing and dry fly fishing can take place.

Fishing areas are accessed by boat, allowing guides to get anglers to the best areas according to the prevailing conditions.

Sterkfontein fishing packages include boat, guide and fuel. There are a number of accommodation options available in the area.

Please contact us for more information on fishing this unique and beautiful dam.