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Sterkfontein Yellowfish Sight Fishing

Sterkfontein dam, South Africa

R 14,999
Duration

4 Days

Couples

Family, Avid angler

Group Size

2-6 People

Season

October - March

With spectacular scenery, an excellent climate, plentiful wildlife, and wide, open space, Sterkfontein Dam is one of South Africa’s premier sight fishing venues! 

This body of water is situated about 20km southwest of the town of Harrismith in the south-eastern Free state. The area surrounding the dam is a nature reserve covering approximately 18,000ha and has some of the most magnificent mountain scenery South Africa has to offer. 

Sterkfontein Dam allows the angler to target these fish in the best still-water yellowfish fishery in South Africa. Trophy largemouth and hefty smallmouth roam these waters.

Situated within the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve overlooking the dam, the Resort is located 45 km from Harrismith. The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, and spa and offers free Wi-Fi available in public areas. Offering a furnished patio with views of the scenic surroundings, the spacious apartments feature a private entrance and come complete with a cosy lounge, dining area, and kitchen. Extras include a fan, bed linen, and towels. A restaurant and bar is serving a variety of meals and drinks. Surrounding attractions include the Maluti and Drakensberg Mountains and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is 45 km away.

Sleeping arrangements

• Three bedrooms

• One bedroom with extra length queen size beds

• Two bedrooms with two single beds

• Comfortable linen & electric blankets

• Sleeps a maximum of 6 guests

Large Outdoor Deck

• 30m² deck

• Picnic table

• Two deck chairs

• Braai facilities

• Magnificent views.

The primary target for anglers visiting Sterkfontein is the Smallmouth Yellowfish, however, largemouth yellowfish have become more and more of a general sight. The smallmouths are typically encountered near the surface, patrolling the edges, scum lines, and weed beds picking off terrestrial insects. With a 5 or 6wt outfit and a bunch of hand-selected dry flies we wait in ambush we drift stealthily along the most productive areas of the dam presenting flies to Smallmouth Yellowfish. 

Smallmouth yellows typically weigh between 1 and 5 pounds, with a fish between 6 and 7 pounds being regarded as a true trophy. Your backing will almost certainly be seen more often than not, even at these proportions. What makes Sterkfontein so exciting is the sight-fishing component that the dam’s crystal-clear waters emphasize. One of the most rewarding fly fishing experiences available to local anglers is witnessing a prize Smallmouth detect your chosen imitation as prey, move forward, and softly sip it up from the surface of the water.

Our fleet of two 16-foot custom-built boats will be used for sight fishing, and our team of seasoned professional guides will be in charge. They will be equipped with a cutting-edge GPS spot-lock trolling motor to keep you on the cruising yellows all day long, which will increase your chances of success. These boats are ideal for fishing in Sterkfontein and play a key role in facilitating easy access to the many parts of the dam that are otherwise inaccessible by foot along its banks. The best dry fly fishing in South Africa may be found during the peak season, which runs from November to March. Flying ant hatches are frequent in February, which is exciting but might be challenging to fish.

Fly Fishing

Lure Fishing

  • Rod – 5 to 6 Wt 9ft
  • Reel – 20lb Braid backing, equivalent to rod, good drag
  • Line – Floating and intermediate ( 1 each, bring an additional back up line)
  • Leader – 3x & 4x 12ft Leaders, 5x & 6x Fluorocarbon Tippet
  • Terminal – Tippet rings, floatant
  • Flies – Good Drs Beatle, Flying Ants, DDD, Klinkhammers, PTNs
  • Rod – M 7′ to 7’6″ Spinning rods with soft tip
  • Reel – 1000 to 2500 size spinning reel
  • Line – 10 to 15lb braid
  • Leader – 10 to 15lb fluorocarbon leader
  • Lures -Small poppers, Salmo Tiny, Salmo hornet 2s & 3s, Salmo Rattlin’ Hornet 3.4 & 4.5 (Remove belly treble)

Have Any Question?

Please feel free to contact us should you be interested in any of our fishing trips. All packages can be customised according to your requirements. Limited spaces available.

Yellow Fish on at Sterkfontein, Uncharted Fishing
Sterkfontein Yellow Fishing Uncharted Fishing

Our Partners

Mail

info@unchartedfishing.co.za

Call

+27 73 263 3005

Location

Pretoria, South Africa, 0081

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