Catch and Release Fishing Spots Within 2 Hours of Johannesburg

## Fishing Close to Joburg — No Need to Drive to the Karoo

Living in Johannesburg doesn't mean you have to wait for a long weekend to get a line in the water. Within two hours of Joburg there are actually some proper fishing spots — you just need to know where to look. This thread is focused on catch and release specifically, because we all want these spots to still be lekker in twenty years.

## The Vaal River — Parys and Surrounds (~1h30 from JHB)

• Parys in the Free State is the go-to destination and it's not far at all — take the N1 south, then R59 to Vereeniging direction


• Yellowfish (smallmouth and largemouth) are the prize — a strong, clever fish that fights hard on a light rod


• Several day ticket farms and fishing clubs along the upper Vaal offer access for R150–R300 per rod per day


• Vaal Canoe Club stretch has public access for shore fishing — no day ticket needed for some sections


• Spot-tail bass and moggel are also common bycatch

## Hartbeespoort Dam (~1h from JHB)

• Hartbeespoort (Harties) is obvious but often overlooked for quality fishing — big carp to over 10kg are possible on the right day


• Grass carp and largemouth bass are present, though the bass population has taken strain from water hyacinth


• Best access: Kosmos side or Schoemansville harbour area for shore fishing


• The dam has had serious water quality issues — worth checking current conditions before you go

## Sterkfontein Dam (~2h from JHB via R74)

• In the northern Drakensberg foothills — less known but excellent bass and carp fishing


• The dam is large, clear, and surrounded by grassland veld — beautiful setting for a camping weekend


• Permits from Free State Nature Conservation — very affordable


• Bream, bass, and carp all present; some reports of yellowfish in feeder streams

## Dullstroom (~2h15 from JHB on the N4)

• Okay, slightly over 2 hours, but it's worth the extra 15 minutes for catch and release trout on managed private waters


• Day ticket waters like Laverpa and Bird of Prey stock rainbow trout and are ideal for beginners or families


• Day fees: R250–R450 per rod including catch-and-release sessions


• Dullstroom town has good restaurants and accommodation for an overnight

## Tips for Responsible Catch and Release

• Use barbless hooks or crimp the barb — it makes release 10x easier and reduces injury to the fish


• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible — that hero photo can wait while you let the fish breathe


• Wet your hands before touching a fish — dry hands strip the slime coat


• A rubber net is kinder than knotted nylon

Any other spots the JHB crew swear by? Drop them below.