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Reel in the biggest catch at the 7 best fishing spots in Johannesburg!
Fishing has always been my escape. It’s where I find peace and quiet. After spending a decade in Cape Town, reeling in snoek and yellowtail at False Bay and Cape Point, I’ve now set my sights on new fishing spots in Joburg.
Since moving here, I’ve been on the hunt for spots to fish—places where I can enjoy a peaceful and quiet session.
Armed with my rod and bait, I explored every corner of the city to discover places where you can reel in massive fish. Come cast a line with me!
Rietvlei Zoo Farm
Media From: rietvleizoofarm
Address: 101 Swartkoppies Rd, Alberton
Phone: +27 790 411 488
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.rietvleilifestylecentre.co.za
Admission Fee:
- Per Person – R50
- Fishing Permit – R70
Get blown away by the size of your catches at Rietvlei Zoo Farm. It’s a paradise for anglers with its well-stocked spots. The general sections have reed walls, making them prime spots for landing bass, carp, barbel, and more.
You can fish from the banks or take a float tube or kayak if you prefer deeper waters. And since the farm is privately owned, there’s no need to present your national fishing license. All you need is to purchase a permit upon entrance.
I caught a huge bass the last time I visited, weighing at least 3 kg! I was fishing near the reeds when something tugged my rod really hard. After some fighting, I finally caught it and took a quick photo before releasing it back; there’s a catch-and-release policy here.
| Tips:Use hair rigs for carp. They hook cleanly in the fish’s mouth, improving your chances.Fish are more active after winter, so you’ll have better luck baiting bass. |
Modderfontein Reserve
Media From: modderfontein_reserve
Address: Arden Road, Off Ardeer Rd, Modderfontein
Phone: +27 813 511 223
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: http://www.modderfonteinreserve.co.za/
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R45
- Children – R30
- Fishing Permit – R150
Modderfontein Reserve is a great spot for fishing with its serene and picturesque setting and a variety of fish. You can hook bass, carp, catfish, and tilapia here.
Plus, there are 20 designated fishing spots at Dam 3, giving you plenty of places to cast your line and settle in for the day.
The clear waters, thick reeds, and aquatic plants in the dams attract loads of fish, making them great spots for bank, lure, or boat fishing. Just bear in mind there’s a catch-and-release policy to keep the fish population healthy.
I love fishing here, especially in March when the carp are biting. On a good day, I reel in five to ten, with the heaviest weighing 10 kg. The quiet environment also gives me time to relax and clear my head while I wait for a fish to bite.
| Tip: To catch carp, try fishing in the late afternoon. It’s their feeding period, so your bait will work like a charm. |
X-Factor Trout Farm
Media From: xfactortroutfarm
Address: 19 Dick Kemp St, Meadowdale
Phone: +27 716 738 800
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: https://xfactortroutfarm.co.za/
Admission Fee:
- Anglers – R150
- Non-anglers – R50
- Bank Fishing – R100
X-Factor Trout Farm is a 5-hectare quarry dam filled with a variety of fish species. Expect to hook rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, tilapia, catfish, and more.
While you’re encouraged to catch-and-release any fish to maintain the fish population, you also have an option to keep rainbow and brown trout—for a fee, of course.
It has a great, well-maintained fishing platform, ideal for bank fishing. The waters are spring-fed, meaning that the water source is natural, making the conditions favorable to fish.
Best of all, you can fish however you like. Netting, spinning, casting, and fly fishing are all allowed.
I usually fish for fun, but sometimes, I take one home. Last time, I caught a 3.5 kg rainbow trout. I felt like I would be wasting it if I released it. So, I bought it and paid R600, and with its size, it was definitely worth it!
| Tip: While all forms of fishing are allowed, boat fishing is strictly prohibited. So stick to bank fishing, and with the abundance of fish, you’ll catch something in no time! |
Golden Harvest Park
Media From: catchemcarp
Address: 1 1st Rd, Randburg
Phone: +27 117 126 600
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/
Admission Fee: Free
Golden Harvest Park is another prime spot to fish, with its well-stocked dam full of bass, carp, catfish, and tilapia. You’ll need a national freshwater fishing license to fish in this public space, which you can get from local post offices.
It’s a great place to teach your kids how to fish, thanks to its fully-fenced dam. Plus, the grassy banks make it easy for newbies to comfortably set up and fish from the shore without needing fancy gear. And with its pristine waters, beginners can easily score their first catch.
This is where I introduced my kids to the art of fishing, and it’s a memory I won’t forget. After teaching them the basics, I let them choose where to fish (as long as they were in my view). Moments later, I heard my eldest screaming he hooked one. I couldn’t be prouder!
| Tip: When using chicken liver as bait for catfish, keep it fresh rather than frozen, as it retains more of its natural scent and texture. If you need to store it, keep it cool by placing it in a cooler with ice packs. |
Emmarentia Dam
Media From: natevansmiley
Address: Emmarentia, Randburg
Phone: +27 117 126 600
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/
Admission Fee: Free
Emmarentia Dam isn’t just a scenic place in the heart of Jozi; it’s also a prime spot for fishing. If you have a freshwater license from the South African Post Office (SAPO), you can reel in largemouth bass, blue tilapia, carp, and more here.
Its clean water is great if you’re into bank, fly, spinning, or bait fishing. The dam is also suitable for recreational activities like sailing and canoeing, giving you plenty of things to do beyond fishing.
Plus, it’s right next to the Johannesburg Botanical Garden, giving you plenty of opportunities to spot birds like bishops, weavers, moorhens, and geese.
This is my go-to spot for catching tilapia, which can reach up to 2 to 3 kilograms in these waters. One time, I hooked a tilapia that almost weighed 4 kilograms!
| Tip: The dam commonly experiences thunderstorms from November to March, so it’s best to fish here outside those months. |
Blaauwpan Dam
Media From: freddyfanal
Address: Kempton Park
Phone: +27 845 209 069
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission Fee: Free
Test your skills by trying to reel in carp, North African catfish, largemouth bass, and more at Blaauwpan Dam’s muddy waters. But first, you’ll need a fishing license, which you can get from any local post office or through the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries.
Bank fishing is the go-to method at the dam. You’ll need a lot of patience and heart to lure in blue kurper or largemouth bass. But if you’re after a laid-back fishing session, go for carp and catfish since they’re abundant and don’t need special baits to reel them in.
I once had a proper battle with an elusive blue kurper here. It kept stealing my bait until I switched a micro jig to finally catch it. The kurper struggled, but I was able to reel him in, finally!
| Tip: Position yourself on the south bank where the wind blows in your face. That way, you’ll be directly in the area where fish swim in search of food. |
Aqua Paradiso
Media From: blankingbrothers
Address: 72a Rietfontein Rd, Primrose
Phone: +27 829 048 982
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Website: https://aqua-paradiso.co.za/
Admission Fee:
- Annual Membership (Carp Angling) – R3,500
- Annual Membership (Bass Angling) – R2,500
- Member Weekend Fishing (Carp Angling ) – R400
- Member Weekend Fishing (Bass Angling) – R350
- Half-Day Fishing – R200
- Non-Member Fishing with Member (Carp Angling) – R400
- Non-Member Fishing with Member (Bass Angling) – R300
- Children Under 12 – Free
Aqua Paradiso is ideal for those who are passionate about fishing, with its dam full of carp, koi, mega carp, and big-mouth bass. The catch-and-release policy helps maintain the fish population. Plus, there are wooden cabins for rent if you’re looking to spend a night.
You’ll be getting your money’s worth here, especially with its well-kept grassy banks—ideal for those who prefer bank fishing. You can also rent a boat (or bring your own) to reach deeper waters, especially if you’re after the real giants.
Just remember, a fishing license is required here, so make sure to obtain yours at your nearest post office.
I joined one of my friends here on a weekend since he’s a member, and the fish I landed here were real stunners. Using zigs, I reeled in a massive, 5-foot-long carp that weighed 12.95 kg! It was one of the biggest fish I ever posed for a photo before letting it go.
| Tip: If you’re planning to stay the night in one of the wooden cabins, there’s a memory foam mattress, protectors, and fitted sheets. All you need to bring is your bedding and pillow. |
