Fishing is, quite obviously, the activity of catching fish. However to those who have a passion for it, fishing can mean a lot more than merely a recreational activity. It is a social event, especially among men, who enjoy sitting around with friends, drinking a cold one, and teaching their young sons the tricks of the trade. Whether its hand gathering, spearing, netting, fly fishing, or trapping you enjoy, have a look at these great places you can fish in South Africa:

Fancy Free Fly Fishing Retreat, Mpumalanga

Situated in a scenic valley between Belfast and Waterval Boven, Fancy Free Fly Fishing Retreat offers a fisherman’s dream, surrounded by mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and streams. One can enjoy excellent fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout, or bass fishing from one of the ten beautiful dams, including three bass and seven trout dams. The well-appointed jetties and easily accessible shorelines offer quality fly fishing opportunities to both experienced and novice fishermen. Guided fishing and expert advice is offered to anglers in need of assistance, and fishing lesson rods are available for hire.

Accommodation consists of three self-catering log cabins, two of which overlook dams. They feature en-suite bathrooms, lounges, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and outside bomas. The more adventurous can facilitate the luxurious East African style tented camp which has its own kitchen, bathroom, and boma area. Other activities in the area include mountain biking, birding, entertainment in the games room, a jungle gym for kids, and picnics next to a waterfall.  Read more.

Tillietudlem Game & Trout Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

Set on 2000 hectares in a beautiful secluded valley of the Inhluzane Mountain, Tillietudlem Game & Trout Lodge offers a unique eco experience for fishermen as well as those seeking a quiet escape. Here you can enjoy some of the finest fly fishing waters on the Midlands Meander. Tillietudlem offers exceptional fly fishing for Rainbow and Brown trout in four spectacular trophy dams, and the Eland’s River. Guided fishing and fly fishing clinics are available on request.

Accommodation is offered in two quaint lodges. Ogram’s Colonial House offers a fully catered or self-catering option in five luxurious bedrooms, while Hlega Manzi Lodge offers self-catering in four bedrooms, with a large deck overlooking the waterfall and crystal-clear rock pools. Other activities include game walks, mountain biking, and birding. A variety of wildlife, including eland, otters, wildebeest, zebra, and oribi, as well as rare bird species such as the endangered Blue Swallow can be spotted here. Read more.

Gunyatoo Trout Farm and Lodge, Mpumalanga

Situated in the Rhenosterhoek valley in Sabie, Gunyatoo Trout Farm and Lodge is the perfect fishing retreat. The working trout farm is comprised of a processing area, hatchery, nursery, raceways, and two stocked dams for fly fishing. Limited stream fishing is also available for the experienced and private fly fishing lessons and group clinics can be arranged.

The accommodation consists of a thatched stone lodge with several en-suite rooms, offering magnificent views of the surrounding pine forests. In addition, a self-catering family cottage is available, as well as the Fisherman’s Cottage which is ideal for family or group fishing trips. The rates include a five course dinner and a hearty breakfast. After a day of fishing, enjoy a drink in the bar, have a game of pool or darts, relax in the sauna or pool, or around a log fire in winter. Other activities include birding, hiking, nature trails to explore waterfalls and caves, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, horse riding, gorge swinging, and rafting. Read more.

Fizantakraal Private Trout Lodge, Western Cape

Located within dramatic mountain scenery in the Du Toits Kloof Mountains, Fizantakraal Private Trout Lodge looks out over the Kraalstroom valley, and offers four picturesque trout dams for leisurely fishing. In addition to the dams, a number of wild trout streams offer fantastic fly fishing opportunities.

The traditional Cape lodge features four luxury en-suite bedrooms, air-conditioning, under-floor heating, an open-plan kitchen, inside and outside dining areas, a covered veranda, lounge, heated infinity pool, and a private chef. Other activities include birding, hiking, exploring the local Cape fynbos vegetation, mountain biking, and cycling in the area. Read more.

Let us know your favourite spot to enjoy a fishing holiday with your family.