The Weekend That Bit Back

Rock and Surf:

The storm doors slammed shut and the coast absolutely LOST ITS MIND. Flat seas. Warm water. Clean lanes. The ocean didn’t just settle. It rolled out the red carpet and then turned into a full-blown DUCKPOND. Shore anglers are still buzzing, replaying runs in their heads, reliving bent rods, screaming drags and sessions where almost every cast felt dangerous. This was one of those weekends that gets talked about for months. The kind where you stop checking the watch and start checking your knots.

Up north, Tugela and Mtunzini went full contact. Inedibles were switched on and violent, smashing mackerel and chokka like they owed them money, while edibles slid out of bays and gullies to keep things spicy between the chaos. Rods stayed bent. Baits barely survived. Proper, honest graft with instant rewards. Along the central coast, Durban’s heavy hitters like Glen Ashley, Blue Lagoon and the Basin did exactly what they’re famous for. Shad, grunter and stumpnose came through consistently, and when the timing was right, grey sharks and skates stepped in to stretch arms and test backing knots.

Down south, even after taking a knock from dirty water, the South Coast still delivered. Scratch anglers kept busy with stumpnose, grunter, the odd kob and flatfish, while deeper points turned savage as stronger inedibles woke up and started feeding. Octopus and redeye sardine combos did serious damage, and as the water continues to clean, this zone is sitting on the edge of something special.

This was one of those magic windows. Calm seas. Settled weather. Fish fully switched on. A weekend where nearly everything with fins was on the bite and anglers are still talking about it. When the ocean looks like a duckpond and the fish go wild, you don’t hesitate. You fish.

Offshore:

Offshore fishing along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline over the past weekend reminded anglers why timing and judgement matter just as much as tackle and fuel. Conditions were challenging and far from consistent, but for crews willing to wait for the right launch window, read the water carefully, and adapt on the move, the rewards were very real. This was not a “run-and-gun” weekend. Success came to those who fished when conditions allowed, rather than forcing time on the water.

Across the coast, fluctuating water colour, shifting temperature lines, and variable sea state meant that careful planning was essential. Crews who monitored forecasts closely, adjusted their depth and spread, and stayed mobile in search of cleaner, warmer water found both gamefish and dependable bottom action. Those who pushed into marginal conditions later in the day often found the ocean becoming less forgiving.

Central Coast – Durban Offshore

Off Durban, offshore conditions remained unsettled throughout much of the weekend. Early launch windows offered manageable seas, but swell and wind built steadily as the day progressed, making timing a critical factor for safe and productive fishing. Water colour was inconsistent, and locating pockets of cleaner water was key to unlocking better sessions.

Gamefish activity was present but selective. Dorado showed in the shallower zones, particularly along current lines intersecting slightly greener water. Snoek did not feature, with persistent brown water in the shallows limiting opportunities. Couta made a modest showing, mostly smaller fish, but their presence is a positive sign as conditions gradually improve. Crews that stayed alert to changing sea state and chose to head in early were rewarded with both fish and safe returns.

North Coast – Consistency With Caution

The North Coast delivered the most consistent offshore results of the weekend, but even here, effort and judgement were rewarded more than blind persistence. Better water colour held across much of the area, and Dorado were active, often sitting on subtle current edges rather than obvious colour breaks. Skippers who trusted their electronics and worked disciplined trolling patterns did best.

Snoek and Couta were widespread, although size varied. Snoek responded best during early-morning passes before boat traffic and wind increased, while better Couta came off more stable temperature lines. Crews prepared to run slightly further in search of cleaner water found more reliable Dorado action, but fuel planning and sea awareness were essential as conditions changed through the day.

Bottom fishing provided a steady backup option, producing a mix of reef species. While not fast-paced, it proved valuable when gamefish activity slowed or conditions dictated a more conservative approach.

South Coast – Improving, But Selective

Further south, offshore fishing showed gradual improvement, though conditions remained patchy in places. Water quality has begun to stabilize, but patience was required. Dorado featured more prominently in deeper water, responding best to slower trolling speeds and wider lure spreads. Crews that avoided rushing marginal areas and focused on finding clean, settled water enjoyed more consistent results.

Looking Ahead

This past weekend highlighted a familiar offshore lesson along the KZN coast: fish when the conditions fit, not just when the calendar allows. Adaptability, conservative decision-making, and a willingness to change plans were the common threads among successful crews.

With weather systems set to shift in the coming days, anglers are urged to watch forecasts closely, choose launch windows carefully, and ensure both vessel and tackle are in top condition. The signs are promising as water quality improves and temperature lines begin to stabilize. Those ready to move when the right window opens, and disciplined enough to sit out when it doesn’t, will be first in line for the rewards.

Freshwater:

News From Jan : Perhaps not exactly fitting of the phrase “from one extreme to the next”, the change in weather from the furnace of 2 weeks ago to the current pleasantly mild conditions, has been more than welcome.  However, if the global weather gurus are anything to go by, a recent report suggests that as a result of the recent rapid changes in weather, ‘Everyone should buckle up’ … as a new study calculates that Earth’s already rising temperature spiked to a new level over the past three years (it certainly felt like it a mere 10 days ago!), and it’s likely to mean that more events will be considered La Nina (higher rainfall) and fewer El Nino (drought) for the southern African region.

Recent rains have put dam levels back on the up : sitting at 99.77%, Midmar is almost at full supply level (FSL) once again (the wall is wet, one more big rain and Midmar will come over) … and both Albert Falls and Spring Grove Dams are sitting at 100.74% and 101.07% respectively … which bodes well for the coming winter.  As we head deeper into autumn, weather SHOULD stabilise and we SHOULD be looking forward to some exciting fishing.

As for the rivers : there have been no returns from the Natal Fly Fishers Club river anglers over the last week … reports are that The Bushman’s River beats were “wild white water”, and a 70mm local storm in The Dargle Valley on the weekend has The Umngeni River blown out. 

With the rains having the most impact up in the catchment area’s closer to The ‘Berg, the Injisuthi Valley bore the brunt of a 100mm+ event recently, which massively affected the structure of the river valley.  With the road and bridge impacted, access into to the valley and well-known KZN reserve was also affected, so the KwaZulu-Natal Fly Fishing Association (KZNFFA) had to move their Trials of this past weekend to the Lotheni Valley where conditions were more moderate, but still “nicely technical”, and some good fish were reported.

The yellowfish (scaly) anglers remain on the back foot, with high water levels and coloured rivers.
No returns from the NFFC stillwater anglers over the past week.  Water temperatures are no doubt on the warm end of the scale for happy trout, but with the cooler weather and rain, stillwater fishing should be on the up shortly.
 
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continues to be a cause for alarm in The Midlands KZN … biosecurity remains a critical component of FMD control, and all anglers are once again advised to comply with any movement regulations, and assist where possible with hygiene and risk-reduction measures to safeguard local livestock.
With no reports incoming, the bass appear to be on the quiet at Albert Falls … Midmar is however reportedly still fishing well, with good numbers, albeit small fish.  Carp and barbel have been reported from Albert Falls, and carp at Midmar.

With the weather having settled, Sterkfontein Dam is back in the game, and some good fish were reported over the last week.  Hopper / cricket patterns in brown and black are still the top producers.  Have some ant patterns on hand, in case of an afternoon thunderstorm.

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