Winter Conditions Bring Steady Improvement Along the Coast
Rock and Surf:
The coastline has seen a noticeable step-up in activity over the past week, with winter patterns starting to settle in properly. Conditions have shifted, and the fishing has responded in kind.
Shad have arrived in good numbers and are providing consistent action along much of the coastline. There’s been steady feeding activity in the surf zone, with anglers enjoying productive sessions as fish work the backline and bait schools. It’s been encouraging to see this level of consistency, with plenty of opportunities for anglers putting in the time.
Alongside the shad, garrick have begun making an appearance. While not yet widespread, there have been enough sightings and catches to suggest they’re becoming more active. A few clean takes and surface follows have started to get anglers paying closer attention, especially around areas holding baitfish.
For rock and surf anglers, those focusing on reading water and working structure effectively have been doing well. Fish are feeding with intent, and a variety of species are coming through. Rockcod are active on bait, kob are moving through gullies during the evenings, and bronze bream are holding in the white water.
This seasonal transition has been quite clear. Water conditions are starting to stabilize, and fish behaviour reflects a more consistent feeding pattern. It’s the kind of period where steady returns are possible rather than short bursts of action.
Further north, anglers are continuing to find good results. Kingfish are being caught regularly, and mixed bags are becoming more common for those targeting structure and planning their sessions carefully around tides and conditions.
The central coastline has had some inconsistency due to patches of discoloured water, but there are still fish to be found for those willing to put in the effort. Shad remain active, while stumpnose and grunter are holding in favourable areas. The occasional grey shark has also made an appearance.
Further south, the fishing has been particularly productive. Uvongo Pier has been producing well, with good catches of GT on both live bait and artificials. Grey sharks have been active, and rock fishing has delivered solid results, especially for anglers fishing prawn and chokka combinations. Red prawn has been especially effective under current conditions.
Looking ahead, the outlook remains positive. If conditions hold, we can expect steady fishing with continued opportunities across a range of species. Bait movement is consistent, and predator activity is building, setting the stage for some rewarding sessions.
The shad are established, garrick are starting to show, and the coastline is shaping up well for the weeks ahead.
Offshore:
Offshore fishing has tapered off slightly over the past week, with winter conditions starting to show. While the overall action has slowed, bottom fishing continues to produce, with good numbers of geelbek and daga salmon keeping anglers busy. As conditions tighten up, success has come down to the basics — locating productive marks and working them effectively.
The North Coast remains the standout area at the moment. Snoek are still coming out consistently, with a few unexpected dorado being picked up in deeper water by anglers willing to put in the run. Along with a healthy mix of bottom species, there’s still enough variety to keep things interesting, even if the action isn’t quite as hot as it was in previous weeks.
Durban has also been ticking along steadily. Snoek are holding up as a reliable target, and those putting in the time are being rewarded with solid bottom fish.
Further south, conditions have been a bit more challenging. It’s been a case of picking your days carefully and planning around the weather, but anglers who have timed it right are still managing to come away with respectable catches.
Looking ahead, the signs are encouraging. The seasonal shift is becoming more noticeable, and although the weather may remain unpredictable at times, the general trend is positive — fishing is gradually building rather than peaking and dropping off.
Freshwater:
News from Jan: The Midlands is properly fresh these mornings – with the frosts, the winter stillwater fishing is heating up! There have been some good fish reported so far, and no doubt plenty waiting in the wings ready to be accounted for. If cold morning starts are not your game – brass monkeys and all that! – the daytime temperatures are far more amenable and sunshine friendly to get out and about. With the closure of the trout river season this weekend, stillwaters are the name of the game for the next 3 months, so time to dust off the heavy gear and prepare for some arm wrestling with the submarines…
Just a couple of days left before the closure of the trout river season this weekend. Getting their lines to the water, Natal Fly Fisher Club members were on all three of the local brown trout rivers : uMngeni, Mooi and Bushman’s. While there were catches logged from all 3 systems, May is however always a tricky time to try and get that ABF river brownie, as and when the fish have done their nuptials, they essentially hunker down for winter and simply disappear from your favourite beats … which seems to be the case currently. Yours truly, after only fishing Opening Day, and leaving it rather late once again (2nd year in a row), did manage to chalk up a hattrick of 6-9 inch / 15-23cm wild browns in the low, cold (10degC) water of the upper Bushman’s River this past weekend. Of note : the big rains from earlier in the season have “re-arranged” the river somewhat, so the new season will be interesting!
The KwaZulu Natal Fly Fishing Association (KZNFFA) held its Senior Trials this past weekend on The Bushman’s River, with some excellent late season fish coming to hand. Smallest fish was 19cm / 7.5 inches, while most fish were in the 30-40cm / 12-16 inch bracket, taken on a mix of dry fly and nymph. Congrats to all who took part.
The stillwater fishing is kicking off nicely, with a number of returns from the NFFC anglers. Fish were primarily in the 11-15 inch / 28-38cm bracket, with some better fish in the 15-17 inch / 38-42 cm and 19-21inch / 48-53cm classes also being reported. Flies responsible for the catches were a mix of Woolly Buggers, dragon and damselfly patterns in olive, brown and black.
With The Kamberg Trout Festival, Leg 2 of the TOPS Corporate Challenge, and The Boston Fly Fishing Festival occupying the first three weekends of the month, June is going to be a busy month for the trout stillwaters.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continues to be a cause for alarm in The Midlands KZN … biosecurity remains a critical component of FMD control. With a number of the stillwater fishing events confirmed, all anglers are advised to take heed of biosecurity measures which will be in place at the Festivals and events, to heed the biosecurity notices / signage around The Midlands, and to please comply with any movement regulations, and assist where possible with hygiene and risk-reduction measures to safeguard local livestock.
Update: there is a 24hr biosecurity spray station at the Kamberg Road / Connington Road junction: all travelers up the Kamberg Road are required to stop and have their vehicle sprayed before continuing.
After what has been a disappointing summer for bass anglers, winter bass are considered (even more) a test of patience. As water temperatures drop, fish become sluggish and congregate in the deeper, more temperature stable water. Tips for success include letting your lure sink longer, slowing retrieves significantly, downsizing lures, and finding and fishing to baitfish (find the food and you will find the fish). Top lures for winter bassin’ are Drop Shot Rigs, Suspending Jerk Baits, and reaction lures like Jigs & Blade Baits … all fished to mimic lethargic baitfish.
No word on any other freshwater species from both Midmar or Albert Falls.
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