Top fly fishing destinations in Southern Africa

Target prolific smallmouth and trophy largemouth yellowfish from the banks or on guided rowing/rafting trips through dramatic desert canyons. Clear water and varied structure make for classic nymphing, dry‑dropper, and streamer opportunities.

• Bank wading and multi‑day guided float options
• Smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish primary targets
• Focus on riffles, seams, drop‑offs, and boulder gardens

Best season: Mar–Jun and Sep–Nov; avoid summer heat spikes and spates.

Productive tailwater and freestone sections for strong smallmouth yellowfish with the chance of largemouth around structure. Flows and clarity dictate tactics—adapt from Euro‑nymphing to streamers as conditions change.

• Accessible day sections and multi‑day options
• Read current, seams, and eddies below bends
• Watch for dam releases impacting clarity/levels

Best season: Spring and autumn shoulder seasons for stable flows.

Big stillwater with rocky points, bays, and flooded flats. Sight‑fishing opportunities for carp, smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, plus powerful barbel/catfish on streamers when conditions line up. Boat, kayak, or shore options.

• Polarised sight‑fishing on warm, clear days
• Search structure and wind lanes; early/late light is best
• Versatile setup: floating and intermediate lines

Best season: Late spring through autumn; winter can be tough but possible.

Vast stillwater with accessible banks and sheltered coves. Target smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, carp, and barbel on windward shores and flooded edges. Cover water methodically.

• Wind lanes and inlets concentrate bait and fish
• Mix of indicator nymphing and searching streamers
• Boat opens up structure; shore is productive on the right days

Best season: Spring to autumn; warmer months are most consistent.

Legendary sight‑fishing for smallmouth yellowfish on dries in gin‑clear water; largemouth yellowfish are present too. Wade the flats or fish from a boat to cruising fish and rocky edges. Technical but incredibly rewarding.

• Boat and shore options for polaroiding fish
• Long leaders, stealth, and accurate presentations
• Switch to nymphs/streamers when needed

Best season: Late summer into early autumn during warm, stable weather.

Clear, pocket‑water streams with spooky trout. Sight‑fishing with small dries and nymphs, tight casts, and careful wading. Permits and seasonal closures apply on many beats.

• Technical presentations and long leaders
• Best after stable weather and clear flows
• Catch‑and‑release ethics keep fisheries healthy

Best season: Sep–May; many rivers closed mid‑winter for spawning.

High‑country rivers and stillwaters with incredible scenery. Freestone pocket water, pool‑drop rivers, and small dams hold hard‑fighting trout. Weather can change quickly at altitude.

• Dry‑dropper and small streamers are staples
• Mind cold fronts and sudden flow spikes
• Access varies—private beats and day permits available

Best season: Spring and autumn; summers can be wet, winters cold.

Surf and estuary systems holding a mix of trevally, queenfish, and other inshore gamefish. Read tides, bait movement, and structure; dawn and dusk are prime for ambush predators.

• Focus on estuary mouths, points, and channels
• Intermediate and sinking lines for current and surf
• Stable weather windows improve clarity and bait presence

Best season: Warmer months with clean water and active bait.

Estuaries and surf zones offering sight‑fishing to tailing grunter and hunting garrick, plus kob and other seasonal visitors. Tides, wind, and water clarity are key.

• Polaroid shallow flats for grunter tails
• Work points and bait lines for garrick/leervis
• Light stealthy leaders; natural patterns shine

Best season: Spring through summer with stable, warm conditions.

A classic South African trout destination with numerous rivers and stillwaters in close proximity. Varied water types suit dries, nymphs, and small streamers depending on season and flows.

• Mix of private beats and permit waters
• Flexible tactics across streams and dams
• Local knowledge helps optimise river choices after rain

Best season: Spring and autumn; summers can be stormy, winters cold.