By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
SSome of South Africa’s largest recorded bass and carp in the past 20 years have been pulled out of Midmar Dam near Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. This expansive dam at the centre of a lush farming region is a magnet for anglers gunning for big freshwater fish.
Midmar offers excellent bass and carp fishing throughout the year within various designated areas around the region’s largest body of water. Other species that can be landed include scalies and bluegill – so stay a few nights and see how many big ones you can bag.
A scenic 90-minute drive from Durban is all it takes to get to Midmar, and the area around Howick also offers a variety of affordable accommodation for those wanting to spend a few days fishing in the countryside.
At Midmar in September 2004, Julian Van Zuydam broke the South African bass fishing record, capturing a fish that weighed 6.29kg. Van Zuydam released the bass back into the dam in the knowledge that his record would be difficult to beat.
Variations of bass at Midmar include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and spotted bass. During dry times when water levels are lower than normal, plastic worms and flying lures have proven fairly effective.
Carp in Midmar Dam weigh as much as 28kg and offer anglers as good a fight as they can get.
Late afternoon (4pm to 6pm) and early mornings (5am to 8am) are generally the best times of day for fishing at Midmar. If you are staying in one of the campsites, you can even leave your line in the water overnight.
Fishing stories are an age-old tradition throughout the world. Some crackers have come out of Midmar in recent years and some of them are even true.
In the late 90s, for example, a man was walking along the water's edge when he saw a monster grass carp frolicking about. He did not have a rod with him, but went after the fish nonetheless, diving into the water and wrestling it out. According to a respected local newspaper, the carp weighed more than 20kg.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Central Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000
How to get here
Midmar Dam is approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Durban on the N3. Follow the signs from the Howick / Midmar Dam off-ramp. Self-drive is the most convenient option.
What will it cost
Prices to enter the nature reserve and overnight stays in campsites will vary over time, so consult the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife website.
What to pack
Your lure box should include a variety of rapalas and colourful worms. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen; the cool breeze of the dam can belie how fierce the sun gets.
Where to stay
Self-catering chalets are available within the Midmar Dam Nature Reserve, a short drive or walk from the best fishing spots. For more upmarket accommodation, the four-star Fernhill Hotel is right across the road, and the Midlands Meander also offers plenty of guesthouses and B&Bs in the vicinity.
Related links
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
