Fishing in the Cederberg

TTake a drive up the Cape's west coast and before long you’ll notice fynbos vegetation giving way to sandveld (sand dunes), quaint fishing villages, sandy beaches and raucous seabird colonies – a sure sign you’re moving into west-coast country. 

Regionally this rugged, mountainous wilderness is known as the Cederberg, and incorporates the west coast, Clanwilliam and the Cedarberg Mountains. 

Both freshwater and saltwater fishing is bountiful in the Cederberg. Oceanside the nutrient-rich Benguela ocean-current sustains prolific sea life, with fish attracting anglers and thousands of birds, many migratory. 

At the coast you’ll pass towns like Lambert’s Bay, Paternoster, Saldanha and Langebaan, where generations of fishermen have made the sea their livelihood. 

Although snoek is the most common species offshore, shore anglers are likely to find kabeljou, elf and yellowtail, as well as sharks and rays. The leaping thresher shark promises a good fight, as do larger skates. 

Landward it’s crystal-clear mountain streams, dams and plenty of wild trout that lure fly-fishermen, with visible fish making the sport somewhat more rewarding. Full-day fly-fishing tours include transport to and from the river location, with guides on hand. Equipment and tackle, refreshments, lunch, permits and licenses are usually included in the cost. 

At 250km from Cape Town, the 22km-long Clanwilliam Dam is synonymous with bass fishing, offering smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, carp, bluegill and Clanwilliam yellowfish. The dam features rocky points, boulders, drop-offs, gravel and reed beds to vary the routine and species caught. 

So, whether you decide to try for a tasty snoek at Velddrif or a brown trout in the Cederberg mountains, you’re unlikely to come away empty handed. And if you do, the locals are always happy to share their catch, prepared west coast-style, of course. 

TTravel tips & planning  info 

Who to contact 

Cederberg Tourism
 

Tel: +27 (0)27 482 2024
 

Email: cederberg@lando.co.za 

Cederberg Tourist Park
 

Tel: +27 (0)27 482 2807
 

Email: namapip@netactive.co.za 

How to get here 

The Cederberg lies roughly 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Cape Town, depending on how leisurely you meander. 

Best time to visit 

Marine angling is available all year round, but tends to be more enjoyable during the warmer months. 

Around the area 

The West Coast National Park is home to around 25-million water birds. From August to September the Postberg section of the reserve becomes a natural carpet of wild flowers. West-coast wild, spring flowers are showcased at their best during the Darling Wildflower Show held in September. The West Coast Fossil Park is another popular attraction. 

Where to stay 

Private camping sites can be found around Clanwilliam, and the region also has several self-catering cottages and guest houses. In the Agter-Pakhuis Valley, 26km from Clanwilliam, is the charming De Pakhuys Guest Farm. 

What to eat 

At the coast you must try a local delicacy called 'bokkoms', or salted mullet, as well as fare from a few of the open-air seafood restaurants. 

What's happening? 

Clanwilliam hosts the Winter Bass Classic in August and the Summer Classic in October every year. 

Related links 

• Fishing Info South Africa 
• West Coast Tourism 
• Cederberg Conservancy 
• Cederberg Heritage Route 

• De Pakhuys Guest Farm