Freshwater Fishing Near Ladysmith

[mrawat]

Hey there everybody

I have just recently moved up to Ladysmith.
I would like to know where are the best dams/rivers for me to try targeting some lochness monsters?

I have never done freshwater fishing before, except for a few trout caught on fly when I holidayed in the Drakensburg.

I have a 9 foot drop-shot and spinning kit which I used to use on the surf. I'm assuming my 20 pound braid will be fine for the job.
I also have a medium 8-wt fly-fishing setup which I have used on the  surf and for trout in the Drakensburg.

Looking for spots with decent shore based fishing, as I have no boat.
What sort of species can I target? I have read and heard many stories of bass, carp, barbel, yellowfish, etc, but have no idea what I will need to tackle them. Will any of my soft plastics or rapalas work for bass? Also, which of these species are edible, and which give the best fights?

Really looking forward to experiencing some chilly mornings on the dams!

Thanks in advance

 :sa:

 

 

[DocPhil]

Is that Ladysmith in Natal? I was stationed at 5SAI in Ladysmith, can remember running around on the parade ground there, between the sweat and vomiting I can recall seeing a lot of fish being caught in the river next to the military base, was too far away to tell what they were, but very good size..

 

[mrawat]

Yes Ladysmith in Natal. No clue where the army base is but when I arrived here I thought we were being invaded by Lesotho.

I have heard from some of the locals that pollution in the Klip river is pretty bad so I shouldn't eat anything that comes out of it. Is that true?

 

[DocPhil]

yes it was the Klip river, I remember the name now. And no it certainly is not a good idea to eat anything out of there, or out of any freshwater river in pretty much all of SA. Catch and release would be the way to go..

 

[mrawat]

My first bass on fly 
Caught this little bugger a couple months ago at Woodstock dam, been itching to go back and try again.
Water levels were very low, and I was a little nervous about safety so just messed around under the bridge for an hour or so.

Are there any spots on the dam that are good for fly fishing, safe, and easy to access? I have heard of bass competitions being held there but I didnt see anybody else around when I got there. 

Is there much pollution in the water there? Obviously a heavily populated area but I didnt notice any dirt or yukkiness in the water.

 

[suggoo7]

078 1466 216 , my name is nishkar , ill hook u up