Inanda Dam offers some of the finest and most challenging fly fishing available for species such as Tilapia (both Blue and Red-Chest), Barbel (catfish), Scalies (yellow-fish) and Carp.
Bass and Carp fishing at Albert Falls and Inanda Dams in KwaZulu Natal
Bass and carp are the most popular fish found in the Msinsi Reserves near Durban.. Also expect to catch Tilapia , Barbel (catfish) and Scalies. Albert Falls Dam is recognised as the premier bass dam in South Africa. The dam holds the world record of 24 kg when 6 bass were caught in one day. South Africa’s biggest bass fishing competition is held each year on the first weekend of September. The dam is then closed for a month to allow the bass to spawn. At present the Albert Falls Dam bass record stands at 5,642 kg. Many other varieties of fish are caught. Carp being the next most abundantly occurring fish, with carp of 10 kg being caught. The dam is situated in the beautiful KwaZulu Natal midlands at about 655,9m above sea level with the dam surface area of 2500 ha when 100% full. Albert Falls is the fourth biggest (volume)dam in KwaZulu Natal being 289,7 million cubic metres.
Inanda Dam Bass record
Inanda Dam is KwaZulu-Natal’s finest Bass fishing venue and has earned the reputation of being the Dragon Dam. For it is here that the next South African record Bass awaits to be caught. Situated in the warm coastal belt it offers premier fishing for all species of fish year round and it is this very feature that has created the Inanda Bass Classic, held annually during the winter. Fish along an extensive shoreline in numerous bays that offer all the possible structure that you could ask for and you may be the lucky angler that takes home the new boat or even a new South African record. The official Bass record stands at 5.11kg but the unofficial record is believed to be just over 7kg.
Fly fishing
If you are a fly fishing fanatic why not try your luck at something a little different. Inanda Dam offers some of the finest and most challenging fly fishing available for species such as Tilapia (both Blue and Red-Chest), Barbel (catfish), Scalies (yellow-fish) and Carp. Especially in the spring and autumn months large specimens of all these species are to be found visibly throughout the dam, and with some perseverance you may just hook and land a new species on the fly. Nagle, Hazelmere and Albert Falls Dams also have well stocked dams for an enjoyable fishing experience.WHERE: Valley of a Thousand Hills below Hillcrest in KwaZulu Natal
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (031) 766 9946
FISH FOR BASS, CARP AND MORE AT MSINSI RESORTS AND GAME RESERVES
FUN FACTS
Inanda Dam is nicknamed the ‘Dragon Dam’ – those in the know claim its bass are so big that a new SA record could be set here.
Safeguarding key heritage water resources for KwaZulu-Natal is a privilege for us at Msinsi Resorts and Game Reserves. And with fishing a popular activity at all our dams, one of our many interesting duties is looking after our stocks of bass, carp, tilapia, barbel (catfish) and scalies (yellowfish) for SA’s fishing enthusiasts.
Whether you come for a quiet contemplative fishing session midweek or participate in one of the big, nationally acclaimed competitions that we host, you’re always welcome to add to our stew of fishing legends.
Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve: Albert Falls Dam is more than the fourth biggest dam in KZN by volume with nearly 300m cubic metres of water – it’s also recognised as SA’s premier bass-fishing dam and home to the Albert Falls Bass Classic towards the end of August. The record for the largest bass caught here is currently 5.642kg. Albert Falls Dam also holds a world record for the largest bass catch in one day, six bass totalling 24kg. We believe part of the secret is closing the dam for a month after the Bass Classic to allow the fish to spawn. Carp are also plentiful, with specimens of 10kg being caught. With the waters of Alberts Falls Dam stretching across about 2500ha, there’s plenty of room for everyone to fish here in the heart of the KZN midlands at about 650m above sea-level – and you can even fish here overnight.
Inanda Dam and Resort: So far Inanda Dam’s official bass record is 5.23kg – but unofficially, it’s said that a bass of 7kg has been caught. Whatever your luck, it’s pure pleasure choosing one of the many bays along Inanda Dam’s extensive shoreline and settling in to fish here in the warm coastal belt at any time of the year. Large specimens of tilapia (blue and red-chest), barbel (catfish) and scalies (yellowfish) are often spotted in spring and autumn -some of the intrepid even try the challenge of catching them on a fly.
Nagle Dam and Game Reserve: Well stocked with cub, bass, scalies (yellowfish), tilapia and barbel (catfish), Nagle Dam combines great fishing with the inspiring mountain scenery of the Valley of a Thousand Hills. We allow use of an electric “sneaker” motor while fishing.
Hazelmere Dam and Resort:You’ll find barbel (catfish), carp and bass at this relaxing dam within easy reach of both Durban and the KZN north coast. Consider staying over at our Forest Lodge, perfectly sited for a great fishing experience.
Bon Accorde Resort:Enjoy great views of the tantalising waters of Albert Falls Dam from your chalet window -and share the fun in some of the best fishing for bass and carp in South Africa!
You’ll need fishing permits and boat registration at all Msinsi Resorts and Game Reserves. These are available at the reserve gates or at Visitor Reception. They are renewable annually.
CLICK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MSINSI’S ACTIVITIES
Inanda Dam Bass Outing
Posted by: Warren Prior | on November 18, 2012
Marco With A Nice Bass
This month our resident bass expert, Marco Breschi, showed us how to tie a leech pattern to improve our success with bass. This of course led to a small outing to Inanda Dam to try out the new fly.
Things got off to a bad start when we arrived at the gate at 5am only to discover they only opened at 6am. Not deterred we spent our hour at the gate pumping up our tubes, kitting up the rods, and talking tactics. When it eventually opened we were quickly onto the water and headed off in our different directions.
I was hopeful when I picked up my first fish on just my third or fourth cast. Things then slowed down and it wasn’t as productive a day as I may have hoped. That said we all picked up several fish and our bass expert Marco got a nice fish in the region of 2kgs (and dropped a 4kg largemouth).
All in all a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
Sourcehttp://www.durbanflytyers.co.za/index.php/inanda-dam-bass-outing/
