The Best Fishing Spots in Free State
In the Free State province of South Africa, anglers fish rivers and dams for yellowfish (notably smallmouth yellowfish where present), largemouth bass, common carp, sharptooth catfish and various bream and tilapia. The region’s Vaal River stretches and numerous dams offer good opportunities for fly-fishing for yellowfish and spin/lure fishing for bass and carp, while night-time bait fishing often produces catfish. Habitats range from rocky currents to open flats and reed beds, so anglers commonly use dry and wet flies, spinners, soft plastics and live baits depending on target species and season.
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Top Freshwater Fishing Spots
Wilge River
Flowing through the northern Free State toward the Vaal, the Wilge River features broad pools and gravel runs that hold smallmouth yellowfish, carp, and summer-feeding barbel; shore anglers target seams and eddies, while kayaks and small boats extend reach to remote bends near Frankfort .
Welbedacht Dam
On the Caledon system near Dewetsdorp , Welbedacht Dam yields quality carp, barbel, and periodic yellowfish pushes when inflows rise; anglers focus on the river mouth and submerged old channels by boat, while accessible shorelines offer consistent papgooi action.
Vals River
Winding past Kroonstad , the Vals River offers dependable action for carp and barbel in deeper bends, with yellowfish found in runs during warmer months; accessible banks, bridges, and park areas make it a handy urban-edge fishery.
Vaal Dam
One of South Africa’s busiest inland fisheries, the Vaal Dam produces carp, sharptooth catfish (barbel), and both smallmouth and largemouth yellowfish, with summer bringing strong surface activity and winter rewarding deep, slow presentations; shore anglers work the many public banks while boaters troll or drift the open basins near Deneysville and the Vaal Marina side for roaming fish.
Rustfontein Dam
East of Botshabelo , Rustfontein Dam offers classic Free State stillwater fishing with abundant carp, hefty barbel, and seasonal yellowfish along rocky points; productive methods range from specimen rigs and papgooi to drifting baits for catfish when summer thermals stack baitfish.
Modder River
Meandering past Soetdoring Nature Reserve and Brandkop , the Modder River offers classic bank fishing for carp and barbel, with yellowfish holding in faster glides; anglers target deeper outside bends and reed-lined margins, while small inflows fish well after rains.
Koppies Dam
A favorite around Koppies , this reservoir yields plentiful carp and hard-fighting barbel, with occasional yellowfish in the old river course; shore anglers fish accessible banks and picnic sites, while small boats work drop-offs and wind lanes for day-long action.
Kalkfontein Dam
Southwest of Fauresmith on the Riet system, Kalkfontein Dam is known for powerful barbel, plentiful carp, and seasonal yellowfish around rocky points; shore bait fishing is consistent, while boaters work drop-offs and wind lanes for cruising fish.
Gariep Dam
Straddling the Orange River, Gariep Dam is famed for chunky smallmouth yellowfish, powerful largemouth yellowfish, prolific carp, and trophy barbel; summer flows and wind lanes concentrate baitfish, making boat drifts along rocky points and river inlets productive, while shore anglers score around Gariep Forever Resort and the Oviston side.