Sterkfontein
Sterkfontein
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 0
- Species
- 7
Sterkfontein Dam is a premier freshwater fishery nestled within the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve in the Eastern Free State near Harrismith. This massive 7,000-hectare dam is situated in a 12,000-hectare nature reserve, offering panoramic views of lush green rolling hills and mountain ranges. The dam is part of the Tugela-Vaal water transfer system and is celebrated for its crystal-clear water, which provides an exceptional sight-fishing experience. With over 100 kilometers of fishable shoreline, the dam's topography ranges from 1,700 to 2,350 meters above sea level, creating a compelling variety of landscapes. It is widely regarded as one of the finest yellowfish hotspots in South Africa, offering a challenging and technical fishery where margins for error are slim, but the rewards for skilled anglers are immense.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Sterkfontein and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Sterkfontein. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Sterkfontein
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Free State licenses and regulations
Free State Boating Regulations
National Small Vessel Safety Regulations administered by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), covering recreational boats on inland and coastal waters. National page reused for all provinces, as there is no separate provincial boating-safety authority.
Free State Fishing License
Official site of the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), the provincial authority issuing freshwater angling licences. Licences are sold at DESTEA offices, provincial nature reserves/resorts, and the Bloemfontein head office.
Free State Fishing Regulations
Freshwater angling in the Free State is regulated under the Free State Nature Conservation Ordinance administered by DESTEA (official authority site). No standalone provincial freshwater-regulations web page exists.
Free State Stream Access Laws
South Africa's National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) is the national law governing rights to and use of rivers and watercourses - the framework relevant to stream/water access. National page reused as no distinct provincial stream-access page exists.
Take Sterkfontein with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Sterkfontein to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Sterkfontein to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Sterkfontein and check the forecast before you go.
C8H036
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