Phongolo

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 12

The Phongolo River, also known as the Pongola River, is a significant freshwater system in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It flows into the expansive Pongolapoort Dam, creating Lake Jozini, a premier destination renowned for its exceptional tiger fishing. The river and its associated floodplain support a diverse aquatic ecosystem, while the dam and surrounding areas within the Pongola Game Reserve offer a unique blend of wilderness adventure and angling opportunity, set against a backdrop of big game country.

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Phongolo and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

African Carp

Labeo cylindricus

African Longfin Eel

Anguilla mossambica

African Shortfin Eel

Anguilla bicolor

Banded Tilapia

Tilapia sparrmanii

Bushveld Smallscale Yellowfish

Labeobarbus polylepis

Indian Mottled Eel

Anguilla bengalensis

Leaden Labeo

Labeo molybdinus

Lowveld Largescale Yellowfish

Labeobarbus marequensis

Marbled Eel

Anguilla marmorata

Mozambique Tilapia

Oreochromis mossambicus

Purple Mudsucker

Labeo congoro

Rednose Labeo

Labeo rosae

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Phongolo. 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.

Lake Jozini is the central hotspot for tiger fishing. Productive fishing typically occurs from boats across the lake, rather than from specific shoreline spots. The lower Phongolo River floodplain offers fishing opportunities, particularly in the Ndumo area, which is known for artisanal fisheries.

Know where you can legally fish on Phongolo

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.

Kwazulu Natal licenses and regulations

No licenses or regulations available for Kwazulu Natal.

Take Phongolo 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 Phongolo to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Phongolo to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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