Between Rustenburg and Hartebeespoort Dam lies one of the Big Fish Wild waters of South Africa. Buffelspoort Dam is well known for its clean water which hold huge bass and giant Carp in its depths. The Dam was built in 1937 as a reservoir and is more than 130ha in size…which is why it is also a favourite destination for Watersports and local Holiday goers. Its water is always clean and the sandy bottom makes a pleasant dam to visit for sure.
THE DAM
If you’re planning a Carp fishing trip to Buffelspoort Dam used to be first come first serve but has now come under new management. Bookings can now be made for ideal swims around the dam. The weekends are normally jam packed especially in the summer months as campers and boaters fill up the bankside. Getting there in the week can help you get a good spot on the far right side of the dam – which is known as “other side the cable”. There is a cable that runs through the dam to mark the no wake zone for boats …which is where you want to be if you are planning to drop lines at long range but space is limited there. If you do get a spot there you need line capacity to reach the far side margins about 400m out. These margins are full of grass and snags and of course CARP!
If you do not get a spot there then all is not lost. In fact there are big fish everywhere and its just a matter of finding the right spots. The angling bank from the Gate entrance up unto the cable is also very productive grounds – the bank has large reed bushes in between swims. These reeds have large grass beds in front of them and just past the grass beds less than 100m out are normally a perfect spot for a bite (normally at night) or you can also go across to the mountain side which is packed with features as well. Just make sure the coast is clear of any boats when returning with your line at long distance (500m+). And sometimes you get random pick ups in open water as well.
BAIT
In terms of bait strategy we have always had good bites on plain particles – mostly Tigernuts. Buffelspoort Carp love Tigernuts and if you feed your spot with a good mix of tigers, hemp and maize you should be in for some fun.
Hookbaits that worked were Pineapple Tigers, Chocolate Tigers and 3 Plain XL Tigers on a long hair. These fish have huge mouths and they suck properly so dont be afraid to use long hairs on your rigs.
Also dont be afraid of using boilies – Psycho Sweetcorn is winner for that water as well.
Some beautiful Mirrors and Large Commons are waiting for you!
OTHER INFO
Buffelspoort Dam has some of the biggest bass in the country so don’t neglect to take your bass gear along. Storms can get quite heavy in the Buffelspoort valley so keep an eye on the weather and make sure you are geared up for massive electric storms and sudden winds.
Contact +27 (74) 344-3496 for bookings
