By Neville Barnard
Kwaggashoek Lake is situated about 40km outside Mokgopong (Naboomspruit) on the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains. The dam is used as a farming irrigation dam that is in the middle of a working fruit farm and is currently under the control of SACS (SA Carp Angling Solutions www.sacarp.co.za ). It is totally private and very safe. There are ablution facilities, warm water showers and power to the main swim called The Kol. There are also fisherman’s houses, chalets and camping areas available next to the dam. The dam is basically divided into two areas by a wooden structure and dead tree in the middle of the dam. Kwaggahoek Dam is home to big carp, big redbreast kurper, lowfeld yellows and of course catfish.
Big carp are the target species in this dam with the lake record being over 24kg and with fish of over 40lb coming out on a regular bases. Fish of 30lb+ is commonplace. There are big commons and quite a few very nice mirrors and it also holds some stunning potbelly carp.
APPROACH
The dam is quite challenging to fish as the angle you are fishing, at some spots only allow for 2 or 3 rods. The dam has quite a few under water snags to contend with like large rocks, rock ridges and old bridges and even old dropper poles in some areas. Therefore the tackle to use, and highly recommended for Kwaggas is above average. I personally use 100lb Power Pro braid connected to either K Braid or .80mm mono to contend with the rocks. Use anything lighter and you will lose fish to cut offs on the steel poles and rocks. The distances that you are likely to fish are from 100m out at the fisherman’s houses to almost 500m at otter and the Kol if you fish to the dam wall.
BAIT
Because of the huge number of Barbel and other smaller fish species in this dam I suggest Tigernuts as bait. I tried boilies, maize and fake baits but tigers have proved to be the best overall. My bait consists of flavoured tigers either fished on the ground or critically balanced with cork or hi density foam on top to give something visual for the carp to home in on. Yellow, white and red colours all work well. Over the years I have used many different flavours but for the last few months the lake was dominated with RR10 flavours from Nvoke baits.
FEEDING
I never feed a lot as I don’t want to attract the smaller fish and this is more of a big fish venue than fishing for runs. I use the mouse trap method to single out the bigger fish.
My main feed consist of 70% hemp, 20% maize/ red sorghum and maples and then 10% tigers. I use it plain but I have done well on honey in my feed as well.
RULES
Booking trough SACS is essential to fish this venue. Non-members will not be allowed on the premises un-accompanied and the number of non-members a member can bring is also limited. It is strictly a catch and release venue and you must have all the correct carp care equipment before you will be allowed to fish Kwaggas. You are fishing for big carp and the utmost care needs to be taken to look after them.
CONTACT
They can be contacted on 0837899082 or E-mail: md@sacarp.co.za. Visit www.sacarp.co.za to become a member
You must belong to SACS to make a booking at this lake.
