South Africa is one of the best fishing destinations on earth. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish these insanely rich waters will make a big difference for your success.

The best times to fish in South Africa are generally during the warmer months, from November to March, with early morning and late afternoon being optimal.

Month	South Africa Fishing Location
January	Sodwana Bay (KwaZulu-Natal) – Saltwater fishing for Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and King Mackerel.
February	Breede River Mouth (Western Cape) – Estuary fishing for Kob and Garrick.
March	Orange River (Northern Cape) – Freshwater fishing for Yellowfish and Mudfish.
April	Umzimvubu River (Eastern Cape) – River fishing for Kob and Grunter.
May	Cape Agulhas (Western Cape) – Coastal fishing for Yellowtail and Cape Salmon.
June	Berg River (Western Cape) – Estuary fishing for White Steenbras and Elf.
July	Tugela River (KwaZulu-Natal) – River fishing for Yellowfish and Catfish.
August	Vaal Dam (Gauteng) – Freshwater fishing for Yellowfish and Carp.
September	Knysna Lagoon (Western Cape) – Estuary fishing for Spotted Grunter and Garrick.
October	Cape Point (Western Cape) – Coastal fishing for Yellowtail, Snoek, and Yellowfin Tuna.
November	St. Lazarus Banks (Eastern Cape) – Offshore fishing for Marlin, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna.
December	Durban (KwaZulu-Natal) – Saltwater fishing for Yellowfin Tuna, King Mackerel, and Dorado.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in South Africa. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in South Africa

Orange River, Northern Cape: Best months to fish: April to September; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Mudfish.

Breede River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Kob and Leervis (Garrick).

Umzimvubu River, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Kob and Grunter.

Berg River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: White Steenbras and Elf (Shad).

Gouritz River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: White Steenbras and Leervis (Garrick).

Breede River, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Kob and Spotted Grunter.

Buffels River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: White Steenbras and Kob.

Olifants River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Catfish.

Umgeni River, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Catfish.

Keurbooms River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Elf (Shad) and Grunter.

Gamtoos River, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Elf (Shad) and Kob.

Elands River, Mpumalanga: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Catfish.

Mzimvubu River, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Kob and Grunter.

Letaba River, Limpopo: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Catfish.

Doring River, Western Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: White Steenbras and Elf (Shad).

Pongola River, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Catfish.

Blyde River, Mpumalanga: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Yellowfish and Catfish.

Great Fish River, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Elf (Shad) and Kob.

Baviaanskloof River, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: September to April; Targeted fish: Kob and Spotted Grunter.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in South Africa

Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna, and King Mackerel.

Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Dorado, King Mackerel, and Yellowtail.

Mossel Bay, Western Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Cape Stumpnose, White Steenbras, and Kob.

Cape Point, Western Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Yellowtail, Snoek, and Yellowfin Tuna.

St. Lazarus Banks, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Marlin, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Yellowfin Tuna, King Mackerel, and Dorado.

Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Kob, Garrick, and King Mackerel.

Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Kob, Garrick, and Shad.

Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: King Mackerel, Dorado, and Queen Mackerel.

Knysna Heads, Western Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Elf (Shad), Garrick, and Kob.

East London, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Kob, Garrick, and Yellowtail.

Paternoster, Western Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Steenbras, Hottentot, and Kob.

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Kob, Garrick, and Kingfish.

Wild Coast, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Shad, Bronze Bream, and Kingfish.

Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: King Mackerel, Queen Mackerel, and Dorado.

Cape St. Francis, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Garrick, Kob, and Yellowtail.

Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: Kob, Yellowtail, and Garrick.

Mossel Bay Point, Western Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: White Steenbras, Blacktail, and Elf (Shad).

Hermanus, Western Cape: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: White Steenbras, Elf (Shad), and Kob.

Shelly Beach, KwaZulu-Natal: Best months to fish: November to March; Targeted fish: King Mackerel, Dorado, and Yellowfin Tuna.

Recommended Fishing Guides in South Africa

These South Africa-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Ocean Life Fishing Charters	Cape Town, South Africa
Blu-Ray Fishing Charters	Durban, South Africa
Hookup Fishing Charters Durban	Durban, South Africa
Mighty Fishing Charters	Shelly Beach, South Africa
Knysna Lagoon Fishing	Knysna, South Africa
St. Francis Safaris Fishing Charters	St. Francis Bay, South Africa
Michelle Deep Sea Fishing Charters	Struisbaai, South Africa

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna fishing in South Africa is best during summer, particularly from November to March. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times to fish for Yellowfin Tuna. Top locations for Yellowfin Tuna fishing in South Africa include Cape Point, Durban, and the waters off the Eastern Cape coastline.

Black Marlin

Black Marlin fishing in South Africa is best during the summer months, from November to March. The optimal time of day to fish for Black Marlin is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Black Marlin fishing in South Africa include Sodwana Bay, Cape Vidal, and the waters off the Eastern Cape coastline.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin fishing in South Africa is best during the summer months, from November to March. The prime time of day to fish for Blue Marlin is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Blue Marlin fishing in South Africa include Sodwana Bay, Cape Vidal, and the waters off the Eastern Cape coastline.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi fishing in South Africa is best during the summer months, from November to March. The ideal day to fish for Mahi is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Mahi fishing in South Africa include Durban, Cape Point, and the waters off the Eastern Cape coastline.

Sailfish

Sailfish fishing in South Africa is best during summer, specifically from November to March. The optimal time of day to fish for sailfish is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for sailfish fishing in South Africa include Sodwana Bay, Cape Vidal, and the Eastern Cape coastline.

Yellowtail

Yellowtail fishing in South Africa is best during the cooler months, particularly from April to September. The optimal time of day to fish for Yellowtail is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Yellowtail fishing in South Africa include Cape Point, Cape Agulhas, and the waters off the Western Cape coastline.

Kob

Kob fishing in South Africa is best during the cooler months, particularly from May to September. The prime time of day to fish for Kob is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Kob fishing in South Africa include the Breede River, the Orange River, and the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal.

Giant Trevally

Giant Trevally fishing in South Africa is best during the warmer months, mainly October to March. The optimal time of day to fish for Giant Trevally is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Giant Trevally fishing in South Africa include Mozambique Island, St. Lazarus Banks, and the waters off the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel fishing in South Africa is best during summer, particularly from November to March. The ideal time of day to fish for King Mackerel is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for King Mackerel fishing in South Africa include Durban, Cape Point, and the waters off the Eastern Cape coastline.

Queen Mackerel

Queen Mackerel fishing in South Africa is best during summer, particularly from November to March. The prime time of day to fish for Queen Mackerel is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Queen Mackerel fishing in South Africa include Durban, Cape Point, and the waters off the Eastern Cape coastline.

Red Steenbras

Red Steenbras fishing in South Africa is best during the cooler months, particularly from May to September. The optimal time of day to fish for Red Steenbras is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Red Steenbras fishing in South Africa include the coastline of the Western Cape, the Agulhas Bank, and the waters off Struisbaai.

Cape Salmon

Cape Salmon fishing in South Africa is best during summer, particularly from November to March. The prime time of day to fish for Cape Salmon is early morning or late afternoon. Top locations for Cape Salmon fishing in South Africa include the coastline of the Western Cape, False Bay, and the waters around Cape Point.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Cape Town. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Kenya. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Egypt. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Tanzania.

Best Fishing in South Africa on a Seasonal Basis

Winter (June, July, August)

• Cape Agulhas, Western Cape: In winter, you can catch Yellowtail and Cape Salmon in the waters near Cape Agulhas.
• Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape: This coastal area is known for its excellent fishing for Kob and Garrick during the winter months.
• Wild Coast, Eastern Cape: During winter, you can target Shad and Bronze Bream in the beautiful waters of the Wild Coast.
• Orange River Mouth, Northern Cape: This area offers great fishing for Kob and Spotted Grunter in the winter season.
• Mossel Bay, Western Cape: Winter is a good time to catch Cape Stumpnose and White Steenbras in the waters around Mossel Bay.
• Paternoster, Western Cape: Here, you can find Hottentot and Galjoen during the winter months.
• Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal: This area is known for its winter fishing for Kingfish and Grunter in the estuary and surrounding waters.

Spring (September, October, November)

• Breede River, Western Cape: In spring, you can catch Kob and Leervis (Garrick) in the estuary and river sections of the Breede River.
• Orange River, Northern Cape: This river is known for its spring fishing for Yellowfish and Mudfish.
• Umzimvubu River, Eastern Cape: During spring, you can target Kob and Grunter in the scenic waters of the Umzimvubu River.
• Clanwilliam Dam, Western Cape: This dam offers great spring fishing for Clanwilliam Yellowfish and Smallmouth Bass.
• Paternoster, Western Cape: Here, you can catch Steenbras and Hottentot during the spring season.
• Jozini Dam, KwaZulu-Natal: Jozini Dam is famous for its spring fishing for Tigerfish and Catfish.
• Aliwal Shoal, KwaZulu-Natal: This offshore reef is known for its spring fishing for game fish like King Mackerel and Yellowfin Tuna.

Summer (December, January, February)

• Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal: During summer, you can catch game fish like Sailfish and Yellowfin Tuna in the warm waters of Sodwana Bay.
• Cape Vidal, KwaZulu-Natal: This coastal area offers great fishing for King Mackerel and Dorado during the summer months.
• Mozambique Island, Mozambique: Just across the border, you can find excellent fishing for Giant Trevally and Wahoo in the summer season.
• Cape Point, Western Cape: In the summer, you can target game fish like Yellowtail and Yellowfin Tuna around Cape Point.
• St. Lazarus Banks, Eastern Cape: This offshore area is known for its summer fishing for Marlin and Sailfish.
• Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape: During summer, you can catch Kob and Garrick in the coastal waters near Coffee Bay.
• Durban, KwaZulu-Natal: Durban offers summer fishing opportunities for game fish like Yellowfin Tuna and King Mackerel.

Fall (March, April, May)

• Cape Point, Western Cape: In the fall, you can target Yellowtail and Snoek around Cape Point.
• Knysna Lagoon, Western Cape: This lagoon offers great fishing for Spotted Grunter and Leervis (Garrick) during the fall months.
• Berg River, Western Cape: During fall, you can catch White Steenbras and Elf (Shad) in the estuary and river sections of the Berg River.
• Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape: This coastal area is known for its fall fishing for Kob and Bronze Bream.
• Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal: Here, you can target Kingfish and Grunter in the estuary and surrounding waters during the fall season.
• East London, Eastern Cape: East London offers great fall fishing opportunities for Kob and Garrick.
• Transkei Coastline, Eastern Cape: This scenic coastline is known for its fall fishing for Kob and Shad.