Vaal Dam carp fishing — best spots, bait rigs, and time of year guide
Spent 5 days at this spot last weekend. Here is the full breakdown.
Target species: carp (up to 20kg), yellowfish, and largemouth bass. We focused on the bigger fish and had a solid session.
Tactics that worked: The deep channels below the Vaal Dam wall hold the biggest carp. Fish a running rig with a large boilie or whole maize on the bottom. Pre-bait the spot for two days if you can.
Access: Multiple public launch sites around Deneysville. A provincial freshwater licence is R91 — buy online at dffe.gov.za.
Accommodation: Camped at the nearest caravan park — R317/night for a powered site. Facilities were clean and well-maintained.
Best time to visit: After the first summer rains.
Tip for first-timers: Check the dam level before you go — it affects access dramatically.
9/10 destination. Will be back.
6 Replies
What bait or lures were you using for the carp? I have been struggling to find what works consistently. Boilies in strawberry and banana are killing it lately if that helps.
— marco_joubert
What bait or lures were you using for the bass? I have been struggling to find what works consistently. Natural bait is always more consistent than lures at this spot if that helps.
What bait or lures were you using for the carp? I have been struggling to find what works consistently. Boilies in strawberry and banana are killing it lately if that helps.
I was there over Easter and the water levels were very different. The dam was down about 3m which concentrated the fish near the channel edges. Always worth checking conditions before the drive.
What bait or lures were you using for the carp? I have been struggling to find what works consistently. Boilies in strawberry and banana are killing it lately if that helps.
— marco_joubert
Solid report. The bass on structure is exactly what I have found works at this spot. What line weight are you fishing? I have been using 12lb monofilament and getting results.
> What bait or lures were you using for the carp? I have been struggling to find what works consistently. Boilies in strawberry and banana are killing it lately if that helps.
> — marco_joubert
Solid report. The bass on structure is exactly what I have found works at this spot. What line weight are you fishing? I have been using 12lb monofilament and getting results.
— jan_van_zyl
I was there last month and the fish activity were very different. Blue-green algae bloom in the southern arm — we had to move to the dam wall section. Always worth checking conditions before the drive.