Fishing Report December 2025

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Fishing Conditions    

                     

Temp (River): Average of 19ºC – 24ºC

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Water Clarity: The water is currently murky due to incoming water flow from the river.

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Water Level: 89.78% (As on 9th January 2026)

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Rainfall: 103.5mm

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Other Conditions: The Water level has increased again since the last water release. The Department of Water & Sanitation will again be releasing water from 10th January to 17th January in anticipation of increased water inflow which has been forecast by Storm SA and other Weather Apps. High volumes of rain are forecast. The water temperature is good, resulting in continued good catches.

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Fishing Area: From Mpalane Bay, in front of Nkwazi Lake Lodge, Pump Station, the bay as you pass the KZN Wildlife campsites, Elephant Bay in 2 - 8m of water and towards the mouth of the main Dam.

 

Fish Caught

 

Tiger Fish Sizes: Tiger Fish caught during the month ranged from 1kg – 3.1kg. The largest one of 3.1kg was caught on sardine. The fish were on the bite this month with many good catches!

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Total Tiger Fish: An average of 1303 Tiger Fish were caught off the Pongola Game Reserve boats. Sardine, chicken livers & chicken hearts were the best baits. Live bait also worked very well.

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Other Species: Some Barbel were caught while fishing for Tiger Fish using sardine and chicken livers.

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Lure Colour of the Month: No specific colours stood out as more successful this month

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Important News: This fishing season is proving very good so far and has not disappointed! Fantastic animal and bird sightings also added to the experience.

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