Fishing spots › Sedgefield / Swartvlei

Sedgefield / Swartvlei

Estuary fishing spot

The Swartvlei estuary at Sedgefield drains South Africa's largest natural inland lake system, and when the mouth is open it becomes one of the most productive pieces of water on the coast. Spotted grunter feed hard on the prawn banks — sight-fish them on the flats or drift baits in the channel. Garrick patrol the mouth area on the pushing tide in summer, and kob move in after dark.

When the mouth is closed the system still fishes for grunter and steenbras in the lower reaches, though results are tide-dependent when open. Kayaks and small boats open up the upper channels.

Access is easy from the village side and the caravan park. Check mouth status locally before planning a session — it changes the fishing completely. Permits required for estuary angling.