A guide to Dullstroom’s best trout stillwaters and private venues — including what to expect at each, when to fish them, and tips for booking access.
Dullstroom offers some of South Africa’s most consistent stillwater trout fishing — from small technical dams to scenic, high-altitude private waters. Below is a breakdown of key venues worth fishing, whether you’re a complete beginner, a weekend angler, or planning a guided day.
Note: venue details can change (stocking, access rules, day fees). Always confirm with the venue or book through a guide before travelling.
This map gives an approximate overview of key trout venues around Dullstroom – useful for planning travel time, accommodation and which side of town to base yourself on.
One of Dullstroom’s top private venues for larger trout. Clear water, good weedlines and reliable dry-fly windows when conditions line up.
A scenic estate with multiple dams and a seasonal river section. Great mix of stillwater and moving water when flows allow, with crystal-clear conditions at times.
A premium estate with several well-maintained dams. High catch rates and comfortable surroundings make this a popular choice for families and couples staying on the estate.
A venue on the Dorps River between Dullstroom and Lydenburg, with a mix of stillwaters and flowing water. Easy fishing on the top dam for newer anglers, with more technical water on the larger bottom dam and river section.
A self-catering farm cottage near Dullstroom, set on a working farm with a well-stocked fishing dam and easy access to nearby trout waters. A relaxed base for weekends with a mix of fishing and downtime.
Not every dam fishes the same. Use this quick table to match your experience level with the type of water that’s likely to give you the best day out.
| Venue | Difficulty | Best Season | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laverpa Stillwaters | Intermediate | Feb–May & Sept–Nov | Sight-fishing, dry/dropper. |
| Rainbow Valley (Valley of the Rainbow) | Beginner–Advanced (dams) · Intermediate+ (river) | Mar–Jun & mid-Sept–early Nov | Mixed groups, couples’ weekends, stillwater & river combo days |
| Walkersons Estate Dams | Beginner–Intermediate | Year-round, strongest in autumn & spring | Comfortable weekends away, relaxed fishing close to accommodation |
| Trout River Falls | Beginner–Advanced | Mar–Jun & Sept–Nov | Anglers wanting a mix of easy dams and more technical river water |
| Dabchick Cottage (Farm Dam) | Beginner | Mar–Jul & Sept–Nov | Relaxed weekends, families, fishing (3 dams) plus downtime on a farm stay |
These quick pointers can save you a wasted session and help match conditions, venue and expectations.
You don’t need a mountain of gear to have a good day, but a few key items make Dullstroom fishing far more comfortable and productive.
Dullstroom shines during the cooler months. Trout feed more confidently when water temperatures sit below about 18°C, and you’ll see more consistent surface activity.
Each venue has its own rhythm. These are broad guidelines based on typical weather, water levels and hatch patterns.
Best in late summer and autumn, and again in spring.
Dams fish well in cooler months; the river needs the right flow and clarity.
More forgiving stillwaters, but still follow the cooler-water rule.
Exact rates change from season to season, but this gives a ballpark idea of 2025 costs. Always confirm with the venue or your guide before booking.
Immersive Angling trips are priced per day, not per fish.
We don’t handle accommodation bookings, but these popular options lend themselves well to fishing weekends. Always confirm current rates, access rules and whether fishing is included.
Upmarket estate with multiple dams on site. Great for couples’ weekends where one partner fishes and the other relaxes.
Scenic estate accommodation with dams and a seasonal river section on the property. Good option if you want everything in one place.
Family-friendly accommodation with multiple dams. Good for kids, larger groups and relaxed weekends with a bit of fishing.
Staying in Dullstroom village keeps you close to restaurants and coffee shops while you drive out to different venues each day.
Tip: if you’re unsure where to base yourself, ask when you enquire about guiding – we can suggest areas that suit your chosen venues.
Once you’ve chosen where to fish, these guides help with flies, timing and trip planning.
Sizes, patterns and how to fish them on stillwaters like Laverpa and Rainbow Valley.
Month-by-month breakdown of water temps, hatches and what to expect.
Getting to Dullstroom, where to stay near the water and what to pack for the highveld.
Most worthwhile waters around Dullstroom are private venues or estates. You’ll usually need either a day ticket, a booking through the venue, or access arranged via a guide. Always confirm fees, catch limits and fishing rules ahead of time.
Yes. Venues like Laverpa, Trout River Falls and some estate dams are very beginner-friendly when conditions are right. A guide can help choose the best dam, set up tackle correctly and keep things simple so you can focus on enjoying the day.
A small selection of Parachute Adams, RABs, Klinkhåmers, CDC emergers, Elk Hair Caddis, slim buggers and small hotspot nymphs will cover most days. Adjust size and colour to light conditions and water clarity.
For a detailed breakdown by pattern and size, see our Best Dry Flies for Dullstroom guide .
If you’re travelling from Johannesburg or Pretoria and want to make the most of a short window, a guided day can remove the guesswork — venue choice, flies, tactics and timing all handled for you.