Donaldson Dam

Donaldson Dam is located in Westonaria and is one of the true and original big carp venues in the country. The dam is divided into the top lake and bottom lake where the bottom lake is the more common venue for visiting anglers.

For bookings please contact the resort directly:
Pinky: 060 362 0746
Simon: 078 779 0524

Information about the venue

The dam consists of 23 pegs. Pegs 1-5 is located on the dam wall side of the dam with the runout area in swim 1. Pegs 6 - 13 is known as the 'bay' where you will be fishing in close proximity. Pegs 14 - 23 is located to the left of the bay with peg 23 being on the furthest point on the dam. The ablutions are situated behind peg 6 and the remnants of an old lapa on peg 10. The pegs in the bay (6-13) are limited on the distance that you can fish and you cannot boat across to the opposite margins while on all the other pegs you can.

Fishing tips

The opposite margins, especially close to the reeds, are always a good area to target in the pegs where it is possible. Also, never overlook the reeds or trees that are directly in front of your peg in the pegs that have these features. On most, if not all, of the pegs you will also be able to target the gravel bar which is typically around 80 meters distance on most pegs from 14 onwards. Fishing in front of, on top of, or behind the gravel bar is typically a good starting area.

In certain pegs you will also find some area that are covered in fairly deep silt. Fishing in the silt can produce some of the bigger fish, if you ensure that your rig will be presenting well (popups or critically balanced wafters on a helicopter rig for example).

Baits that work there

The dam has been very well conditioned to boilies, especially a brown or dark boilie. A simple mix of crushed and whole boilies with some buckwheat will offer a good opportunity for a bite. Some of the baits that work especially well are:

• • Rich Baits Oceana Krill
  • Rich Baits The Option