Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve

Why Become a Shareholder at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Resort?

Nestled in the scenic heart of Mpumalanga, Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Resort offers a unique blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and outdoor adventure. For those seeking not just a getaway, but an investment in a lifestyle filled with fishing, wildlife, and family moments, becoming a shareholder at Doornkop is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

A Shareholder’s Story: Meet Eddie Crocker

To better understand the value of being a shareholder at Doornkop, we spoke to Mr. Eddie Crocker, a long-time shareholder since 2005. His journey with Doornkop is a testament to the resort’s lasting appeal and the meaningful experiences it offers.

Why Doornkop?

For Eddie, Doornkop was a natural fit after selling his farm. “We were looking for a place with fishing, bush, and animals,” he shared. The resort’s diverse range of outdoor activities and wildlife immediately drew him in. With its serene dams, abundant game, and bushveld landscape, Doornkop offers an idyllic escape from city life.

Family, Friends, and Memories

Doornkop isn’t just about the natural environment; it’s about the memories you create with loved ones. According to Eddie, some of his fondest moments have been family gatherings, such as celebrating his 80th birthday and spending Christmas and Easter together. Whether it’s fishing by the dam or enjoying a braai under the stars, the resort is a place to connect and create lasting memories.

What Sets Doornkop Apart?

Eddie highlights that one of the things that sets Doornkop apart is its accessibility. “The travelling time from Johannesburg is a big plus,” he says. Located just a few hours from the city, the resort is close enough for a quick getaway, yet remote enough to provide complete relaxation.

Making a Difference as a Shareholder

As a shareholder, you’re not just investing in property; you’re becoming part of a community that cares about maintaining and enhancing the resort. Eddie has taken a personal role in improving his unit over the years, even serving on the board. “I’ve taken time to assist with maintenance of Unit 17 and added two stainless steel braais,” he mentioned.

Would He Recommend It? Absolutely.

Eddie is such a firm believer in Doornkop that he’s already encouraged his daughter to invest. “I advised my daughter to invest in a week in Unit 25, and I’ve taken an additional week in Unit 16,” he said. This is more than just a place to visit. It’s a long-term investment in relaxation and quality time with family.

The Wildlife and Natural Beauty

From game drives to nature walks, Doornkop offers shareholders a chance to immerse themselves in the wild. “All animals and the walks, especially the waterfall, always catch my attention,” he shares. The resort’s untouched landscapes and diverse wildlife provide endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Looking to the Future

As Doornkop continues to grow, shareholders like Eddie are excited for what’s to come. He looks forward to further use of the resort by his family and friends and hopes for improved amenities like better internet access. The resort is continually evolving, offering more reasons to invest for future enjoyment.

Why You Should Become a Shareholder

Investing in Doornkop means investing in more than just a vacation spot. It’s about owning a piece of paradise that you can return to year after year. Whether you’re drawn to the fishing, the wildlife, or the community spirit, Doornkop offers an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. Just ask Eddie.

Ready to make unforgettable memories and secure a lifetime of adventure at Doornkop?

Explore the benefits of becoming a shareholder today.

The Importance of Catch and Release at Doornkop: Preserving Fish and Fun for Future Generations

Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve is a paradise for anglers and nature enthusiasts, but it’s also a place deeply committed to conservation. At the core of Doornkop’s approach to fishing is its strict catch-and-release policy, designed to protect fish populations while ensuring that visitors can enjoy world-class fishing in the reserve’s pristine waters. For anyone passionate about the environment or the art of angling, embracing this practice is key to maintaining the reserve’s rich biodiversity.

Why Catch and Release Matters at Doornkop

Doornkop’s policy is all about ensuring that future generations of anglers can enjoy the same exciting experiences. The reserve is home to species like rainbow trout, brown trout, yellowfish, and bass. Bass is not indigenous and predatory to young trout and yellowfish. If a bass is caught, please remove it from the dams to protect our fish populations. While yellowfish is especially susceptible to overfishing, the catch-and-release method helps keep populations healthy, ensuring there’s always a robust number of fish to challenge anglers. This rule for catching yellowfish applies to all rivers and dams, yellowfish must be released. We do stock rainbow and brown trout during the cooler months from April to September. Catch and keep is permitted for rainbow and brown trout at designated dams at R200-00 per kg. If a fish is caught to be released and the fish dies, the R 200-00 per kg cost will still apply. It is imperative to ensure that any fish caught must be properly handled.

How to Practice Proper Catch and Release

Proper technique is crucial when it comes to releasing fish, as it significantly impacts the fish’s chances of survival. Here’s how you can do your part:

Wet and wash your hands in the dam first: Before touching the fish, make sure your hands are thoroughly wet and clean. This prevents the removal of the fish’s protective slime, which shields it from infections and other harm. If possible, do not take the fish from the net inside the water when removing the hook as it increases its chances of survival.
Restrain Gently: Turn the fish upside down to calm it. This reduces the fish’s stress and makes it easier to remove the hook without causing injury.
Careful Hook Removal: Remove the hook carefully to avoid tearing the fish’s mouth. Barbless hooks always apply, as they’re easier to remove and cause less damage. If the hook is swallowed deep inside the fish, do not attempt to remove it. Rather cut the line as close as possible to the hook, it will dislodge by itself in time without damaging organs.
Reviving the Fish: After removing the hook, hold the fish upright in the water. Gently move it backward and forward, allowing water to flow over its gills to oxygenate them. Depending on how long the fish was fighting, some time might pass before it is strong enough to take off. This step is crucial to ensure the fish is fully revived before it swims away.
Monitor the Fish’s Response: If the fish doesn’t revive and repeatedly turns belly-up, it means it’s too stressed to survive. In this case, take it to the cleaning station to be weighed and recorded on your permit for payment per kg.

By following these steps, you’re helping ensure the fish’s health and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the reserve’s fish populations.

Key Rules to Remember at Doornkop

The reserve has specific guidelines in place to protect its aquatic ecosystem and ensure a great fishing experience for all visitors. In addition to the catch-and-release policy for Dams 1-4 & 9-10, here are some other important rules to keep in mind:

No Quotas in Catch-and-Release Dams: Unlike other areas, there are no quotas when fishing in these specific dams. The R200/kg fee applies for any fish kept.
Bass Must Not Be Returned to the Water: Bass can wreak havoc on the balance of the ecosystem, so any bass caught should be kept or handed over to the Bailiffs. Under no circumstances should they be returned to the water.
Handling Fish Carefully: Anglers should always prioritize the health of the fish by using the recommended techniques for catch and release, reducing stress and injury.

Why the Catch and Release Policy Benefits Everyone

Catch and release is not just a rule, it’s a philosophy that ensures that fishing at Doornkop remains a sustainable and enjoyable activity. By releasing fish back into the water, you’re allowing them to grow and breed, contributing to a cycle that keeps the ecosystem thriving. In return, you’ll experience the thrill of catching larger, stronger fish on your future visits.

It also supports a broader effort of conservation that goes beyond Doornkop, setting a standard for sustainable fishing practices throughout South Africa. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, adopting this method is a way to engage with nature responsibly while still enjoying all the excitement fishing has to offer.

5 Reasons to Visit Doornkop in Spring

Spring is a season of renewal, and there’s no better place to experience the beauty of this time of year than at Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve. Nestled in the Mpumalanga Highveld, Doornkop comes alive in spring, offering South Africans a vibrant and unique escape into nature. Here are five reasons why Doornkop should be your top choice for a spring getaway:

Blooming Flora and Lush Landscapes

As winter fades, Doornkop’s landscape transforms into a lush wonderland. The Highveld is famous for its wildflowers, which bloom in vibrant colours during spring, painting the rolling hills and valleys with shades of pink, yellow, and purple. The reserve’s natural beauty, coupled with the fresh spring air, makes it a perfect spot for nature walks, family picnics, or simply relaxing amidst the blossoming flora. For photographers and nature lovers, it’s a feast for the eyes.

Abundant Wildlife

Spring is a bustling time for wildlife at Doornkop. The warm weather and fresh vegetation draw animals out of hiding, making game viewing particularly rewarding. Whether you’re on a self-drive safari or a guided walk, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of animals, from grazing antelope to playful vervet monkeys. Birdwatchers will also be thrilled by the return of migratory birds and the vibrant birdlife that thrives in the reserve.

Excellent Fishing Opportunities

Doornkop is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, especially in spring. The reserve’s dams and rivers, stocked with yellowfish and trout, offer some of the best fly fishing in the region. With the warmer waters of spring, the fish are more active, providing the perfect conditions for a rewarding day of angling. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just trying your hand at it, Doornkop’s peaceful fishing spots are ideal for unwinding and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the outdoors.

Perfect Weather for Outdoor Activities

Spring brings mild and pleasant weather to the Highveld, with warm days and cool nights. It’s the perfect time to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Doornkop has to offer. From hiking through the scenic trails to canoeing on the dams, or even just relaxing on the deck of your chalet with a braai, the spring climate allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the South African bushveld.

A Quiet Retreat from the City

Spring at Doornkop is a time of peace and tranquility, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The reserve offers a serene and private escape, with fewer visitors compared to the summer months. It’s an ideal destination for South Africans looking to recharge their batteries, enjoy some quality time with loved ones, or even just take a solo retreat in the heart of nature. The peace and quiet of Doornkop in spring is unmatched, making it a true hidden gem.

Don’t miss out on the beauty and tranquility that springtime brings to this special destination—plan your visit to Doornkop this spring and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing at Doornkop

Fly fishing at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve offers an exceptional experience for both seasoned anglers and beginners. With lush green grass stretching to the edges of ten pristine dams, Doornkop provides a picturesque and tranquil setting that is ideal for fly fishing. The dams, teeming with trout, create an inviting environment where the gentle swish of a dry fly can transform a serene day into an exciting fishing adventure.

Understanding Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a method that uses a lightweight lure, or “fly,” to catch fish. The fly is cast using a specialised fishing rod, reel, and weighted line. Unlike other fishing methods, fly fishing requires a distinct casting technique, where the angler uses the line’s weight to propel the fly toward the target. This technique is both challenging and rewarding, requiring patience, precision, and practice.

Why Doornkop is Ideal for Fly Fishing

Doornkop boasts eight well-stocked trout dams, meticulously maintained to ensure high-quality fishing year-round. These dams provide ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills against the elusive trout lurking in the cool, deep waters. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the serene environment and abundant fish population make Doornkop a fly fishing paradise.

Essential Tips for Fly Fishing at Doornkop

Early Morning and Late Afternoon: The best times to fish are during the early morning and late afternoon when the fish are most active. The soft light and cooler temperatures during these times also make for a more enjoyable fishing experience.
Fly Selection: Choose your flies carefully. Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers all have their place depending on the time of day and the behavior of the fish. Local knowledge from the Fly Shop at Doornkop can provide valuable insights into the best flies to use.
Casting Technique: Practice your casting technique before heading out. Smooth, controlled movements will increase your chances of a successful cast and an eventual catch. Remember, the goal is to mimic the movement of insects on the water’s surface.
Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to the behavior of the fish and the conditions of the water. Adjust your technique and fly choice based on what you observe. Patience and adaptability are key to successful fly fishing.
Respect the Rules: Adhere to the strict rules set by Doornkop. All anglers must possess a valid fishing permit, which can be obtained from Reception. The permit ensures sustainable fishing practices are upheld, preserving the natural beauty and fish populations for future generations.

Yellowfish Conservation

In addition to the trout dams, Doornkop is home to the indigenous yellowfish species found in the Swartspruit and Komati Rivers. Yellowfish are sensitive to environmental changes, making conservation efforts crucial. Only catch-and-release fishing is allowed in these rivers to maintain a healthy ecosystem for this delicate species.

Getting Started

To begin your fly fishing adventure at Doornkop, visit the Fly Shop for essential equipment and advice. Fishing rods can be hired, and permits are available at Reception. A seven-day fishing permit costs R250, while rod hire ranges from R350 for a weekend to R550 for a full week.

Fly fishing at Doornkop is more than just a hobby; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with nature in a serene and beautiful setting. Follow these tips, respect the rules, and enjoy the thrill of fly fishing in one of South Africa’s most picturesque locations.