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Vanderkloof Dam

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
0
Species
2

Vanderkloof Dam is a world-class fishing destination tucked into the dramatic Karoo landscape of the Northern Cape, South Africa, and stands as the country's second largest reservoir. Fed by the Orange River, this vast impoundment offers exceptional angling opportunities, particularly for Yellowfish, drawing fly fishers and light tackle anglers from across South Africa and beyond. The sheer scale of the dam, combined with its clear waters and diverse structure, creates an environment where trophy-class fish thrive. Whether you're casting a fly from the bank or working lures from a boat across expansive open water, Vanderkloof delivers a genuinely memorable fishing experience in one of South Africa's most striking semi-arid settings.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Vanderkloof Dam and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Common Carp

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Orange River Mudfish

Orange River Mudfish

Labeo capensis


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Vanderkloof Dam. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

The shallow bays of Vanderkloof Dam are well-known holding areas for Mudfish and can also concentrate Yellowfish during certain periods. Given the dam's enormous scale, submerged structure, points, and the transition zones between deeper open water and shallower flats are all productive areas to explore. The dam's size rewards anglers who invest time in covering water and locating fish rather than anchoring in a single spot.

Know where you can legally fish on Vanderkloof Dam

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Take Vanderkloof Dam with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Vanderkloof Dam to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Vanderkloof Dam to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Vanderkloof Dam and check the forecast before you go.

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