Vanderkloof Dam
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.
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.
Northern Cape licenses and regulations
Northern Cape Boating Regulations
National Small Vessel Safety Regulations administered by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), covering recreational boats on inland and coastal waters. National page reused for all provinces, as there is no separate provincial boating-safety authority.
Northern Cape Fishing License
Official site of the Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC), the provincial authority for freshwater angling permits (e.g. the Orange River freshwater angling permit). The provincial permit is sold at Northern Cape Post Offices and DENC permit offices.
Northern Cape Fishing Regulations
Freshwater angling in the Northern Cape is regulated under provincial nature-conservation legislation administered by DENC (official authority site). No standalone provincial freshwater-regulations web page exists.
Northern Cape Stream Access Laws
South Africa's National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998) is the national law governing rights to and use of rivers and watercourses - the framework relevant to stream/water access. National page reused as no distinct provincial stream-access page exists.
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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