Klerkskraal Dam is a combined gravity and arch type dam located on the Mooi River, near Ventersdorp, North West, South Africa. It was established in 1969 and its main purpose is to serve for irrigation. The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked high. The dam is also a well known bass fishing destination in the region.
History
The construction of the dam was completed in 1969, the area behind the dam flooded quicker than anticipated thanks to heavy rainfall in the area resulting in a stronger discharge from the two major springs flowing into the dam and discharge from several perennial springs around the dam. The quicker flooding meant the area couldn't be cleared properly before the reservoir filled up, resulting in structures such as an old road, telephone poles and the old farm house structure being flooded and remain in the reservoir till this day.
Fauna
Indigenous fish species in the dam include Sharptooth Catfish, Orange River Mudfish, Moggel, Banded Tilapia, Southern Mouthbrooder, Three spot Barb, Chubbyhead Barb, Straight-fin Barb and Smallmouth Yellowfish and species introduced include Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Swordtail and Western Mosquitofish. 236 grassland and wetland birds can be seen in the area. African Fish Eagle and Martial Eagle are residents at the dam and its surrounding area as well as Cape Clawless Otters, Warthog, Common Duiker, Steenbok, Caracal, Black backed Jackal, Cape Fox, Cape Porcupine, Honey Badger, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Cape Pangolin, African Hedgehog and Striped Polecat. Nile and Rock Monitor lizards, African Rock Python, African Bullfrog can also be seen around the dam.
Flora
The dam is completely surrounded with reeds with the exception of 5 or 6 narrow openings only wide enough to launch a boat. The dam also has dense patches of Potamogeton pectinatus, Lagarosiphon verticilifolia, Lagarosiphon major, Hydrilla verticillata, Elodea canadensis, Myriophyllum spicatum. The area surrounding the dam is typical Highveld grassland with scattered acacia trees, commonly known as the Sweet thorn and Haak-en-steek
Geography
The dam is surrounded by at least 7 karst springs of which only 2 have a permanent flow throughout the year, the others are false eyes, only flowing in summer after the rains. The main eye is known as Bovenste Oog which draws water from the Turffontein compartment.
Uses
Angling
The dam is very popular amongst bass anglers with boats or inflatables. Owing to the fact that most anglers only target bass at the dam, the carp and catfish have grown to massive sizes.
Species
Common name
Sixr
Year
Cyprinus carpio
Common Carp
30.65 kg
2018
Clarias gariepinus
Sharptooth Catfish
37.95 kg
2019
Micropterus dolomieu
Largemouth Bass
7..11 kg
2002
Labeobarbus aeneus
Smallmouth Yellowfish
4.51 kg
1998
Labeo capensis
Orange River Mudfish
2.12 kg
1995
Labeo umbratus
Moggel
1.66 kg
1999
Irrigation
The dam wall has a valve connecting the reservoir to an irrigation canal for farms downstream of the dam.
