Overview
Found by chance on a map
Another dam in the area, just north of Modimolle, is Donkerpoort Dam. We found it by chance just looking at a map of the area, and also found Metsi Metsi, which is the only place with access to the dam. They have a very neat and comfortable camping area right on the water, but also offer accommodation and entertainment areas at the large farm house not too far away.
Fishing
A dam that punches above its size
The dam itself isn't huge, but it's big enough to harbour some really big fish. While we were there the friendly campers showed us photos of some big carp they had caught, and also a 3kg bass caught along the rocky areas on the western bank. While we were on the water we also noticed large schools of big barbel milling about in the shallows.
We only tried for bass, and we were lucky enough to catch quite a few during our brief visit. There are reed banks in some parts, and using darker plastics — because of the muddy water — in these areas proved very lucrative. Black craws and junebug flukes did the trick, and we had lots of fun catching these smaller bass.
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03Smaller bass on black craws and junebug flukes, working the reed banks.
It's another hidden gem with a lot of potential. We weren't there for very long, but thoroughly enjoyed our outing. Next time we'll spend more time along the rocks though, where the bigger bass were lurking.
Accommodation
A camping area right on the water
We stayed at the camping area, right on the water's edge — neat, comfortable stands with facilities good enough for a really nice camping option. Metsi Metsi also has a large farm house with accommodation and entertainment areas a short way from the dam, for those who'd rather not camp.
