Overview
A pilgrimage of sorts
From Great Escape we travelled through Oudtshoorn towards Barrydale on Route 62 to our second venue. This area of the Klein Karoo was made famous by David Kramer, and driving through quaint towns like Ladismith and Calitzdorp really felt like a pilgrimage of sorts. We tried, but unfortunately we couldn't find the Royal Hotel.
Although the sights were very interesting, we were there to do some fishing, so just before Barrydale we turned left into the Doornrivier farm, and followed the road to the Damhuis at Plaas Wegbreek.
Fishing
They loved almost anything
To reach the cabin you drive up from below the dam wall, and as we came over the top we were blown away by the beautiful scene that greeted us. The dam was much bigger than we expected, with our cabin nestled serenely on the far side. As we pulled in we already started seeing activity on the water, so we dumped our gear as fast as we could, grabbed a kayak and headed out.
From the start the fishing was very good, we must've caught at least 50 bass on the first half day. And even more the next day. The fish were very aggressive, and they loved almost anything, but especially watermelon red or blue and silver flukes. They were almost everywhere, and even walking along the side proved very lucrative.
At night, while braaiing, we even got some from the porch and jetty, which was very exciting. The fish were mostly small, but we did get a few decent ones, and the owners showed us a photo of a 3kg recently caught in the far corner!
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07A fraction of what came out over two days.
Doornrivier is a big farm, and amazingly it has another even bigger, and mostly untouched, bass dam. We noticed it as we drove in, and after politely enquiring the owners said we were welcome to try it out.
Unfortunately, for this dam you will need a boat as there are very few opportunities from the side. But even at the 2 spots we were able to reach the water we managed to catch a dozen bass in no time, even doubling up twice.
It's big and deep, with lots of structure, and the chances of big bass are undeniable.
Accommodation
Blown away by the setting
We weren't sure what to expect, and once again we were blown away by the spectacular setting.
The dam is in the middle of a fruit orchard, surrounded by hills. And right on the water, was the Damhuis, our home for the next few days.
The house itself is built on stilts in the water, and has 2 sections: the bathroom with a shower, and a living area with kitchen and bedroom. Outside the porch has a braai which is actually hanging over the water (a new one for us), and there is also a convenient jetty which was very handy for fishing.
You also have a variety of complimentary 2-seater canoes, which is vital for exploring every inch of the dam.
Out and about
One of those hidden gems
As usual we also spent some time at the local establishments, and Barrydale is one of those hidden gems. It's one of the more popular stops on Route 62, and there are at least a dozen places next to the road for a delicious lunch, or just a cold one. Diesel & Creme stood out, but there are many others like Karoo Daisy, that offer really good food and interesting craft beer.
We even visited the iconic Barrydale Karoo hotel which is on the main road of the town.
And so, while watching the full moon spectacularly rise over the dam, and braaiing over the water, our first of many visits to the area came to a fitting end…
