Wriggleswade Dam, Stutterheim, Eastern Cape
One of the Eastern Cape’s best hidden treasures, Wriggleswade Dam lies nestled between the rolling grasslands of the Amabele farming area. Stretching across 17km and covering 1000 hectares, this expanse of water has fast become a haven for avid fishermen and those who enjoy boating and water sports.
Due to its perfect location, a steering committee was formed in 1990 to determine how it could be turned into a premier fresh water tourist attraction for the Border area – and so the Stutterheim Aquatic Club was born. Since its inception, the club, which leases private land from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, has now built a charming club house, boasts 40 boat houses for members, approximately 60 campsites, 60 caravan sites provided with power and 3 ablution blocks. There is also a lovely single roomed log cabin on the water’s edge available for rent.
Today, Wriggleswade is a hive of activity and many consider it to be the best Bass fishing dam in the Eastern Cape sporting Florida largemouth bass, occasionally spotted bass, carp (please do not throw any caught carp back into the dam) and Bluegill. Having previously been farm land, the dam is full of grassy areas, rock piles, old semi submerged tree stumps and plenty of nooks and crannies where fish love to hide. To date, the record bass caught weighed in at 5.01kg and the largest carp at a massive 20kg. A slipway (launching ramp) and jetty are available.
Since 2000, the Amatola Bass Masters has been held at Wriggleswade and has attracted people from as far as Zimbabwe. Monthly local fish offs are held and several yachting competitions during the course of the year. The annual triathlon always draws a crowd and another popular event is the Merrifield Mile.
Water skiing, wake boarding and parasailing are all available through Aquascape Adventures or for those who feel less energetic, a sunset cruise around the dam is the perfect way to end the day.
Directions: Wriggleswade is situated some 75km inland from East London on the Stutterheim Road. If travelling from the North, take the N6 through Queenstown and Stutterheim. 14km from Stutterheim, the dam is signposted (to the left). If travelling from East London (or the coastal routes from Cape Town and Durban), take the Macleantown/Queenstown turnoff at the start of the N6 in Beacon Bay. Approximately 55 km from Beacon Bay, the dam is signposted (to the right).
The dam is situated a further 12km down a good gravel road. Turn left at the large Water Affairs sign and travel approximately 2km to the Stutterheim Aquatic Club. The gravel road from the main road to the dam can be very bumpy and motorists are cautioned to travel slowly along this stretch as pot holes appear soon after rainfall.
For more information on the Amatola Region, visit ShowMe Amatola.
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