Dogs by Nature

FARMS AND RESERVES

Betsiada Dam

The only directions I could find (in the form of co-ordinates) were on the forum Papgooi Anonymous (sic). Enter these co-ordinates on gmaps: -25.510376,28.225164 and you will find this medium-sized fishing dam close to the Rooiwal Power station, about 30km North of Pretoria.

Although I’m not a big fan of freshwater fishing, I was persuaded by Jean to join him on his overnight stay at this idyllic and quiet little dam. I was even impressed by the prospects of neat ablution blocks with decent shower facilities. On Jean’s first visit to this dam there were no other visitors, but we were in for a surprise in December. Seems that on that particular day people were driving from dam to dam to find open stands and every single one at Betsiada was taken up by eager “papgooiers” and their entourage. We had to squeeze in between 3 generations of drunken men there to teach the little granddaughter how to fish and a family of 8 where every member above the age of two had a rod in the water. Every member below the age of two was driving a black plastic motorbike – those that always seem to accumulate rocks in the wheels – on the dirt road behind us. And the dogs were in Heaven! When they were not eating “mieliebom” out of an ice cream container somewhere, it was Koo mielies out of a tin… They had wild chases that sent rods flying and strike indicator alarms ringing. They rolled in a dead catfish that must've been lying in the sun for at least four days. And then ate the remains.

Luckily our “neighbours” were very understanding and accepted our apologies gracefully.  With that they extended a hand of friendship and so we had no defence against the grandpa (from the 3-generation side)’s endless babble about his racing pigeons’ sour crop condition and his melancholy references to the “good ol’ days of apartheid”.  Needless to say we were ecstatic when we could move to the opposite side of the dam to a stand with an open shed. On this windless 37 degree day the shade helped us escape heat exhaustion by an hour.

As the sun was setting and people were leaving, we settled into our more quiet corner. Luckily we had a new pair of neighbours that were very fond of the dogs. On the one side we had two friends that brought their five kids for a camping trip. As soon as we arrived, their cricket game was interrupted by Lilly that stole the ball. Soon they had to call it quits and rather resolved to making turns to throw the ball for Lilly. She did some impressive water retrievals. On our other side we were greeted by two elderly ladies with years of fishing experience. They were accompanied by their min pin called Fritz Doberman. 

All-in-all I suppose the experience was not too bad, except for the overcrowded dam. And the intense inescapable heat. The cold showers. And the fact that Jean didn’t catch one fish. Not even a bite. 

This venue is for you when:

• You can control your dogs and prevent it from bothering other people, rolling in dead fish, swallowing fishing hooks or climbing through the palisades to chase sheep on the neighboring farm.

• You’re very passionate about the fishing technique “papgooi”

• You bring something entertaining to kill the endless hours with – like a book. Or some Branna (brandewyn). Or a noose.

I If I seem negative about this experience it is simply because I answered “no” to all the above. If I have to squeeze out some positive thoughts regarding Betsiada dam, it would be that the venue is very neat and well maintained. And that it's dog-friendly and close to Pretoria. But that's about it.