Ivaylovgrad Reservoir, reservoir in Bulgaria
The Ivaylovgrad Reservoir is a large body of water held back by a concrete dam approximately 73 meters high, located in the Arda River valley. The water covers an area with about 64 kilometers of shoreline and is surrounded by hills and dense forest.
Construction of the reservoir began in the late 1950s and was completed in 1964 to store water and generate electricity for the region. It forms part of the Arda Cascade, a system of multiple dams on the same river designed to control water flow and produce power.
The reservoir is named after the nearby town of Ivaylovgrad and serves as a gathering place for locals who come to fish and take boat rides on its waters. This everyday use shows how the water plays a role in the leisure and outdoor traditions of the region.
Access to the reservoir is straightforward, with a main road crossing the dam and parking areas available for visitors. Walking trails and viewing points are laid out around the water and are easy to reach on foot.
The water of the reservoir remains relatively clear and well-stocked with fish, making it a popular fishing spot where pike, carp, and other species are commonly found. Many anglers report that conditions here are particularly favorable for successful fishing trips.
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