Iriklinsk Reservoir, Artificial reservoir in Orenburg Oblast, Russia

Iriklinsk Reservoir is a reservoir on the Ural River in Orenburg Oblast, Russia, created by the dam of the Iriklinsk hydroelectric complex. It is 73 km long, up to 8 km wide, covers 260 km² and holds 3.3 km³ of water. Its southern part has three large bays, the longest being the Suunduk Bay at 43 km. The dam is concrete, 43 m high.

Construction of the Iriklinsky hydroelectric complex began in 1949 under difficult conditions with scarce machinery, and the power units were commissioned in 1958. The reservoir filled between 17 April 1958 and 8 May 1966, submerging the Iriklinskaya valley and 22 settlements, including Tanalyk, founded in 1743 as a fortress. Its purpose was to regulate the Ural River for industry, towns and flood control in Orsk.

The reservoir takes its name from the Irikla, a tributary of the Ural. Its filling submerged the Iriklinsk valley and 22 settlements, among them Tanalyk, founded in 1743 as a fortress. Today the reservoir holds up to 40 fish species and is used for fishing and boating.

The reservoir is accessible and offers good conditions for recreation like fishing and boating. The shoreline areas are relatively easy to reach, though it helps to check local conditions before visiting, especially regarding the season.

The reservoir takes its name from the Irikla, a small tributary of the Ural. When its basin filled, the water reached the steep rocky slopes of the valley sides, and a 415 km shoreline with a surf zone formed. The village of Tanalyk, founded in 1743 as a fortress, was among 22 settlements flooded.