The largest artificial reservoir in the Southern Urals is the Iriklinskoe reservoir, the construction of which lasted from 1949 to 1957. Thanks to the decision to create a large storage of fresh water, in the Orenburg region there appeared its own “sea” with a length of 415 km.
Today the Iriklinskoe reservoir (photos are presented in the review) is a wonderful corner of nature with its ecosystem, fishing and recreation facilities. Thousands of tourists come here every year to rest and get a good catch.
Reservoir construction
Construction was carried out for 8 long years, it took to flood several settlements, forests and fields in order for Orenburg to gain its “sea”. The Iriklinsk reservoir was gradually filled with water, and only after another 8 years did the water reach the planned level of 245 m above sea level.
One of the oldest flooded settlements was the village of Tanalyk, founded in 1743. In its place formed a bay, named in his honor Tanalyksky. People and the village itself were moved to another place, as were the settlements of Gorny Eric, Malyatino, Nikolskoye and Sevastopol.
A hydroelectric power station was built on the reservoir in the 50s of the last century, providing energy to the nearest settlements. After 15 years, the state district power station was launched, near which the city of Energetik grew.
The depth of the Iriklinsky reservoir varies from 12 to 40 m, and its mirror covers an area of 260 km 2. In its waters were released for breeding commercial fish - perch, bream, roach, whitefish, pike perch and others. Now waterfowl nest here, fishing farms work and tourists relax.
Climate and landscape
The landscape that forms the Iriklinskoe reservoir is quite diverse and attractive in order to attract tourists here.
There are sandy and rocky spits, islands and peninsulas, bays, capes and lagoons. The largest of the islands is the island of Love, among the smaller ones, the most popular among fishermen are Hanging Stone, Ust-Burlinsky and Koshar.
There are caves and grottoes that attract tourists with their mystery. When the Iriklinsk reservoir was built (Orenburg region), floodplain forests were flooded. Instead, almost 3, 000 hectares of trees have been planted to strengthen the coastline from the 70s to the present day. For the steppe landscape inherent in this area, the shores of the reservoir are a pleasant variety and another reason to spend a weekend here or to go on a picnic.
The steppe climate with lots of sunny days, the absence of strong storms, good warming water and high-quality sandy beaches made this place popular not only for residents of the Orenburg region.
Flora of Iriklinsky reservoir
As a result of the implementation of the coastal landscaping plan, the Iriklinskoye reservoir became the “home” for tree species such as black poplar, elm, birch, ash and ash-leaved maple. The “survival” of vegetation was uneven. There are coastal areas where afforestation occurred, and on others, on the contrary, self-seeding thickets of poplar and elm grow.
Of the shrub species, bird cherry, golden currant, shrub willow, and narrow-leaved goose prevail. On the limestone slopes around the reservoir, Cossack juniper has grown.
In the southern part of the "sea" is the Iriklinsky gorge, there are cozy bays and backwaters, which have become a great place for the construction of recreation centers. Thickets of bird cherry and birch grow here, and in the Birch ravine there is a real dense forest.
Reservoir ecosystem
Due to the fact that the rivers that filled the Iriklinskoye reservoir differed in the composition of the water, their own ecosystem was formed in this place.
The Ural River and part of its western tributaries contained medium-hardness sodium-calcium water with average salinity.
At the same time, the sodium chloride structure of water with increased salinity was characteristic of the eastern tributaries. From the river, the salt water reservoir “received” a chloride-sulfate composition with high salinity.
The mixing of these waters “makes” the Iriklinskoe reservoir bloom from time to time, usually from the second half of July to August. This is caused by a large amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and other substances that create “oxygen starvation” in water.
The hydrochemical composition evolved for a long time, until it stabilized to the level that it has today. Because of all these processes, part of the fish released into the pond for breeding either did not take root at all, or is present in it in very small numbers. Today, 40 species of fish from 13 families live in these waters.
Flocks of silver gulls, terns, belladonna and black-headed laughter hunters live along the shores of water bodies, and in total 240 species of birds have taken root in this area. In these places the hare, the common hamster, foxes, badgers, weasels and ermines feel great in these places. From snakes there are snakes and steppe vipers.
Here you can simultaneously hear the whistle of marmots, the sounds of the steppe pika, the cries of birds and the surf, “seasoned” with the aromas of the steppe herbs - thyme and sage with wormwood.
Base "Cherry Slides"
Thanks to its beautiful coastline, Iriklinsk reservoir can offer many places for both organized and "wild" recreation. “Cherry Slides” is the most famous recreation center located in the wonderful southern part of the reservoir.
At the guests' disposal are cozy cottages and houses accommodating from 6 to 20 people at a time. Fully equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay, they all have their own gazebo with barbecue facilities, which allows you to fully relax, retire with family or friends.
A pleasant moment is 3 meals a day in the dining room, which is included in the price. For an interesting pastime, guests are offered:
- water skiing and catamarans;
- boat riding;
- fishing from a boat;
- bar with karaoke;
- billiards;
- table tennis;
- volleyball court;
- a bath;
- children's playground.
The main entertainment for which tourists come to the Cherry Hills base even for 300-400 km is fishing. A good catch, a large selection of "lured" places allow you to enjoy your favorite pastime.
Sanatorium "Lukomorye"
On the shore of the Iriklinsky reservoir, you can not only relax well, but also tidy up your health. Sanatorium dispensary “Lukomorye” helps to solve or prevent problems with the circulatory system, digestive and nutrition organs, and the musculoskeletal system.
The cozy rooms are designed for 1-2 people and have everything necessary for the patient to feel comfortable. The health resort located in the green zone of the town of Energetik has everything necessary to conduct medical procedures and diversify the leisure of guests.
At their disposal:
- gym;
- indoor pool;
- billiards;
- massage room;
- sauna;
- volleyball and badminton courts »
- 3 meals a day.
The health resort serves customers year-round, providing them with quality rest with treatment or prevention of diseases.
The recreation center "Tanalyk"
One of the most popular entertainment that the Iriklinskoye reservoir offers is fishing. The recreation center "Tanalyk" boasts excellent places for this at the mouth of the river of the same name that flows into this reservoir.
A clean mirror of water surrounded by rocky coasts covered with dense vegetation is a picturesque place, I want to come back here again and again.
You can deliver your own water transport to the camp site, for which special moorings are equipped, or rent it on the spot. For those who prefer outdoor activities when fishing, it is proposed:
- playing beach volleyball;
- badminton;
- tennis court;
- football field;
- indoor pool with a transparent dome;
- cafe on a floating pontoon;
- children's entertainment room.
Guests are accommodated in comfortable rooms, and those who prefer more privacy and are willing to pay for it, are waiting for comfortable separate guest villas.
Chalet Chalet
The Chaika camp site, built in 2006, has become a favorite vacation spot due to the picturesque shores of the Iriklinsky reservoir.
Guests are welcomed by 6 comfortable cottages, each of which is designed for six people. Everything has been created on the territory of the base for a good rest at any time of the year. Fishermen expect a catch from ruffs, crucian carp, perch, carp, carp and pike.
For lovers of outdoor activities equipped with sports fields. One of the most picturesque places of the reservoir will be the best for a family vacation or recovery of energy after a working week with friends.
