Fishing at Maruf Pond

The most compelling reason to visit Maruf Pond is fishing. Each year, Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stocks the reservoir with thousands of common carp (pullu sazan) fingerlings as part of its Inland Water Resources Stocking Project. In 2022 alone, 14,000 young carp were released here, and the programme has continued annually, with additional stocking in 2025. These fish grow into substantial specimens, making the pond a rewarding spot for coarse anglers.↗↗

The water quality study also concluded that Maruf Pond could support trout and other fish species, adding to its potential as a freshwater fishing destination. Visitors with rods and patience will find a peaceful setting with a healthy and growing fish stock.↗

The Surrounding Landscape

Boyabat district presents an interesting contrast with the well-known forested Black Sea coast to its north. The area around Maruf Pond experiences a continental climate: warm, dry summers and cold winters, with gentle hills and open fields replacing dense woodland. The village of Maruf itself, perched at 508 metres, is a tiny settlement of fewer than eighty residents, so the area around the pond retains an intimate, working-countryside character.↗↗

The wider Boyabat region has much to offer for those willing to explore further: the striking basalt column formations near Kurusaray village (a designated nature monument with hexagonal rock pillars rising 30–40 metres), the ancient Boyabat Castle overlooking the Gökırmak Valley, and traditional village life with its famous pastırma (cured meat), free-range chicken dishes, and the Monday bazaar.↗↗

Getting There and Practical Advice

Maruf Pond is reached from Boyabat town centre, which sits about 75 kilometres from Sinop city via the D010 highway (roughly a 1-hour-15-minute drive). The village of Maruf is approximately 17 kilometres from Boyabat, reached via rural roads. A car is essential — public transport does not serve this area directly.↗↗

The best seasons to visit are late spring through autumn (May–October), when weather is pleasant and fishing conditions are favourable. Summers are warm and dry; mornings offer the calmest water. Bring your own equipment and supplies — there are no organised facilities at the pond, and mobile phone coverage in the rural areas can be patchy. Local residents are generally friendly and happy to point the way.↗

If you are staying in Boyabat town, the Monday market is worth visiting for local produce and a feel for district life. For longer trips, Boyabat serves as a base for exploring both the basalt columns and the wider Kızılırmak valley toward Durağan.↗↗