Sport Fishing In Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison falls National park is one of the leading parks where Sport fishing activity is done by tourists along the Victoria Nile rocky surfaces, the bottom of the falls mainly the Devil’s Cauldron, and at the banks of the Nile by the anglers. It is a very interesting activity though you are advised to take caution of the Hippos and Nile crocodiles, especially at the Riverbanks.

There are two major fishing sites in Murchison; one near Paraa (located below the Murchison falls) and another below Karuma falls (at Chobe safari lodge). The type of fish which is commonly caught include; Nile perch, catfish Tigerfish, Electric cat-fish, Tilapia, “Ngara” (Genus Alestes)

When to go sportfishing?

This activity is done throughout the year with high chances of catching large catfish and Nile perch. The best time to fish is during the early morning hours and evening. However, when the water levels are low, the water is clearer and it is easy for the fish to see the bait. This is between the months of Mid-January to Early-April. Also, it is said that fish feed more when weather conditions vary all of a sudden especially at the start of the rainstorms.

What to carry when going for sport fishing

The park is infested with tsetse flies, you wear long socks, long-sleeved trousers, and insect repellents. The park’s temperatures are usually high throughout the year so to be on a safer side please carry enough sun protection equipment. Hire an experienced and skilled fishing guide who is well conversant with the Nile waters to get the best experience.

All anglers are advised to have rods that are between 8 feet and 11 feet with a multiplier reel. While catching smaller species; a 7’ spinning rod is recommended.

Fishing permit

To go sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park, one needs a permit that allows him/her to engage in this activity which is charged USD 50 for one day and USD 150 for 4 days per person excluding other activities and park entrance fees. It is advisable to book like one month before the fishing date through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or Engagi Safaris your trusted tour operator.

How it is done?

Lures are cast in the water to get big fish. They can also use live baits like worms, termites to catch smaller fish species like the Tigerfish or using the spinning method. The recorded largest Nile Perch caught in the park was 113 Kgs and the largest cat-fish was 45 Kgs landed near the Nyamusika Cliffs. Always keep in mind all fish caught is not killed it’s laid back in the water alive.

Sport fishing can be done by boat or by walking down from the top of the falls to the gorge which can take 45 minutes for a physically fit person. Since fishing is limited in this area, the fish are left to grow so big and you can get a chance to catch such. As you catch fish you will also be surrounded by great sceneries the landscape and also wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks as well as beautiful birds which makes the sport fishing experience more exciting.

Feel free to book with us a 3-day sport fishing tour to Murchison Falls National Park. It can be combined with Gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a great African experience.