Supported by the many lakes; Kyoga, Albert, Edward, George, Victoria and the river Nile flowing across the country Fishing In Uganda is becoming a drawcard for passionate anglers seeking to indulge in fishing for some of Africas largest species of fish.
Thousands of anglers have recently discovered Uganda as a prime fishing destination. Many now plan to visit Murchison falls National park and go on a fishing safari on the wildlife-filled waters of the Nile. While on a Fishing Safari On the Nile, you might catch Africa’s largest fish – the Nile Perch. These fish weigh between 9 – 80Kgs and are our main Uganda Fishing Safari catches in both Lake Victoria and the Murchison Falls National Park.
Best Places to go Fishing in Uganda
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Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls National Park is undoubtedly the best place to go Fishing in Uganda. Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is mainly done along the Victoria – Nile River that flows across this safari park. Fishing here can either be done on the shoreline on in a boat. Most of our past clients have done some amazing fishing at the Devil’s Cauldron – the most rewarding fishing spot in Murchison Falls.
off-shore fishing along the Nile banks is an exciting experience but yet risky – you are advised to take the precaution of the Hippos and Nile crocodiles that roam the underwaters from which you are fishing.
Best time to go: Fishing in Murchison Falls can be done any time of the year and the large catfish and Nile perch can be caught all year round. Anglers say that best catches are seen early in the morning and late in the day.
Getting there: Murchison Falls National Park is found in the Northwest of Uganda approximately a 06- 07 hours drive from Kampala. A great section of the road Leading to Murchison Falls National Park are paved but a 4 x 4 vehicle is recommended especially for persons intending to do some game drives in the northern sector of the Park whose roads are not paved and therefore can be challenging to navigate especially in the wet season months of March, April, May & November.
Opting to get to Murchison Falls National Park by road gives you the chance to stop at the amazing Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – home to 33 White Rhinos – the only place in Uganda where you can track & see Rhinos in the Wild.
Alternatively, you could also take a flight to the park from the Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip and land at Pakuba or Bugungu airfield. This saves you the 06-hour drive but you then get to miss out on Rhino Tracking unless you do a mix&match of fly to Murchison Falls NP and drive back. Speak to your consultant about your interest to see the Rhinos at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary and we will make it happen.
What to expect: During the Fishing trips in Murchison Falls National Park, all participants will be required to carry their personal fishing equipment. Remember that fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is on a catch & release policy – you can take as many pictures as you wish but can’t take this to your hotel for dinner. The different fishing methods or techniques used to catch fish in Murchison Falls include casting lures, spinning and live bait fishing. The fish types you are likely to encounter while on your fishing trip to Murchison Falls National Park include; the Nile perch, Catfish, Tigerfish among others.
All anglers intending to go fishing on the Nile water of Murchison Falls National park are advised to have the following equipment: rods that are between 8 – 12 feet with a multiplier reel. If fishing for smaller species, a 7-foot spinning rod works better.
What to bring & wear: For your fishing trips in Murchison Falls National Park, we recommend packing, bringing & wearing the following;
- Repellent – protects you against the nasty Tsetse flies.
- Sunscreen lotion – Protects you against the scorching sun.
- Lightweight breathable long-sleeved shirt & trousers for extra protection against the sun & tsetse flies.
- A hat or cap for extra shielding against the sun.
Top clothing tip: We request all anglers intending to go fishing in Murchison falls National Park to avoid bring clothes that are blue or Black in colour – these colour attract tsetse flies.
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Lake Mburo National Park
Fishing in Lake Mburo National Park is done on the lake Mburo from which the park borrows its name. Lake Mburo contains around six species of fish, with tilapia being the most commonly fished. The designated fishing spot is at Mazinga; Anglers intending to go fishing in Lake Mburo are advised to bring their own fishing gear and equipment.
Best time to go: Fishing in Lake Mburo National Park can be done at any time of the year. However, the best time is actually the beginning of the rainy season in March or September. The average recorded temperature is 26° C with daily variations ranging from 14° C to 32° C. July and August are the hottest months, but December and January can also be very hot.
In the evenings or on a rainy day it can get quite chilly no matter which time of the year it is and on a sunny day, it will always be hot and feel even hotter in the rainy season because of the increased humidity. Generally, Lake Mburo National Park has nearly the perfect climate with warm, but not over hot days and slightly colder nights.
Getting there: Lake Mburo National Park is located in western Uganda, 228km/142mi from Kampala. The drive from Kampala takes about 4-hours
What to expect: During the Fishing trips in Lake Mburo National Park, all participants will be required to carry their personal fishing equipment. While places like Murchison Falls National Park emphasise the catch & release policy, anglers fishing on Lake Mburo May opt to take their days’ catch with them to their hotel and request the chef to prepare it for dinner. The different fishing methods or techniques used to catch fish in Lake Mburo National Park include casting lures, spinning and live bait fishing. The fish types you are likely to encounter while on your fishing trip to Lake Mburo National Park include; the Nile perch, Catfish, Tigerfish among others.
The fish caught on Lake Mburo is smaller and therefore will require a 7-foot spinning rod.
What to bring & wear: For your fishing trips in Lake Mburo National Park, we recommend packing, bringing & wearing the following;
- Repellent – protects you against the nasty Tsetse flies.
- Sunscreen lotion – Protects you against the scorching sun.
- Lightweight breathable long-sleeved shirt & trousers for extra protection against the sun & tsetse flies.
- A hat or cap for extra shielding against the sun.
Top clothing tip: We request all anglers intending to go fishing in Lake Mburo National Park to avoid bring clothes that are blue or Black in colour – these colour attract tsetse flies.
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Lake Victoria Fishing in Uganda
Fishing on Lake Victoria is open to all anglers, both beginners and also the highly skilled fisherman. The fishing experience on Lake Victoria ranges from half to full day or even tailor-made longer overnight Fishing trips for those keener anglers.
Best time to go: Fishing on Lake Victoria can happen all-year-round. We recommend avoiding the full moon & the rainy season months of April, May & November.
Getting there: Lake Victoria is spread all across Uganda. Access to this lake depends on where you are. ( See: Best Places to go fishing on Lake Victoria)
What to expect: Trolling with lures is the most common method used for fishing on Lake Victoria. All the necessary equipment for Nile perch trolling on the lake is provided ( at a fee), but if anglers wish to bring and use their own tackle, that is absolutely fine. We recommended bringing 8 – 12 feet Fishing rods with a multiplier reel. If you are fishing in small, shallow bodies of water, using a float and 8 – 9 foot rods is ideal. Typically, a rod that is classified as ultralight or light is perfect for this. The main purpose of having such a light rod is to have a solid load-up to make long casts. It also protects light line, makes it difficult to set the hook too hard and gives this style of fishing a bit of a challenge.
What to bring & wear: For your fishing trips on Lake Victoria, we recommend packing, bringing & wearing the following;
- Repellent – protects you against insects & bugs.
- Sunscreen lotion – Protects you against the scorching sun.
- Lightweight breathable- shirt & shorts for a comfortable fishing experience on the Lake.
- A hat or cap for extra shielding against the sun.
While the temperatures on Lake victoria are not so discomforting, anglers need to plan for the worst as the weather in Uganda changes by the hour and it could easily get from cool to chilly or chilly to sunny. Bring both a rain jacket – for when it starts to rain or a sweater for when it gets chilly.
