A Guide to Sport Fishing Uganda for the First Time & Prices

A Guide to Sport Fishing Uganda for the First Time, Prices, and Major fishing grounds in Uganda.

Nile Perch Fishing on Lake Victoria and Murchison Falls National Park. Nile Perch fish trips in Uganda – The incredible Nile perch African safari isn’t a famous safari by many travelers despite its fantastic experience. The Nile perch safari is also known as snook or the Victoria perch safari. Nile perch weighing in between 20—180 pounds is the largest freshwater game fish in Africa and are the main catch in both Lake Victoria and the Murchison Nile.

Fishing in Uganda occurs on a large scale, serving both commercial and recreational purposes. Fishing in Uganda occurs in several lakes and rivers, including Lake Kyoga, Lake Victoria, the River Nile, and other aquatic bodies. Individuals have established fish ponds to augment the fish supply available in the domestic market.

Spot fishing is an opportunity not to be overlooked, as it allows for the capture of several fish species prevalent in Uganda, including Tilapia, Nile perch, catfish, and Tiger fish, among others. The optimal locations for spot fishing include Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo National Park, Ssese Islands, Murchison Falls National Park, and the River Nile. Spot fishing employs contemporary equipment and techniques that ensure the preservation of aquatic life and water bodies. Spot fishing in Uganda is predominantly conducted by tourists and a limited number of locals, primarily in the following locations.

1. Fishing at Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park Sport Fishing

Fishing at Murchison Falls generally involves fishing with live bait or by casting lures, the larger species caught using these methods are Nile Perch and various species of Catfish. There are many species of smaller fish that are used as live bait such as tiger fish. These can be caught by the spinning method. Fishing at Murchison is a profound fishing experience and can be extremely exciting. Fishing is either from the river bank or from a boat. Caution must be taken whilst fishing from the bank as Nile crocodiles and hippos are often in abundance.

Murchison contains two primary fishing locations: one situated near Paraa, downstream of the Murchison Falls, and another located downstream of the Karuma Falls, at Chobe Safari Lodge. Sport fishing in the park is presently conducted primarily near the base of the falls, either from a boat downstream or from the rocks along the riverbank.

Accessing the fishing locations can be achieved either by boat or by descending from the top of the falls to the valley, which may require 45 minutes for an individual in good physical condition. It is advisable to be well-equipped with your fishing gear. While fishing, there is always the possibility of encountering a substantial catch in terms of length, weight, and girth. The record indicates that the heaviest fish taken weighed 113 kg, namely a Nile Perch.

Best Time for Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

December–February and June–September are the ideal months to plan a fishing trip to Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park if you’re interested in sport fishing. The water levels are typically low and the fish are floating on the surface during that period.

Because fish avoid milk water as a bait source, and because river flooding during the rainy season can make sport fishing in Murchison National Park problematic, we do not advise going on safaris during this time. Even more so, when it rains, the river rises and sometimes separates the fishing spots upstream from the waterfalls. March through May and October mark the beginning of the rainy season.

Fishing Methods, Equipment and Fish types caught

All participants in the fishing excursions in Murchison Falls National Park must carry their own fishing equipment. It is important to note that not all fish captured are killed; many are released back into the sea alive. The various fishing methods employed to capture fish in Murchison Falls encompass casting lures, spinning, and utilising live bait. The various fish species captured here include the Nile perch, catfish, and tiger fish, among others.

All fishermen are recommended to possess rods of between 8 and 11 feet, equipped with a multiplier reel. A 7-foot spinning rod is advisable for targeting smaller species.

2. Spot fishing on Ssese Islands

The Ssese Islands, situated in Lake Victoria, serve as an excellent destination for fishing. It is a tranquil location with appealing vistas that provides the necessary privacy for spot fishing. As in other fishing locales, you must bring your own fishing equipment or gear. The fish species available for capture at Ssese include Tilapia, Nile perch, and Lungfish. The majority of Ssese remains uninhabited and is characterised by a deep forest, with the few residents being fisherman engaged in commercial fishing.

3. Spot fishing at Sipi Falls and Mountain Elgon

Sipi Falls is situated in the eastern region of Uganda, adjacent to Mountain Elgon. Mountain Elgon National Park has numerous tourist attractions; nevertheless, ensure that sport fishing is included in your itinerary. Spot fishing in Uganda occurs at the three prominent waterfalls in Sipi, and licenses for this activity can be obtained from the Sipi River Lodge.

You must transport your own fishing equipment to fully enjoy the experience, and qualified tour guides will assist you throughout the process to facilitate your fishing endeavours. The predominant fish species available for angling in the area is the Rainbow fish, which is considered scarce. Visit Sipi Falls to engage in sport fishing in Uganda.

4. Spot fishing on Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo is situated in the western region of Uganda within Lake Mburo National Park. This is recognised as one of the premier sites for enthusiasts of spot fishing. To engage in spot fishing, one must first obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which costs five dollars. Spot fishing on Lake Mburo occurs near Mazinga, with Tilapia being the predominant species captured.

5. Spot fishing on Lake Victoria

Light tackle fishing for Nile Perch on Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the largest water body in Uganda and the second largest freshwater body globally, situated in the Great Lakes region. Lake Victoria is bordered by three nations: Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, and it obtains its water from the Kagera River.

Numerous activities occur in Lake Victoria, with spot fishing being one of them. The optimal period for spot fishing on Lake Victoria is from October to March, as numerous fish species are prevalent during this time; nevertheless, fishing can be conducted year-round.

Diverse strategies employed for spot fishing on Lake Victoria include the bait approach and trolling with a lure. The fish species you will observe include Tilapia, Nile perch, silverfish, catfish, and numerous other varieties. Fish observation on Lake Victoria is conducted using either boats or canoes.

Ensure you acquire boats equipped with overhead sun protection, life jackets, and do not neglect to carry bug repellent to prevent insect bites in children. Participants must bring their own equipment, and trained tour guides will facilitate this enjoyable experience. Be advised that there are no designated locations for spot fishing on Lake Victoria, as it is contingent upon weather conditions. Spot fishing typically commences at 9:00 AM and concludes at 12:30 PM, while the evening excursion often starts at 1:00 PM and ends at 5:00 PM.

Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park 8 Days Itinerary

Curious about an 8-day fishing trip to Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park? As with many other places along the Nile, fishing at Murchison Falls is mostly a recreational activity. Fishing using lures is a common technique for catching larger fish species, such as catfish and Nile perch. When planning a sporting fishing trip, one of the best parks in Uganda to visit is Murchison Falls. Most people who go fishing on the Victoria Nile do it from the banks of the river, along rocky areas, or at the base of the falls—specifically, the Devil’s Cauldron. As thrilling as it is to fish along the Nile, anglers should exercise extreme caution around hippos and crocodiles, particularly near riverbanks.

Two of Murchison’s most popular fishing spots are near Paraa (below the Murchison falls) and Chobe Safari Lodge (below Karuma falls). At present, however, most park visitors who are interested in sport fishing cast their lines from boats floating downstream or from the rocks along the riverbank near the falls’ base.

Where can I find Nile Perch

The freshwater fish species is widespread throughout much of African freshwaters as there are a lot of small rivers that come out of the lakes and pour into other lakes, being native to Congo Basin, Nile, Senegal, Niger and Lake Chad, Volta, Lake Turkana, and other river basins. The Nile perch is also commonly seen in the waters of Lake Maryrut in Egypt and Lake Nasser.

What is the biggest Nile perch ever caught?

Are you wondering what the biggest Nile perch ever caught? On December 20, 2000, California angler William Toth landed the heaviest Nile perch ever recorded on rod and reel a 104.32 kg (230 pounds) fish that crushed the Rapala Fire Tiger lure he was trolling in Egypt’s famous Lake Nasser

Prices – Day Trips (Half Day also available)

The fish safari prices in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Victoria vary however the prices include: Use of the boat on the Nile with skipper/fishing guide services, fuel, lunch, drinking water, and use of fishing equipment with USD 120– deposit fee per rod paid before departure (this is refunded less any breakages / damaged equipment). The fish expedition may Exclude: National Park Entry Fees of USD40- per day, National Park Fishing Fees of USD 40- to USD 50– per day, (depending on the number of days fishing), which are payable directly to Uganda Wildlife Authority.

International 2021 Prices from US$ 270 per person (3 guests in a boat) per day

Whilst is it possible to fish 3 persons on our boats, our recommendation is for 2 persons only for “serious” fishermen and we can accommodate more guests or larger boats by special arrangement/quotation. Special Rates for East African Residents.

Uganda Sport Fishing Packing List:

Tourists go to Uganda’s fishing spots like Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Victoria for the unforgettable experience of spot fishing. Travelers are anticipated to bring a variety of gears when they visit the country. A list of things to bring is below:

• hiking boots
• Sandals
• Insect repellent
• Energy drinks
• Breathable Sun Cap
• Light pants and shirts
• Sunscreen
• Camera and a portable video camera
• Enough drinking water
• Leatherman
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight Gloves