The Nile offers and promotes Murchison Falls sport fishing as one of the exciting activities within Murchison Falls National Park. Abundance of the Nile perch and tigerfish provide an exciting experience to the anglers. Prior booking with the park needs to be arranged, because tourists doing sport fishing at designated sites at a time is regulated. Fishing equipment and well-designed boats are made available for hire on prior booking.
Fishing for Nile Perch in Murchison Falls is one of the most enjoyable activities while in the park. This is mainly done primarily from the banks of the Nile and rocky outcrops directly below the falls at the “Devil’s Cauldron”. You can also do it from boats moored close to favorable pools and eddies further downstream.
Fishing in Murchison Falls is done mainly as a sport and is among the main activities along the Nile. It involves catching fish by casting lures; a method that is used for catching larger fish species such as the Nile perch and some catfish.
Fishing Methods
A variety of fishing methods are used to do fishing while at Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park. One of the methods used for catching fish is the use of live baits like worms, and termites to catch smaller fish species like the Tiger fish. You can also catch them using the spinning method.
All anglers are advised to have rods that are between 8 – 11 feet, with a multiplier reel. While catching smaller species; a 7-inch spinning rod is recommended.
Reels – For Nile perch and catfish any reel fixed spool or multiplier with 30-35 lb line (17kg) will do. It depends on a personal preference and skill with a multiplier. For tiger fish and smaller species, any reel where you can comfortably cast small spinners is suitable.
However, you are always advised to carry your own fishing equipment to use during fishing in the park.
Fishing Sites for Murchison Falls Sport Fishing
There are two major fishing sites in Murchison Falls National Park; one near Paraa Safari Lodge and another below Karuma Falls (near Chobe Safari Lodge). However, sport fishing in the park is currently carried out mainly at the base of the falls either from the boat down the stream or from the rocks on the riverbank.
Accessing the fishing spots can either be by boat or by walking down from the top of the falls to the gorge which can take about 45 minutes for a physically fit person. With this, you are recommended to move well equipped with your fishing equipment.
As you enjoy catching fish, there is always a chance to land on a huge catch, in terms of length, weight and girth. In fact, record has it that the heaviest fish caught was 113kg and this was a Nile Perch.
When to do Murchison Falls Sport Fishing
Sport fishing in Murchison Falls can be done at any time of the year and the large catfish and Nile perch can be caught all through. Anglers say that best catches are seen early in the morning and late in the day, though best results of fish are when the water level is low since water is clearer, esp. from mid-January to early April. Also, it is said that fish feed more when weather conditions vary dramatically especially at the start of the rainstorms.
Important: Conservation and the Environment
Sport fishing is done mostly as a sport, so it is strongly advised that when the fish is caught, it should be later released back into water.
Some of you may be experienced enough to challenge the Nile with just hiring a boat and skipper but for most it is recommended to have an experienced fishing guide along to ensure the smooth running of the trip
The temperatures at Murchison are high (sometimes over 40 degrees C) – especially at mid day and anglers should be equipped with sun protection including sun tan lotion, hats and long sleeved shirts. Tsetse flies also abound at certain times and we recommend long trousers as well as insect repellant.
Most fishermen/women are conservation and environment minded, but sport fishing at Murchison takes place within a national park which makes it all the more important that best practices are employed.
As you’re surrounded by series of dangerous wildlife species such as the crocodiles, hippos, and elephants, your kindly advised to take clear look and watch over of your fishing area. You are advised to carry enough sun protection equipment since the temperature can rise over 40°C. Also wear long socks, long sleeved trousers and insect repellents that can be used just in case of tsetse fly bites. Sport fishing requires expertise; therefore, you need assistance from our experienced and skilled fishing guides!
Getting there
Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 6 hours’ drive northwest from Entebbe, via Kampala-Gulu highway, with the majority of the roads before reaching the park being tarmacked. Within the park, there are marram roads which are easily passable.
You could also take a flight to the park chartered from the Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip since the park has airfields like Pakuba airfield. This makes the distance shorter!
Other national parks in Uganda with highest concentration of wildlife in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is famous for the tree-climbing lions in the southern Ishasha section and a boat cruise along Kazinga channel that joins Lake George and Edward. Kidepo Valley National Park is also another suitable place for the best wildlife safaris in Uganda.