SPOT FISHING IN UGANDA
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Spot fishing in Uganda is mainly centered around Lake Victoria which is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Uganda is not well marketed by the government despite having many water bodies. In fact, a 3rd of Uganda is covered by water. In Lake Victoria, Uganda has the largest Lake in the African continent. Uganda is the source of the longest river in the world, River Nile. Some of the world’s famous anglers have gone fishing in Uganda. They include Jeremy Wade, John Wilson and Zeb Hogan of the National Geographic Channel.
Uganda has over 350 species of fish. The two major species caught for commercial purposes are the Tilapia and Nile Perch. The other types of fish are the Protopterus, lung fish and cat fish. The Nile perch is arguably the largest fish one can catch in Uganda. They can weigh more than 150kgs. Introduced in Uganda in the early 19th century, they dominate the waters of Uganda. The Nile Perch is often caught using the smaller tiger fish as a bait. The Tiger fish has beautiful colors of the rainbow but are very resilient with sharp teeth and hard jaws. Other large fish in Uganda are the lung fish and Tilapia. Tilapia is the most preferred fish eaten in Ugandan homes although the small silver fish is gaining popularity for its nutritious value.
Sport fishing has gained prominence in Uganda since the early 90’s and is among the top things to do in Uganda. The local population and Uganda’s middle class have not fully embraced this amazing activity. Sport fishing is perfect for family bonding or getting together as a group of friends. One does not need to have any prior experience fishing in order to take part in this sport. In most cases, all one needs to do is join the company of experienced anglers who will teach them a thing or two about the sport.
Here are some keys points about spot fishing in Uganda.
SPECIES: The Nile Perch is the most sought-after fish in Lake Victori, other species you might encounter include Tilapia, catfish and Protopterus
LOCATION: Spot fishing is often done near the shores of Lake Victoria or from boats. Popular spot includes: Murchison Falls National Park, Lake mburo, Sipi falls in Kapchorwa and Ssese Islands, Entebbe and Jinja on Lake Victoria. Murchison falls is the most attractive part found in the park. This Murchison Falls form when the Nile water squeezes through a narrow gorge before exploding 40 meters down in a mighty fall. The Murchison Falls National Park is a great place to go for fishing while in Uganda. The turbulent falls are rich in oxygen which attracts huge Nile perch – Some weighing over 90 Kilograms. The largest on record was 108 kilograms. The section of the river Nile flowing through the park is also home to Tilapia, catfish, Tiger fish (Awaka), barbell, Tilapia, ferocious fighter, Angara and yellow fish among other species. Fishing is usually done by boat around the banks of the river although anglers can walk to the base of waterfalls to throw their lines.
EQUIPMENTS: Anglers typically use medium to heavy duty fishing rods and reels, along with live or artificial bait suitable for the targeted fish species.
REGULATIONS: Fishing in Uganda requires a valid fishing license, which can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). There are also regulations regarding catch limits and sizes to ensure sustainable fishing. Remember to respect local customs and regulations while fishing in Uganda to ensure a positive experience for both you and the local community.
Guides: Hiring a local fishing guide can be beneficial, as they are familiar with the best fishing spots and techniques. They can also assist with obtaining a license and equipment.
SEASON: Fishing is generally good year-round, but the best time for spot fishing is during the dry season (December to February and June to August) when water levels are lower, making fish easier to spot.
SAFETY: Always prioritize safety when fishing. Make sure to wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat and be aware of weather conditions that could affect your fishing trip.
CONCLUSION.
Spot fishing is a very fun and relaxing activity that makes a great time on holiday. Even for someone who has never really been into the whole fishing thing, spot fishing can be quite enjoyable and meditative.
The area above showcase some of the best spots where you can enjoy spot fishing while on a Ugandan Tour. The good thing is that sportfishing can be added as part of your itinerary. This combines it with other activities such as Gorilla and chimps trekking, wildlife safari, white water rafting, Hiking, Birding and many more.
In cases where you are required to carry your own fishing gear, we will arrange to get you the gear to use at a small extra fee That way, you won’t have to carry or buy new gear just for the trip. More information you can check out in our Travel Blog.
You can visit Uganda for sport fishing at any time of the year. Talk to us and we’ll help you set everything up – to make sure you enjoy every little detail of your fishing safari. Send us a request for a fishing safari and we shall draw up a customized tour itinerary based on your specific needs, schedule and budget.
We appreciate you spending the time here. We can only hope that this information was helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to bring them to our attention.
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