Sport Fishing in Uganda. & top spots for fishing retreats

Sport fishing is done for fun and enjoyment. This is why sport fishing can be referred to as recreational fishing. Whereas commercial fishing is intended for profit and food, sport fishing is for the fun of fishing.

On holiday, sport fishing is one good way of spending time. The quietness of the waters is why people love fishing as a hobby. The quiet and tranquillity is great for refreshing one’s mind and brings inspiration. If you are on safari with family or friends, you can make some healthy competition of catches the biggest or most beautiful fish. It is all up to you.

In the various areas where you do the recreational fishing, you might actually be able to take you to catch back for a meal. This depends on the species you have caught and what the conservation rules have to say about it. Your guide will inform you of the specific needs of each fishing spot.

There are over 350 species of fish in Uganda like tilapia and Nile Perch that are generally fished commercially for profit. The big Nile perch in Ugandan water bodies can grow big up to 200 kilograms.

Other fish species include Barbel, Tigerfish, Catfish, Ferocious fighter, Lungfish and Protopterus among others. On your tour, you will most probably fish tilapia which in some areas like Ssese islands you can smoke and share as a snack but in places like Murchison falls, it more of a catch and release game in respect to conservation needs.

Places for Sport Fishing

1. Murchison Falls National park

This is located North West of Kampala – approximately 6 hours drive. Fishing in this area can be done all year round but it is said to be at peak during the drier seasons of December to March and June to October. Sport Fishing is done on the banks of the River Nile as it passes through Murchison Falls National Park.

Sport fishing is mostly done at the banks of the falls near Paraa safari lodge and at Karuma falls next to Chobe Safari Lodge. To access these areas, you can use the boats or hike down the sides of the fall to reach the rocks beneath these falls.

murchison falls

At Murchison, you can fish using casting lures, live bait, hooks, and spinning. You will be required to have a sport fishing permit sold at 50 USD per day.

The fishing equipment is provided at the site where you can use any fixed spool or multiplier with 30 to 35-pound line. With a local guide to take you through the fishing process, you can turn this into quite an adventure by holding some little competition with your partners.

2. Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria is the biggest water body in Africa and is shared by three of the East African Countries. In Uganda, sport fishing can be done in Jinja – only 2 hour’s drive from Kampala (Uganda’s capital). Better chances at catching Tilapia of 1 to 2 kg by just using fly fishing methods.

On Lake Victoria, there are two fishing tour shifts, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm. The sun at this point is directly over-head and therefore you are advised to hire a boat with a sun shed, as well as carry some sunscreen.

Because of the size of the lake, there is no specific area for fishing.  The spot of choice basically depends on the weather conditions and your tour guide. You will be using speed boats 18 to 30 feet – that can hold up to 4 people.

For smaller parties of 2 to 3 people, you can use the fiberglass 24 foot long canoes powered by an outboard engine.
On the fishing boats, you get to carry with you rain jackets, life jackets, first aid box, mobile phones, flares, fire extinguisher, Cooler with cold drinks and sometimes GPS tracker.

On Lake Victoria, it is the catch and release game.

3. Lake Mburo National Park

At Maziga you will have the opportunity to do some sport fishing when on tour at Lake Mburo National Park. After getting a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (with the help of your tour guide), you can enjoy this sport at Maziga.

You are encouraged to carry your own fishing equipment. With the option of over five fish species to catch, however, the most common fish is the tilapia.

4. Ssese islands

Off for some privacy and seclusion, Ssese is just about 51 kilometres from Entebbe and comprises of more than 80 beautiful islands with white beach sands and freshwaters.

On top of the several fun and adventurous activities like bird watching, forest exploration, biking, boat cruises, you can do some sport fishing as well. On these shores, you can catch Tilapia, Lungfish or Nile perch. Fishing is the biggest economic activity in this area and most people come all this way to trade in the largest town of Kalangala.

5. Sipi Falls

At the slopes of Mountain Elgon lies the most beautiful triple waterfalls in Uganda. Permits in this particular area can be secured from Sipi River Lodge and like Lake Mburo, you will have to carry your own fishing gear.

To fish at the banks of the falls, you can use fish hooks, bobbers, needle nose pliers, sinkers, fishing rods, fish bait, and fishing ledgers among others. Most common is the rainbow trout fish – a vibrant and colourful fish that is hard to catch.

The biggest trout can weigh up to 3 kilograms. You will be guided by a local tour guide on the best ways to catch the rainbow trout and the best spots for this activity.

Here are all the other fun things to do in Sipi

Conclusion

Sport fishing is a very fun and relaxing activity that makes for a great time on holiday. Even for someone who has never really been into the whole fishing thing, sport fishing can be quite enjoyable and meditative.

The area above showcase some of the best spots where you can enjoy sport fishing while on a Ugandan Trip. The good thing is that sport fishing can be added as part of your itinerary. This combines it with other activities such as beach vacation, wildlife safari, white water rafting, hiking and so much more.

In cases where you are required to carry your own fishing gear, do talk to us and we will arrange to get you the gear to use. That way, you won’t have to carry or buy new gear just for the trip.

You can visit Uganda for sport fishing at any time of the year. Whatever stage of planning you are on, 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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Our safaris offer great value for your money – while being good for people and planet.

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Exclusive African Safaris Ltd

Imani Complex, First Floor,
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Mulawa – Kira, Wakiso – Uganda

+256 772 887 484
info@exclusiveafricansafaris.com

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