Fishing Trips in Murchison Falls National Park

Fishing Adventures in Murchison Falls National Park – Exploring the Nile River’s Bounty

Exploring the Nile River

Fishing in the pristine waters of the Nile River is a captivating experience, and Murchison Falls National Park offers the ideal setting for this thrilling adventure. However, angling on this iconic river requires expert guidance to ensure your safety and increase your chances of a successful catch. While some experienced anglers may opt for renting a boat and skipper independently, most visitors find it prudent to enlist the services of an experienced fishing guide, ensuring a seamless and rewarding fishing expedition.

Reaching Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is located approximately 6 hours’ drive northwest of Entebbe, passing through Kampala (taking traffic into consideration). Most of the roads leading to the national park are paved, with murrum roads within the park itself. Our fully inclusive fishing trips offer private transportation in comfortable and spacious 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicles, equipped to accommodate your fishing gear. Alternatively, for those with limited time, pre-booked internal flights between Entebbe and Murchison Falls National Park are available.

Traditional Fishing Seasons in Uganda

Fishing conditions in Murchison Falls National Park can vary from year to year, making it important to choose the right time for your fishing adventure. Generally, drier months are favored for better fishing results. The periods from December to March and June to October are known for offering more favorable conditions due to reduced chances of rainfall. However, it’s essential to stay informed about the current fishing situation before making your booking, as Uganda experiences random thunderstorms throughout the year. Feel free to contact Trek Africa Tours for up-to-date information.

Fishing Area and Conditions

Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park primarily takes place at the base of the falls. Anglers have the option to fish from the rocks along the riverbank or from a boat slightly downstream in the pools. Trek Africa Tours Fishing Safaris ensures access to all prime fishing spots via boat, enhancing the success of your fishing expedition.

The weather at Murchison Falls can be scorching, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, especially around midday. To ensure your comfort and safety, we recommend adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. Additionally, be mindful of the presence of tsetse flies at certain times; wearing long trousers and using insect repellent is advisable.

Methods of Fishing and Equipment

Live bait casting lures are commonly used for catching Nile perch and various catfish species. Smaller species, often employed as live bait, are obtained through spinning, including the formidable tiger fish. For this type of fishing, a rod ranging from 8 feet (2.4 meters) to 11 feet (3 meters) is recommended, paired with either a fixed spool or multiplier reel. A 7-foot spinning rod with a 5kg (10 lb.) line is sufficient for smaller species.

Reels suitable for Nile perch and catfish typically have 30-35 lb. line (approximately 17kg). The choice between a fixed spool or multiplier reel depends on your personal preference and skill level. When targeting tiger fish and smaller species, any reel that allows comfortable casting of small spinners is suitable.

Half-Day Fishing Trips in Murchison Falls National Park

For those seeking a shorter fishing adventure, half-day trips are available. These excursions allow anglers to explore the Nile either in the morning or afternoon, in pursuit of the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Inclusions

Our fishing trips in Murchison Falls National Park encompass the following:

• Use of a boat on the Nile with the services of a skipper and fishing guide.
• Fuel.
• Lunch.
• Drinking water.
• Use of fishing equipment. A deposit fee of USD100 per rod is required before departure (refundable, with deductions for any breakages or damaged equipment).

Exclusions

Please note that the following expenses are not included in the package:

• National Park entry fees (USD40 per day).
• National Park fishing permit (USD40 to USD50 per day, depending on the duration of your fishing). These fees are payable directly to the park.

Lost/Damaged Fishing Equipment

When using our fishing equipment, please be aware that any lost, damaged, or unreturned equipment at the end of the fishing period must be paid for at our prevailing rates.

What to Pack for Your Fishing Trip in Murchison Falls

As there are no shops within the National Park, it’s essential to bring all necessary supplies, including sunscreen, medications, spare batteries for electronic devices and cameras, and mosquito repellent. Sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and creams, is crucial due to the high temperatures. We recommend hiking or safari boots for footwear, particularly for shore fishing from the steep and rugged rocks. Lightweight and light-colored clothing is ideal for fishing as it helps keep you cool. For protection against tsetse flies, opt for long sleeves and trousers. Avoid wearing blue or black as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies. Additionally, consider packing a lightweight rain jacket and a sweater for cooler evenings.

Optional Additional Excursions

For a more comprehensive experience, you can arrange additional excursions, such as game drives, Nile River cruises, and chimpanzee trekking, to complement your fishing adventure at Murchison Falls National Park. Please note that these excursions may not be included in the initial pricing and can be organized upon request. If you wish to combine your fishing trip with visits to other areas of Uganda, such as Mountain Gorilla viewing, our team can assist you in arranging this additional aspect of your safari.