Sport Fishing Trips in Uganda, Africa

Embarking on Sport Fishing Expeditions in Uganda – Exploring River Nile and Lake Victoria Safaris

Sport Fishing Trips in Uganda, Africa —  Uganda has emerged as a sought-after destination in Africa for avid anglers, offering unparalleled opportunities to fish for Nile perch. Alongside Lake Nasser in Egypt and the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda stands as a prime location for fishing safaris.

The fishing escapades in Uganda unfold on the second-largest freshwater lake globally, second only to Lake Superior in the Great Lakes region between Canada and the United States.

Lake Victoria Fishing Areas

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, spans an expansive surface area of 68,800 square kilometers, with a depth of approximately 80 meters at its deepest point. Despite its massive size, Lake Victoria’s formation, influenced by depression, results in a surprisingly moderate depth. Some notable fishing areas include:

Entebbe Fishing Areas

The Entebbe region boasts numerous islands with rocky beds, creating ideal breeding grounds for smaller fish that feed on algae. This, in turn, attracts larger fish, making islands such as Nsazi, Ngamba, Bulago, Kome, and others perfect for trolling.

Ssese Island Fishing Area

The Ssese Islands, comprised of about 84 islands concentrated in one area, offer an excellent breeding environment for Nile perch. These islands serve as prime locations for fishing, providing an opportunity to combine angling with a romantic beach holiday.

Jinja Fishing Areas

Jinja, positioned at the source of the Victoria Nile before the formation of the rapids, is an ideal spot for weekend fishing getaways. The Samuka Island areas, featuring accommodation options, provide a perfect escape for fishing enthusiasts.

Murchison Falls Fishing Areas

One of Africa’s largest breeding areas is situated in the section of the Victoria Falls that starts from Karuma wildlife reserve, passing through the Luxury Chobe Safari Lodge and reaching the steep ridges of Murchison Falls. Key fishing areas include:

1. Bottom of Murchison Falls: Fishing at the bottom of the falls offers a classic experience, facing the rapids dropping about 7 meters with a width of 4 meters. The rapids, a torrent of 300 cubic meters per second, make small fish in the rapids feel like the mother of all Nile perch.
2. Nyamsika Cliff Pools: The Nyamsika cliffs house premier fishing pools also frequented by hippos. The Nile in this area boasts one of the healthiest hippo populations in East Africa.
3. Paraa Fishing Pools: “Paraa,” meaning the place of hippos, serves as a famous area with massive breeding grounds for Nile perch. It was once a ferry crossing point before a road and bridge were established over the Nile.
4. Downstream to Delta Fishing Areas: Fishing downstream below the ferry point requires caution due to shallow waters and potential dangers posed by hippos. Professional fishing guides are recommended.

Fishing Permits for Lake Victoria and Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls

Lake Victoria Fishing Permits:

Fishing on Lake Victoria does not require a specific license, but it is essential to book a fishing safari with a licensed company to comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.

Murchison Falls Fishing Permits:

Tourists planning fishing trips to Murchison Falls must obtain fishing permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Trek Africa Expeditions can assist in securing these permits, and visitors are also required to pay park entrance fees to access the national park.

Best Time for Fishing in Uganda

Professional fishermen recognize the full moon as the optimal time for fishing. However, the dry seasons, from June to early September and from December to early March, are considered the best times for fishing in Uganda. Lake Victoria offers year-round fishing opportunities, while Murchison Falls is most suitable during the dry season to avoid challenges posed by flooding and rough waters.