Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is an awe-inspiring experience of venturing into the longest river on Earth to discover its massive inhabitants. At this point, I know what you are thinking: Is this even real? And I wouldn’t blame you because at the mention of Murchison Falls National Park, many would rush to picture the massive and powerful Murchison Falls.
Yes, these powerful waterfalls indeed are the strongest in the world, and it is suicide to attempt sport fishing on them. Adding to your wonder, the sight of the dangerous Nile crocodiles and the massive hippos as the protectors of the deep waters. Well, all this is true, but no sport fishing happens close to any of these dangerous situations.
The River Nile bisects Murchison Falls National Park into two sections: Paraa and Chobe. This creates two safe places for sport fishing. The bottom of the falls is situated on the Paraa side, and this is where the water calms down from the devil’s cauldron after the vigorous activity of the waterfalls. This is probably the best sport fishing spot since the force and speed of the water drags some fish species to the lower string from the falls. This gives a chance to the anglers to capture some of the most massive fish species in the Nile.
The Chobe side of the river is a place with rocky riverbanks downstream. The river is much shallower here, and fish usually swim to this area to avoid the dangerous crocodiles, since they are known to hunt in deep waters. This spot is good for anglers to set up their sport fishing equipment since there is no fear of facing the crocodiles or hippos in shallow waters. Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park reveals that the adventure is not limited to only the savannah grassland and woodland plains of this park.
What are some of the fish species caught here?
Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park is centered on capturing a few of the many fish species in this massive part of the Nile River. The focus of the anglers is mainly on the size of the fish in these waters. Anglers target the largest of the largest fish in these waters, and on how many they have caught and recorded. Some of the fish species caught during sport fishing in Murchison include:
- Nile perch: It is short to say this is any angler’s dream because catching these massive fish species is not child’s play. Nile perch is one of the biggest fish species in these waters and even in the country. They are predator fish known to hunt other fish. They can weigh up to 100 kilograms and are known to put up a strong fight when caught on a fishing hook. This is why, when caught, it’s surely a trophy for the angler.
- Nile tilapia: This fish species is also common to the Nile waters, and in Uganda, it’s every fisherman’s favorite. They are much smaller than the Nile perch, but are categorized as one of the most delicious species.
- Catfish: The River Nile harbors two species of catfish, the giant catfish and the electric catfish. They can weigh up to 45 kilograms or more when mature. They commonly harbor the rocky downstream waters in the Chobe section of the river.
- Tigerfish: Uganda’s diversity is also in the fish business, and the tigerfish is an addition to every angler’s capture list when sport fishing in Murchison. The tigerfish is much smaller and is, in most cases, used as live bait for the Nile perch and tilapia. The tigerfish is agile and quite fast.
What is the principle or rule of sport fishing in Murchison?
Sport fishing is run on the principle of catch and release back to the water. Sport fishing is not like ordinary fishing, where the fish caught is taken home for food or sold for income. Sport fishing basically allows anglers or visitors to catch the fish, record its weight and length, take a few photos, and quickly release it back to the water.
This catch-and-release policy set up by the Uganda Wildlife Authority is meant to protect and conserve the fish population in this river. This is why specific fishing gear, like fishing rods and hooks, is allowed but not fishing nets. Visitors can hire the fishing gear on the ground or can come with their own gear, but it must be under the guidelines of UWA.
What is the cost of sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park?
Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park costs USD 50 per person per day and USD 150 for four days per person. Visitors are also required to obtain a sport fishing permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This permit can only be obtained through a registered tour company like Monteero Safaris, which purchases this permit on your behalf. It is this permit that is presented to the rangers before embarking on a sport fishing adventure.
When is the best time for sport fishing in Murchison?
The dry season is, without a doubt, the best time for sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park. The conditions of the dry season favour this activity, as the sky is clear for amazing visibility. There are also less windy conditions during this season, which may cause the river to become rougher, with incredible rapids. The River Nile is always calm in the dry season, maintaining a normal water level. The water is also warm, especially in the shallow ends, and this attracts the fish.
Finally, Murchison Falls National Park is a diverse savannah that substitutes the common game drives and boat cruises with a more intimate river safari of sport fishing. This experience is surreal, with amazing views of the savannah as it borders the river. Embark on this incredible experience to fulfil a lifelong dream.