Uganda lies on an elevated basin which is in between the East African rift valley’s western and eastern arms, and approximately 25% of its land surface is covered with water. Uganda has the second largest fresh-water lake on the planet as well as the largest lake in the whole of Africa – Lake Victoria which is in addition the source of River Nile – the longest river in the world. Furthermore, Uganda has a couple of lakes including lakes Mburo, George, Victoria, Kyoga, Albert and Edward, which serve as habitat to over 350 types of Fish. Despite all these numerous fish species found in the country, the commonest as well as commercial ones are the Tilapia, Nile Perch and the Cat fish. These and the other fish species like the lung fish, Protopterus and Rastrinabola have attracted thousands and thousands of tourists annually into Uganda.
Where is Sport Fishing done in Uganda?
In Uganda, Sport fishing is done in the places mentioned below:
1. Murchison Falls National Park
Located 311km, which approximately 5 hours’ drive from the capital city – Kampala, the mighty River Nile crosses through Murchison Falls National Park and in its waters is the renowned Nile Perch. Presently the Murchison Falls National Park is the best place to do sport fishing. here, this activity can be carried out throughout the year however the best time for sports fishing is from January up to March and then from July up to October.
Sports Fishing Area and Guidelines
It should be kept in mind that sport-fishing is carried out at the bottom of the waterfalls
Because The Temperatures in Murchison Falls National Park are generally high and occasionally reaching as high as 38 degrees mainly at Midday, this will necessitate anglers to take with them sun-protection items such as sun-screen lotion and hats. In addition, we recommend that you wear long-sleeved shirts and use an insect repellant to protect you from biting insects.
Methods of Sports Fishing and Necessary Equipment
The type of fish caught by casting lures or using live bait includes different species of cat fish and the Nile Perch. However other smaller types of fish may be caught simply by spinning and among these are tiger fish. We recommend that use a 11ft / 3meters – 8ft / 2.4meters rod with a mounted spool or a multiplier fishing reel.
A 7-spinning rod with a 3/5kg line can be used to catch smaller species. for the Cat fish and the Nile perch any fixed fishing spool or the multiplier with 30 – 35lb line is adequate.
2. Lake Victoria
On Lake Victoria, fishing can be done throughout the year however the locally October – March is considered the best fishing season. You may catch the Nile Perch weighing10kg – 80kg . The main fishing method used here is trolling with lures. Tilapia weighing 1kg – 2kg may be caught using fly-fishing techniques.
you can set out fishing on Lake Victoria with an 18ft ski boat with a single foam-filled hull that is run by a Yamaha 140HP out-board engine boat with a maximum seating capacity of 4 people or using a canoe or 24ft long fiber glass.
Equipment and Facilities
It is preferable if the boats have a sun overhead shed, you carry rain suits, have a GPS, an electronic fish-finder, wear life jackets, have mobile phones, a first-aid box, a fire extinguisher and flares. There is also a cooler to keep the drinks cold. There is adequate supply of lures for trolling for the perch up to 4 lines for each boat. However, anglers are free to bring along with them their equipment especially the lighter equipment for Tilapia. If there is anything that is lost or broken is paid for before one disembarks from the encounter.
Daytime fishing trips start at 9:00am – 12:30pm or 1:00pm – 5:00pm with a half day trip taking 4 hours while full day trip 8 hours. This fishing is done close to the local Islands, and its approximately 45minutes boat ride from the mainland at Entebbe. The exact spots where you will do the fishig will be determined by the present weather conditions.
There are also night fishing trips though they involve spending an overnight at Ngamba Island in its Tented Camp.
3. Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is found inside Lake Mburo National Park and has six fish species living within its waters with the Tilapia being the most prevalent. Mazinga is the specific point for sport-fishing and people interested in doing this activity on this Lake need to come with their own fishing equipment and obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
4. Sipi Area
Sport fishing within this area is done on the topmost of the 3 Sipi waterfalls close to Mount Elgon National Park. This fishing site gives fishers a challenge of dealing with the rainbow fish together with its striking coloring and fighting skill. These may weigh up to 3kg. However fishing is restricted to specific areas and there isn’t any need for booking in advance. People on a Safari in Uganda who are interested in Sport fishing here must obtain a fishing permit from Sipi River Lodge and also carry fishing equipment.
