Uganda, situated in East Africa has over 292 species of fish that promote sport fishing tours for travelers on Uganda safaris. The country has some of the best places to conduct sport fishing including lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Visitors can catch several fish species including the Nile perch, tilapia, lungfish, catfish, and tiger fish to mention but a few.

Sport fishing activities have been recognized in Uganda since the early 1990s and can be done by both the most experienced and less experienced anglers. The sport fishing activity can be done in the morning and evening hours enhancing family bonds and friendships among anglers.

In Uganda, sport fishing is done using live bait or casting lures, and the latter is usually used for Nile perch and catfish. Tigerfish could be used as live bait when sport fishing. An angler can also use a 3-meter fishing rod to capture fish such as Nile perch, tilapia, and lungfish. The rod is fixed with either a multiplier reel or a fixed spool to make the fishing more efficient.

Anglers conduct sport fishing on various boats such as speedboats powered by twin outboard engines accommodating 4 anglers at most. You can also conduct sport fishing on a 24-foot-long fiberglass canoe powered by an outboard motor engine. The canoe can accommodate a relatively smaller group of 2-3 anglers.

Best sites for sport fishing in Uganda

Sport fishing on Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria spans over 68,800 square kilometers, making it the largest freshwater lake on the African continent. Lake Victoria is among the best places in Uganda for sport fishing because of the various fishing spots. Anglers can use a speed boat or a powered fiberglass canoe to catch fish species like tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch by mainly using a fly fishing method.

Sport fishing costs on Lake Victoria vary according to period which is USD 115 per person for half-day activity while full-day fishing activity is at USD 185 per person. There are two sport fishing tour shifts from 9 am-12 pm and 1-5 pm.

Anglers desiring a sport fishing adventure in a more secluded place, Ssese Islands is the best place for you. Ssese Islands is just 51 kilometers from Entebbe and about 90 kilometers from Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Ssese Islands has at least 80 Islands surrounded by sparkling white beach sands and the fresh waters of the serene Lake Victoria. Anglers should expect to catch a variety of fish species including tilapia, lungfish, and Nile perch to mention but a few.

Besides sport fishing, anglers can also engage in birdwatching, forest walks, biking, boat cruises, and many others. Accessing Ssese Islands requires boarding a ferry from the Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe to Kalangala Island. You may carry your fishing equipment if they are not provided.

Sport fishing in Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo National Park spans an estimated 370 square kilometers and is situated in western Uganda, at least 230.5 kilometers from Kampala city. Lake Mburo National Park has 5 lakes however, sport fishing is conducted on Lake Mburo at Mazinga, a site free from crocodiles and hippos. Sport fishing at Lake Mburo offers a chance to catch tilapia and other fish species.

You are required to have a fishing permit which costs USD 15 from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Additionally, it is advisable to carry your fishing equipment to have a successful fishing adventure at Lake Mburo National Park. Besides sport fishing, you can engage in various tourist activities such as game drives, bird watching, cycling, nature walks, boat rides, and many others.

Sport fishing in Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda is at least 273 kilometers from Kampala city and is among Uganda’s finest fishing sites. The falls are located along the slopes of Mount Elgon and very close to the border between Uganda and Kenya. The best species to catch here is the rainbow trout fish, which weighs around 3 kilograms. Sport fishing is done at the banks of the Sipi Falls, using fish hooks, needle nose pliers, bobbers, sinkers, fishing rods, fishing ledgers, fish bait, and others.

Sport fishing is done after acquiring a permit, usually from Sipi River Lodge, and it is recommended that you carry your fishing gear. Besides sport fishing, anglers explore the triple waterfalls at Sipi, local coffee plantations, hiking on Mount Elgon, bird watching, forest walks, community interactions, and many others.

Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park (River Nile)

Murchison Falls National Park is 3,893 square kilometers in area and is located 233.6 kilometers away from Kampala city. The Park is divided by the Nile River to form two waterfalls, Murchison Falls and Karuma Falls. The turbulent falls of the former are rich in oxygen, which attracts huge numbers of Nile perch at the site. Tilapia, giant catfish, tigerfish, and yellow fish are also available.

Sport fishing here is done on the boat around the banks of the river near Paraa Safaris Lodge and Karuma Falls which is next to Chobe Safari Lodge. At Murchison Falls, the anglers can also move to the base of the waterfalls to throw their fishing lines. Sport fishing is done with lures, live bait, and spinning. Before this exciting sport fishing tour, you must have a sport fishing permit which costs USD 50 per day or USD 150 for 4 days. This does not, however, include park entrance fees.

Murchison Falls National Park sport fishing adventures are organized by Paara Lodge or Chobe Lodge, who also provide experienced guides to ensure the safety of anglers. However, the activity promotes a policy of catching and releasing while it is still alive to capture many pictures of yourself before releasing it back into the water.

Besides the sport fishing adventure, Murchison Falls National Park offers you the chance to go on other tourist activities including wildlife viewing tours, birdwatching excursions, and chimpanzee tracking to mention but a few.

Best time to go sport fishing in Uganda

Sport fishing in Uganda could be done throughout the year however, in sites such as Murchison Falls National Park, the dry season is ideal for a sport fishing tour. The dry seasons typically occur from December to February and June to August. During this time, the temperatures are mildly warm with minimal chances of rainfall compared to the wet seasons. The skies are usually clear, thus providing better views of wildlife species in the park.

However, sport fishing on Lake Victoria is suitable during the wet seasons, occurring from March to May and September to November. During this time, the Lake waters are relatively calmer compared to the dry seasons that come with high water waves.

What to pack on a sport fishing tour in Uganda?

To have a successful sport fishing tour in Uganda, the service providers will provide you with a sun canopy, life jacket, lures, basic first aid kit, fire extinguisher, cooler box, and others. However, you should also ensure to pack the following essentials.

• Fishing gear
• Lightweight colored clothes
• Sun cream
• Medication
• Camera
• Insect repellent
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket or raincoat
• Sandals
• Binoculars
• Insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle
• Toiletries
• Snacks