Fishing trips in Murchison Falls National Park

Fishing trips in Murchison Falls National Park – fishing trips on the Nile River

Fishing trips in Murchison falls National Park – Fishing on the River Nile is always done at Murchison Falls National Park and it requires expert assistance to ensure both client safety in this adventurous destination, and the best opportunity for successful fishing adventure on the Nile. Some of you may be experienced enough to challenge the Nile with just hiring a boat and skipper but for most it is recommended to have an experienced fishing guide along to ensure the smooth running of your fishing activity.

Getting to Murchison falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is approximately 6 hours’ drive northwest from Entebbe, through Kampala (subject to traffic) with the majority of the roads before reaching the National Park being tarred. Within the National Park there are murrum roads. Our fully inclusive trips include private transport with a driver in 4 x 4 land cruiser vehicles which are comfortable and spacious, including room for fishing equipment.  Alternatively, internal flights which are always booked in advance can be used between Entebbe and Murchison Falls National Park if you are short on time.

Tradition fishing seasons in Uganda

The fishing trips in Murchison Falls National Park varies from year to year as to which are the most successful fishing months, but generally it is accepted that the drier months of the year have better fishing results. December to March and June to October are the months where we catch all year round it’s just that in these months there is less chance of rainfall. Thunderstorms occur randomly throughout the year. The beginning of the month of April to May rainy season is to be avoided. Contact Great Adventure Safaris about current situation before booking.

Fishing area and conditions

Sport Fishing at Murchison Falls National Park is generally conducted in the area at the base of the falls.  The fishing is either from the rocks on the bank of the river or slightly lower downstream in the pools from a boat.  Great Adventures Fishing Safaris access all fishing spots by boat to make your fishing adventure successful while out there.

The temperatures at Murchison Falls are high (sometimes over 40 degrees C) – especially at mid-day and anglers should be equipped with sun protection including sun tan lotion, hats and long sleeved shirts.  Tsetse flies also abound at certain times and we recommend long trousers as well as insect body spray repellent.

Methods of fishing and equipment

Fish caught on live bait casting lures include: Nile perch and various species of cat fish.  There are also a large variety of smaller species, (used as live bait), obtained by spinning including tiger fish.  We recommend a rod between 11feet (3 meters) and 8 feet (2.4 meters) together with a fixed spool or multiplier reel.  For the smaller species a 7 spinning rod with 5kg (10 lb.) line is adequate.

Reels – For Nile perch and catfish any reel fixed spool or multiplier with 30-35 lb. line (17kg) will do. It depends on personal preference and skill with a multiplier.  For tiger fish and smaller species any reel you can comfortably cast small spinners is suitable.

Half day fishing trips in Murchison falls National Park

This allows anglers to explore the Nile either in the mooring or in the afternoon in search of the world’s biggest fresh water fish.

What’s Included

Use of boat on the Nile with skipper/fishing guide services, fuel, lunch, drinking water, and use of fishing equipment with USD100- deposit fee per rod paid before departure (this is refunded less any breakages / damaged equipment).

What’s Excluded

National Park Entry Fees of USD40- per day, National Park Fishing permit of USD40- to USD50- per day, (depending on the number of days fishing) which are payable directly to the park.

Lost / Damaged Fishing Equipment

For all fishing trips we operate our fishing equipment used on the basis that if any of our equipment that is used and is lost, damaged or not returned to us at the end of the fishing period it needs to be paid for at our ruling rates.

What to pack for your fishing trips in Murchison falls

There are no shops in the National Park, all necessary supplies such as sun tan lotion, medications, cigarettes, spare batteries for electronic equipment and cameras, and mosquito spray must be brought with you.  We suggest that you bring as much sun protection as possible, hats, sunglasses, creams as it can be very hot. Hiking/safari boots are best for foot wear, especially for shore fishing from the steep, rough rocks.  Lightweight and light colored clothes for fishing are best as they are cooler and the tsetse flies are less attracted to them. Long sleeves and long trousers are best, but avoid blue/black dark colors where ever possible as these colors actually attract the tsetse flies. A light weight rain jacket and a sweater for the evenings is also recommended.

Optional Additional Excursions

Excursions for game drives, Nile river cruises and Chimpanzee trekking can be arranged in conjunction with the fishing.  These excursions at Murchison Falls National Park are not always included in the pricing quoted for you, but we would be happy to advise you should you be interested in further information. Should you wish to combine your fishing with visiting other areas of Uganda like Mountain Gorilla viewing then we can also assist you with arranging this sector of your safari as an additional service.