Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is a top spot for sport fishing in Uganda. Sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park(Murchison Falls Conservation Area) is quite rewarding for anglers with great opportunities to land on a large Nile Perch or catfish. Other fish species that can be found include tiger fish, electric catfish, and tilapia.

The record largest Nile perch ever caught in Murchison was 113 kgs landed at the water gauge opposite the crocodile pool and the largest catfish was 45 kgs landed near the Nyamusika cliffs.

Sportfishing is generally conducted in the area at the base of the Murchison Falls (Murchison Falls Conservation Area). Fishing is either from the rocks on the bank of the river or slightly lower downstream in the pools from a boat.

Fishing in Murchison

Experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides are available to lead anglers to the best fishing spots. To go sport fishing in Murchison Falls National Park a person must purchase a fishing permit. Permits can be purchased either for a day or a single permit for four days. A one-day permit costs US$ 50 and the four-day permit costs US$ 150.

Fishing in Murchison requires expert assistance to ensure the safety of the client and have the best opportunities for a successful fishing trip. Fishing can be done all year round, however, the drier months of the year reward with better fishing results.

These are the months of December to March and June to October. Temperatures are usually high during the afternoon and therefore anglers are advised to carry suntan lotion, hats, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and insect repellent to protect from tsetse flies.

Fishing equipment that is recommended includes a rod between 11 feet (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 a 5 kg (10 lb) line is adequate. It is strongly recommended that if possible, anglers bring their own equipment.

Sport Fishing in Murchison Falls National Park

About Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is a perfect Uganda safari park popularly visited by many visitors each year because it’s very accessible from the country’s capital – Kampala. The park is crossed by the Nile River that forms the mighty Murchison Falls. The falls and the wildlife in the park, make it such an interesting place to tour.

The park is home to the African big four which include Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions, and Elephants. The Rhino that completes the big five can be seen in the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on your way to tour Murchison Falls National Park.

The park is part of the Murchison Falls Conservation area which is also home to the popular Murchison Falls from which it borrows its name. There are 76 mammal species, including giraffes, elephants, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, oribi, jackals, and many more that can be seen in the park. The list of birds counts 450 species making it a good Uganda birding safari spot.

Activities in Murchison Falls National Park

The park wouldn’t ever be popular if it didn’t have what to see and do there. Some of the activities in Murchison Falls National Park include a Launch trip from Paraa along the river Nile up to the Murchison Falls (17 km); a hike to “top of the falls”, to see closer from the top the spectacular Murchison Falls;

Game drives North of river Nile and at Lake Albert Delta (Buligi, Albert and Queen’s tracks); Sportfishing (Nile Perch and tiger fish), on the river Nile above and below the Fall; bird watching and chimpanzee tracking in the adjacent Budongo forest.

A launch trip or boat cruise

A launch trip or boat cruise is such a perfect way to experience the Nile River. The boat cruise takes off from Paraa jetty to the bottom of the mighty falls. The trip takes about 2 hours and during this time you can see several wildlife species quenching their thirst at the shores of the river.

You can also see several bird species and hear the sound of the roaring falls. For birders, the Delta cruise is such a perfect way to spot several bird species. A boat cruise can be undertaken as a group or book a private boat for your excursion.

Game drives

Game drives are the best way of seeing wildlife. A game drive is perfect on an open roof safari vehicle that offers an all-round view of the park. During the game drive, you can see several wildlife species up close and take as many photos as you can. Depending on your schedule, you can take a morning or evening game drive through the trucks of the park.

Hike to the top of Murchison Falls

Hike to the top of Murchison Falls is the best activity to experience the flow of the Nile River through the 7-meter gorge. The hike starts from below the falls after the boat cruise and lasts about 1 hour. The walk takes you high up where the river squeezes through the 7 meter gorge with perfect photography options.

Adjacent to the park is the Budongo forest where you can have a chimpanzee trekking experience. This place is also good for bird watching. On a tour to Murchison Falls National Park, you can add in a visit to Budongo forest for a chimp tracking experience. Other top tracking activities in the country include Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.