Nile perch

Murchison Falls

Nile Perch Fishing Trip - Uganda

Nile Perch Paradise Murchison Falls

Your group trip begins with a flight from your home country to Addis Ababa, usually taking around seven hours. From there, you’ll catch a connecting flight to Entebbe, a journey of approximately two hours. On arrival, you’ll transfer to a small guesthouse on the outskirts of the city, where you can enjoy good food and cold drinks before turning in for the night.

The following morning, we’ll set off on the six-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park. You’ll travel through beautiful countryside and cross the equator before arriving at your safari camp in the afternoon. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable safari tents, shared by two guests, each with its own toilet and shower.

Spend the evening preparing your tackle or simply enjoying the magnificent views over the Nile, before rounding off the day with a delicious dinner.

The Fishing

A typical fishing day begins with a hearty breakfast at the lodge at around 5.30 am. You’ll be collected from the lodge’s jetty at 7.15 am for approximately eight hours of fishing. Two anglers share each small aluminium boat, with enough space for both to cast lures or fish with live bait – the main techniques used to target large Nile perch in Uganda.

Lure fishing is a rewarding option for those who enjoy an active approach. Using medium spinning rods and artificial lures, you’ll explore different spots along the river. Large paddle-tail soft plastics have proved particularly effective, while plugs and jerkbaits also produce good results.

Your stretch of the Nile offers a variety of areas to explore. The river winds through the landscape, creating slower sections along the way. Nile perch are usually found in fast-flowing water or deep pools frequented by hippos. These are the key fishing spots in the lower reaches of the river.

Fishing below the Murchison Falls

Other productive spots include backwaters with deep pools and grassy margins. These are ideal for jerkbaits and soft plastics, with a slow retrieve proving particularly effective.

The Nile offers plenty of fishing spots on the way upstream to the natural barrier of Murchison Falls. The powerful current below the falls makes fishing from a boat too dangerous. Water levels have risen significantly in recent years, leaving just one accessible stretch of bank for fishing below the falls.

The boats will drop you off downstream, and a short walk will take you to the fishing spots. Your guides will accompany you and help you land your catch.

Spin- & Bait Fishing for Nile Perch

Below the rapids, you can fish with artificial lures such as plugs and soft plastics, or use bottom rigs in the smaller eddies. Both methods have proved effective. Baitfish are also highly productive and can be fished on simple bottom rigs or, as described earlier, beneath balloons or floats at the remaining bank fishing spot. When bottom fishing, the bait is usually cast out from the boat.

Alongside Nile perch, baitfish can attract various catfish species, including vundu and other African river catfish found in the Nile. Awakas are used as bait, and you’ll need to catch these at the start of each fishing day using a light match rod and float. Small spinners and sabiki rigs also work well, with small herring rigs proving particularly productive in some areas.

Please bear in mind that catching baitfish can take time. There is no option to buy baitfish or catch them in advance, and nets are not permitted in the national park. You’ll therefore need to catch fresh bait each day with your guide’s help. Follow our baitfishing tackle recommendations closely to avoid unnecessary frustration.

Around midday, you’ll receive a delicious packed lunch to enjoy in the shade on the riverbank, below the falls or aboard the boat. Uganda can get very hot at this time of day, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C, so pace yourself while fishing.

You’ll return to the lodge between 3.00 and 4.00 pm. Afterwards, unwind with an ice-cold beer as you watch the sunset and take in the spectacular views over the Nile.

The departure

On your departure day, you’ll leave the lodge after breakfast for the six-hour journey directly to the airport. Depending on your schedule, there may be time to stop for lunch in Entebbe.

Your return flight departs at around 6.30 pm. As on the outward journey, you’ll fly via Addis Ababa, arriving at your home airport the following day.

Accommodation Uganda Fishing Trip

The accommodation

Murchison Falls

Murchison River Lodge

Murchison River Lodge sits on a hill with magnificent views over the Nile. The grounds are unfenced, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

The lodge offers several types of accommodation. During your trip, you’ll stay in covered safari tents, shared by two guests. Each tent has two single beds with mosquito nets and a private bathroom.

The tents have solar-powered lighting and USB charging points for phones, but no mains sockets. Cameras and other devices can be charged at the charging stations in the main lodge area.

The welcoming communal area has a bar and views over the Nile. All meals are served here.

Internet access is available only in the Pool Lounge, where you’ll also find a swimming pool, sun loungers, showers and toilets.

Catering

Meals: Full Board

Beverages: Water is provided during fishing, additional drinks can be paid on site according to consumption

Murchison Falls

Hemingways Camp

Hemingways Camp is set amid the spectacular scenery of Murchison Falls National Park in north-western Uganda.

Offering comfortable accommodation close to nature, the camp is an excellent base for your fishing trip. Its five spacious safari tents are comfortably furnished and provide plenty of privacy.

The main area features a restaurant, lounges and a terrace overlooking the Nile. A particular highlight is the elevated viewpoint above the river – the perfect place to enjoy an evening sundowner. The camp also has a small outdoor “Hippo Plunge Pool”, ideal for cooling off after a day’s fishing.

Meals & Drinks

Meals: Full board

Drinks: Drinks can be paid for locally according to consumption.

Entebbe

Papyrus Guest House

Papyrus Guest House is a stylish guesthouse conveniently located near the airport.

Each room has a private bathroom, two single beds with mosquito nets, and a terrace seating area where you can relax.

The guesthouse also has its own restaurant and offers free internet access.

Catering

Meals: breakfast included

Beverages: Drinks can be paid on site according to consumption

Your fishing boats in Uganda!

The Boats

During your stay in Uganda, you’ll have four aluminium boats at your disposal. Each boat has room for two anglers and ample engine power.

Boat Fishing

2 Anglers per boat

You’ll fish from one of four aluminium boats, each equipped with a powerful engine, an adjustable sun canopy and comfortable seats.

The boats are suitable for both lure fishing and bait fishing. Each also has a baitfish tank and a cool box.

Shore Fishing

Murchison Falls

In recent years, the water level in the Nile has risen by several metres, leaving just one accessible fishing spot below the falls. Landing fish here requires specialist tackle: PE10-rated popping rods, heavy-duty fixed-spool reels and 200 lb monofilament line are essential. Without this equipment, you’ll have little chance of landing your catch.

The boats moor downstream of the first eddies, so you’ll need to walk to the fishing spot below the falls. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

You need this fishing gear in Uganda!

Tackle Talk

For fishing in Uganda, you’ll need three types of rod: a medium-weight PE6–8 spinning rod for Nile perch, a PE8 popping rod for fishing with baitfish, and a light match rod for catching baitfish.

For lure fishing, bring soft plastics, plugs and jerkbaits. For natural bait fishing, you’ll need bottom weights, catfish floats, large circle hooks, single hooks and treble hooks.

You need these spinning lures for Nile perch!

Spinfishing for Nile Perch

A variety of lures work well when targeting Nile perch in Uganda. Large soft plastics rigged on heavy jig heads are particularly effective. Choose models measuring 16–25 cm, such as the Zeck Fishing Butcher and Rippler. The 7-inch and 8-inch Lunker City Shakers are also good options.

Both shallow-running and deep-diving plugs produce good results. The Rapala Super Shad Rap and similar plugs around 15 cm long are excellent choices.

The Halco Laser Pro 190 also works well in the strong currents below the falls. Bring plugs with diving depths of 2–6 metres.

Jerkbaits are particularly effective in the slower sections of the river. The Hybrida J1 Tropic is ideal for this.

Large spinnerbaits, such as the 45 g Westin Monster Vibe, are also worth trying.

How do I catch baitfish for Nile perch?

Catching Baitfish

To catch baitfish, you’ll need a match rod or a light spinning rod that isn’t too long. Float rigs, light split-shot rigs and herring paternoster rigs all work well.

Bring a selection of fixed floats, small gold hooks in various sizes, split shot, float stops and small swivels.

Bubble floats also work well. Compact float shapes are the best choice.

Herring paternoster rigs or nymph rigs with at least five or six flies or nymphs are essential. Keep the hooks small. These rigs have proved extremely effective and can significantly reduce the time spent catching baitfish.

The best lines and leaders for Nile perch fishing!

Leader & Main Line

For lure fishing for Nile perch, use leaders rated at 100–150 lb. Choose quality brands such as Fishermen, Varivas, Nomad or Climax. For natural bait fishing, either braided or monofilament leaders are suitable.

Your main line should be a high-performance PE braid. For lure fishing, use at least PE5 (50 lb), stepping up to a minimum of PE8 (80 lb) for natural bait fishing. Suitable options include Gosen Diver X8, Daiwa J-Braid X8, JB Line One and other high-performance braids.

Terminal Tackle

Hooks & Terminal Tackle

There’s no room for compromise when it comes to lure hooks. Please bring only BKK GT-Rex hooks in sizes suited to your lures.

Split rings and solid rings should have a minimum breaking strain of 220 lb. Owner solid rings in sizes #7.5–#9 and Owner Super Heavy Duty split rings in sizes #10–#11 are good choices.

We recommend Zeck screw-in jig heads weighing 28–45 g.

For natural bait fishing, use circle hooks in sizes 6/0–8/0. Mustad offers a range of suitable models. For treble hooks, choose BKK models in sizes 2/0–4/0.

Helpful tools for your fishing trip!

Other fishing equipment

We recommend bringing a good pair of split-ring pliers. The hPa Game Plier is a reliable choice, allowing you to open even heavy-duty split rings with ease.

A waterproof boat bag is also worth bringing. Zeck Fishing offers some excellent options, including the Tackle Container Pro and Tackle Container Pro Catfish.

As you’ll often be casting for several hours at a time, we recommend packing a good pair of gloves.

Uganda can get very hot, so bring UV-protective shirts, a sun hat and SPF 50 sunscreen. Our Expeditions UV shirts are available to order directly from us.

Good polarised sunglasses are essential for fishing. We recommend gloryfy unbreakable sunglasses, which combine polarised lenses with exceptionally durable frames.

Take a closer look at the gloryfy unbreakable range of polarised fishing sunglasses here: Polarized Sunglasses for Anglers!