TIGER FISHING ON THE UPPER ZAMBEZI

How time flies! Here we are in 2010 with one eye on the World Cup and the other on the weather. For the last few years the upper Zambezi has had good floods and this year is no exception. The expectation is that a good flood heralds a better season

Last year (2009) was a good year in which some impressive tigers were caught as well as the usual sprinkling. of other species. Not only did we latch on to some lovely double-figure tigers, but also some specimen nembwe and, later in the season Pink bream ( formerly known as Pink Happies). Surprise of the year was a lovely Threespot tilapia in the fast water near the rapids ( where we very seldom find them).

A TIGER SEASON IN SUMMARY

At Impalila island, where four countries meet - Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia - flyfishing for tigers may begin as early as in mid-May depending on the severity of the annual floods. June and July are certainly popular months for good reason but a variety of opportunities present themselves until the end of the year in this area.

During the first quarter of each year, the importance of an ample annual flood allows the small baitfish to move on to and breed on the floodplains. Not only does this give the river time regenerate its fish population, but when the water drops and the minnows trickle off the floodplains and back into the main river, the tigers are there waiting and have plenty to feed on. This 'floodplains' fishing continues into July. Also worth spending time pursuing are the lovely nembwe (olive bream).

Next of the awaited events (around August) are the congregations of catfish along the papyrus and grass banks where their antics are also picked up by tiger fish. Home in on the catfish and the tigers will be close by.

During the spring months and into the beginning of summer the river levels will continue to drop and at Impalila the Mambova rapids come more into play offering some fast fishing. Into the bargain the nearby waters, such as the Kasai Channel, fish well conventionally.

All these events provide good opportunites for coming to grips with tigers on a visit and the later months often produce some excellent specimens as well. In the past couple of seasons some fish in the 17 - 18 lb. range have been caught on fly in October, though November should not be neglected.

FOR VISITORS TO SOUTHERN AFRICA

Not sure of what you'd like to experience on your trip to Southern Africa. Here's a summary of some flyfishing opportunities to consider. Flyfishing for Visitors

  FLY TYING THROUGH THE "GUILD"

Have you tried the gentle and time-consuming art of fly tying.One such resource is the Transvaal Fly Tyers Guild

TIGER QUESTS FOR FLYFISHERS

Tiger Quests are ideal for small groups of flyfishers wishing to accelerate their success on the upper Zambezi - a pretty formidable Southern African river. The acknowledged season is June - October and Malcolm hosts the group, offers insight into where to go and techniques to use, but otherwise it's really informal and no different to any outing with friends.

For the past two years the Quests have been held at lovely, comfortable Impalila Island Lodge, which is about 70 kms upriver of the Victoria Falls and easily accessed from Livingstone, Kasane and Vic Falls itself.

The lodge is situated in the middle of some excellent water. Not only 30 - 40 kilometres of the Zambezi beckons, but also unrestricted access to the Kasai channel, the Chobe river and the Mambova rapids.

It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or not. In 2008 the biggest fish was landed by an angler who only picked up a fly rod at the beginning of the trip and a good proportion of the bigger tigers were landed by newcomer flyfishers. While every angler hopes to tangle with a monster, the 2 - 4 pounders deserve a great deal of respect as the tiger is one of the - if not the - hardest freshwater fighter around.

Catching a tiger fish on fly is a flyfishing dream for many anglers! And then, of course, there is the nembwe - the olive bream - and a number of other angling species including the Sharptooth catfish.

The requirements for a Quest are for a minimum of 4 anglers to stay for a period of 3 nights or more. That means, if time is an issue, a Friday to a Monday trip can be a plan to consider.

If you're keen to know more for your friends, clients or family, please email or click here for more information on the Tiger Quests

BOOK TITLE -

REMARKABLE FLYFISHING DESTINATIONS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA - R180 (includes local packaging and postage)

This is the latest in the flyfishing titles by Malcolm Meintjes. Read up on wonderful flyfishing destinations within Southern Africa that will capture your imagination, both in freshwater and the salt. An A3 size book with superb photographs to illustrate each chapter. Also includes relevant techniques for trout, yellowfish and tiger fish amongst others.

Published by Struik

This exciting site reveals more of this continent's jewels, and offers insight into many popular fly-taking species such as tiger fish, Nile perch, tilapia as well as bass and trout.

More Flyfishing Links

Trout fishing and accommodation at Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga

More wild rainbow and brown trout fishing near Underberg in the beautiful waters of Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve

Tiger fishing on the Zambezi

Dreamcast trips

International Links