TIGER FISHING ON THE UPPER ZAMBEZI AND CHOBE RIVERS

For the last few years the upper Zambezi and Chobe rivers have had good floods and 2011 was no exception. After three successive good flood years, the expectation is for ever improving fishing and last last year saw a fish of close on 20 lbs taken not five minutes from "home".

In 2011  some impressive double-figure tigers were caught as well as the usual sprinkling of catfish and 'bream'. While most visitors focus almost entirely on tiger fish, on our Quests, not only did we latch on to some lovely double-figure vittatus but there were some good tussles with big sharptooth catfish, nembwe, thinface largemouths and in November a specimen 5 1/2 lb threespot tilapia. In most years, one would not be surprised to hook into a Pink bream ( formerly known as a pink Happy). 

EXPECTATIONS OF A SEASON

At Ichingo Chobe River Lodge which lies on Impalila island, where four countries meet - Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia - flyfishing for tigers generally begins in mid-May depending on the severity of the annual floods. June and July are certainly popular months with the floodplains fishing a major attraction but a variety of opportunities present themselves until the end of the year.

During the first three months of the year, the annual floodwaters allows a myriad of small baitfish to move on to and breed on the floodplains. Not only does this give the river opportunity to regenerate its fish population, but when the levels drop 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) which also take advantage of the minnow bounty.

 Next of the awaited events in this area (around August) are the congregations of catfish along the papyrus and grassy areas where their antics are also picked up by tiger fish. I like to search until I find a place of activity knowing that the tigers will be in attendance.

During the spring months and into the beginning of summer, the river levels continue to drop offering some fast fishing in all senses of the word. Into the bargain the nearby waters, such as the Kasai Channel, fish well conventionally.

All these events provide excellent opportunities to come to grips with tigers and, less known is the fact that the later months often produce some excellent specimens as well. In the past some fish in the 17 - 18 lb. range have been caught on fly in October, though November is, in fact, a very pleasant month in which to visit as an afternoon thundershower can cool down the day.

TIGER QUESTS FOR FLYFISHERS

Why not try going on a Tiger Quest at Ichingo with Malcolm Meintjes? These are ideal trips for groups of flyfishers varying from 4 - 10 in number. The big advantage is that on a trip of 4 - 5 days you don't have to invent the wheel when it comes to flyfishing for tigers. 

QUEST PLACES AVAILABLE!

There are two places available for a Tiger Quest taking place on the 11 - 15 July 2012. This is ideal for you if you cannot make up a Quest group of your own.

It is a peak time to be up on the Zambezi/Chobe as the chances of "floodplains fishing' and/or a 'barbel congregation is in vogue.

If you're keen to know more or are considering other Quest times that would suit you, please email us or click here for more information on the Tiger Quests

REFLECTIONS ON SOUTHERN AFRICA'S SMALLMOUTH YELLOW - A FIRST OUTING IN 1987

The Smallmouth yellowfish has become the darling of many South African flyfishers. A worthy fighter, happy to take a nymph by many diverse methods and achieving a good average size has made this species a highly sought-after adversary. read more on "Reflections"...

BOOK TITLE -

REMARKABLE FLYFISHING DESTINATIONS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA - R 265 (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.