tigerfish in africa

Tanzania Tigerfish

These ferocious predators have no equal in freshwater. Their strike is ultra-violent and every non-stop, finger-blistering battle is punctuated by a breathtaking display of gravity-defying leaps.

DDISCOVERY OF the Mnyera and Ruhudji river systems in Tanzania a decade ago was nothing less than a milestone in our sport when one considers that, in the previous half-century fly fisherman had been targeting tigerfish, no twenty-pound fish had ever been landed. Then eight of them over twenty were landed in as many days on the Mnyera! The Fly Shop’s well-established outfitter and travel partner,

African Waters pioneered the angling in this part of East Africa.

They discovered the potential of these two magnificent fisheries, then teamed up with the hunting operator who holds the exclusive concession to this massive Tanzania jungle wilderness. Unlike other famous tiger fisheries, this outfitter is allowed to strictly limit river traffic and enforce year-round anti-poaching regulations. The result is that during each of the ten years since these two river camps were developed, every aspect of the operation, and the fishing, has continued to improve. Guests enjoy spacious, traditional, safari-type tent camps with ensuite bathrooms, daily laundry, fine meals, and a staff:guest ratio that virtually guarantees personal attention and the great service that has become the hallmark of African Waters. The Fly Shop’s angling travel team has visited this fabulous fishery several times in the last three years and has completely vetted the operation. Hands down, it is not only the best tigerfishing Africa has to offer, but the destination truly rates as one of the world’s finest and most unique angling experiences. Because both fisheries are loaded with a startling population of huge, freshwater crocodiles, there is very little wading done on either the Mnyera and Ruhudji rivers except in their clear, shallow headwaters. Most angling is done from the safe confines of comfortable, shallow-draft Jon boats, perfectly suited for these rivers. Fly fishermen tempt these toothy savages with streamers or poppers tossed toward cutbanks or structure where the fierce predators might lie in ambush. Fish range in size from 5 to 25 pounds. Most of the largest fish are lost, because these critters don’t just look ferocious, they battle like no other fish found in fresh water, combining aerobatics with blistering runs that peel a full fly line off the deck in seconds. The place has all the sights and experiences you might expect in the African bush. Hippos and herds of buffalo and elephant are common in the area, as well as a host of plains game species including puku, warthog, hartebeest, zebra, eland, bushbuck, and the occasional sighting of lions and leopards. The amount of bird life is exceptional with many rare and endemic species sighted in the area.

“My first big tigerfish burned through the leather on my Sun Glove, the tape on both stripping fingers, and nearly cut me to the bone.” Justin Milller - Mnyera, 9/15/19

THE TIME TO BE THERE IS during any of the weeks from August thru mid-November, when the annual dry season causes the water temperatures to rise, the clarity to improve, the baitfish population to explode, and tigerfish to go berserk. The short season is timed to ensure predictably good weather, and is limited to only eight weekly guests. It is a strict catch-and-release operation with a well-managed system that keeps each of the beats fresh and provides season-long, non-stop action.

This East African angling safari is a walk on what is unquestionably the wildest side of fly fishing! Tigerfish in the near – clear headwaters of these two, broad, shallow rivers share the riverine landscape with savage crocodiles and chubby hippos, but no one else!

african waters tanzania tigerfishing The Fly Shop® couldn’t give this action-packed trip a higher recommendation. The journey begins and ends with overnights in Dar es Salaam, adding 2 days to the length of the trip. Airport/hotel transfers and round-trip charter flights to the camps are included. International air fare, hotel overnights in the city, and Tanzania’s $100 visa are not part of the package. Four of the eight fly fishermen in each group spend half the week (three full days) at each of the two, equally well-equipped, fully staffed, river camps. They exchange locations mid-week, joining up the last night at the larger (Mnyera) camp, before returning on the the final morning’s two hour charter flight on to Dar es Salaam. s 7 night - 6 day package $10,850 includes Dar es Salaam charter flights

African Waters photos