Tanzania offers one of the finest fisheries left on the planet – Tigerfishing on the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers.  This is the place if you’re looking to catch a big Tigerfish on the fly.  The season runs from August to November (15 weeks) each year, with a maximum of 8 rods per week (4 rods per river). 

The early part of the season is good for big fish with less numbers and late season in better for more fish with a decrease in average size. Early season the water levels are higher and guests can expect to hook around 10 fish per day.  During the later part of the season, water levels are lower and warmer, and this attract more small male fish into the system from floodplains downstream, accounting for the increase in smaller fish in the system.  During this time, clients will expect to hook up to 20 or so fish per day.

The strikes are violent and when a Tigerfish hits your fly, she’s moving at top speed.  Due to the voracity, strength, and size of these fish, a 50% hook up to landed fish ratio is considered doing well.  Tigersfish will actually hold the fly in their jaws for an entire fight, unhooked, only to open their mouth at the boat and spit the fly.  Similar to Tarpon fishing, it’s all about the take, the acrobatic jumps, and the fight. 

The past 2 seasons on the Mnyera and Ruhudji were superb: 578 fish landed between 10 and 20 lbs and 31 fish breaking the magical 20lb mark.  To put this in perspective, a trophy Tigerfish from any other river would be 12 pounds.  On the Mnyera and Ruhudji, the average fish is between 8 – 12 lbs. 

The cost for 7-nights / 6-days fishing is USD $6,750 per person person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily.

20 lb Tigerfish? I’d be smiling too!

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