Tanzania – Trophy Tiger Fish

THE FISHING

Operating now for less than a decade, the fisheries of the Mnyera and Ruhudji River in South Western Tanzania have fast built a reputation as one of the finest Tigerfish fisheries in Africa, particuallry for those anglers looking to target big Tiger Fish over 15 pounds. The trophy Tiger Fish that call these rivers home, provide unparalleled tiger fishing opportunities. The Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers are widely regarded as THE destination to target tiger fish in the 10 – 25lb range.

MNYERA RIVER

Guests have access to 40km of fishable waters on the Mnyera River. The Mnyera River changes character quickly over it fishable length. From rapids and pools in heavily wooded riverine forests on the upper reaches, the structure rich mid sections courtesy of centuries of erosion and fallen trees, to the deep “outside bends” and clay banks of the lower reaches. The Mnyera, with its incredibly diverse river structure is a veritable tigerfish haven and one that all guests visiting this amazing river will appreciate fishing the Mnyera River. Kilombero North Safari’s Dhalla Camp is your base when fishing the Mnyera River.

RUHUDJI RIVER

Situated in the neighbouring catchment (one valley south of the Mnyera) is this remote river with a charm and attraction that is hard to explain. Guests fishing the Ruhudji River have access to 80km of fishable water. The river is quite different from the Mnyera. It is a shallower river, with long sections of sand banks followed by deep outside bends and pools in the lower reaches. The river changes in its upper reaches to a narrow deep river, bordered by steep banks and heavily wooded forests as it enters the “gorge area”. Kilombero North Safari’s Samaki Camp is your base when fishing the Ruhudji River.

The majority of the fishing is done off the drift, on both rivers. Much of the attention when fishing for Tigers on these rivers is focused on the river structure which comprises fallen timber, long sand banks, steep drop-off’s and rocky outcrops. When conditions dictate, the guides also make use of sand anchors and tying up to structure mid-stream to focus attention on a specific stretch of water.

These two rivers have received very little fishing pressure over the centuries, and with the controlled fly fishing venture, will continue to do so. The system is also extremely rich in bait fish (predominantly red finned barbs). The combination of these factors has resulted in this population of tiger fish obtaining otherwise unheard of sizes. Trophy fish in this system are measured above 15lbs.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

All fishing is done off 18 ft aluminium boats. These boats have been chosen for their application and are ideal for fishing the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers. All boats are fitted with 15- 25 HP motors. Each boat caters for two anglers and their guide, as well as a coxswain. Boats have ample storage areas and seating for three people. All boats are equipped with first aid equipment.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly to the Julius Nyerere International airport, located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Friday before your fishing week begins. There is an early morning charter flight, Saturday, you will take from Dar es Salaam to Camp, roughly an hour and forty-five minutes. Once landed you will be greeted by the head guide, transferred to camp, and briefed on your weeks stay.

Slipstream is a full-service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2024

7 nights with 6 days guided fishing   $11,400 USD DBL

Price includes the $1,750 USD per person domestic flights within Tanzania