The tigerfish is the reason anglers travel to the Zambezi: a fast, silver fish with a mouth full of teeth that hits a lure hard and jumps when hooked. The upper Zambezi, above Victoria Falls, is good water for it, and Zambezi Dusk arranges guided fishing trips with partner operators. Not every partner activity is included in the rate, so ask the lodge whether fishing is covered for your stay.
What tiger fishing is like
You fish from a boat with a guide, working the edges of islands, channels, rocky drop-offs and fast water where tigerfish hunt. Most fishing is spinning with lures or drifting baits; fly-fishing is possible, but tell the lodge in advance so the operator can plan for it.
Strikes are fast and violent. Tigerfish have hard, bony mouths, so many fish throw the hook on the first jump. Landing one is an achievement, and a guide who knows the water makes a big difference.
Expect bycatch too: bream species and other river fish, depending on season and method.
When to go
There is no single right answer, and local guides disagree. Broadly:
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| December to February | Fishing ban over breeding season, generally given as 1 December to 1 March |
| March to May | High water after the rains; fishing possible but harder |
| June to August | Clearing, dropping water; cool mornings; good fishing |
| September to November | Low, warm water; tigerfish feeding hard; very hot by October |
Rules on the closed season and how they apply to catch-and-release angling can change. The lodge will confirm what is allowed for your dates.
Catch and release
Sport fishing for tigerfish in Zambia is generally catch and release. Your guide will unhook the fish, take a quick photograph if you want one, and return it. Handle tigerfish with care: their teeth are sharp, and the guide will show you how to hold one.
Tackle
Operators usually supply rods, reels and lures, but check when you book. If you bring your own:
- a medium spinning rod with a reel loaded with braid;
- wire traces, because tigerfish teeth cut through ordinary line;
- strong, sharp hooks; trebles are often swapped for singles to protect the fish;
- polarised sunglasses for seeing into the water.
Bring a hat, a long-sleeved shirt and plenty of sunscreen. There is very little shade on a fishing boat.
Safety
The upper Zambezi has hippos and crocodiles. Fishing guides know where the hippo pods are and keep away from them. Don't wade, don't trail hands in the water, and follow your guide's instructions.
Who it suits
Tiger fishing works for experienced anglers chasing a new species, and for beginners who want a half day on the river with a different focus from a boat safari. It is a good activity for one or two members of a group while others go to Victoria Falls; see group stays.
Children can join with a parent if the operator agrees. Tell the lodge their ages.
A typical session
Most guided trips run for a morning or an afternoon, with the early and late hours usually the most productive. Your guide will move between spots rather than sit in one place: a tigerfish that doesn't take in the first few casts at a channel mouth often won't take at all. Expect a lot of casting, a few short, explosive takes, and long quiet stretches watching the river, which on the upper Zambezi is no hardship. Hippos grunt from the reeds, fish eagles call overhead, and elephants sometimes come down to drink on the islands in the dry months.
If you are keen, tell the lodge how much fishing you want across your stay. A morning on the water followed by the evening boat safari makes a full but easy day.
Cost
Fishing trips are priced by the operator and change with season and length of trip. The lodge will give you the current figure and confirm whether it is included in your stay.