Fly Fishing in Tanzania

The Tiger

A Tiger fish is something out of a bad dream. Their jaws are equipped in a fashion superior to a barracuda, and their big forked tales and generally bad attitude make them supercharged for the initial strike and run. Add dodging crocodiles and avoiding the bad tempered hippos, and you have a real adventure on your hands.

You will fish our custom 1/0 to 4/0 flies with 250 to 350 grain sink tips. You can also fish intermediate and even floating lines in some sections of the river. The fish call for a 9 to 10 weight rod. Expect 10 to 20 grabs per day, and about one fifth of the fish hooked actually landed. Tigers have a nasty habit of holding their prey in their sufficiently large teeth until it is dead. Your fly is often simply held in the teeth, for as long as five minutes sometimes, and a solid hook up never occurs. A really hard strip strike is always in order. Expect the fish to range from 3 pounds (rats to the guides) to 25 pounds. Most will be in the 8 to 10 pound range. You will likely loose fish in excess of 25 pounds.

When the fish are on, the strikes are some of the most aggressive you will ever experience. Gloves or waterproof tape area a must.

This rivers have received very little fishing pressure over the centuries, and with our 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 20 pounds. Be prepared to have you fly fishing paradigms shifted!

Travel

Travel to Tanzania to Fly Fish for Tiger Fish

How to get there and get back:
For the American citizens, you will take an international flight from the U. S, connect somewhere in Europe or Africa, and arrive in Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania. United, American, and Emirates all provide reasonably good schedules and connections. Upon arrival a representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Dar.

You will stay one or two nights, depending on preference, at the Sea Breeze Resort and Hotel. This is an excellent facility located on the ocean. It has great views, a great pool, and good food.

The morning of your departure a representative will pick you up for a connection with a private charter. Cessna caravans are the plane of choice, and comfortably accommodate 8 anglers. The flight takes about two hours to arrive at Dhala Camp, where you will have lunch and start fishing. Expect elephants on the runway when you arrive.

On your return, you will depart Dhala Camp at about 11:30 AM. Most people take a red eye out of Dar that night, and a day room can be arranged for you at the Sea Breeze. You always have the option to stay over in Dar. All accommodations are arranged for you in advance.

Accommodations

You will split your stay in Tanzania between two camps, allowing 3 days of fishing on each river. The overland transfer between camps is quite an adventure.

Dhala Camps (Mnyera River):

Dhala Camp, comprised of 4 wooden fishing cabins and a central thatched mess and lounge area, is the base for your stay on the Mnyera River. The camp consists of 4 cabins with twin or double configurations. All cabins have a view overlooking the river. All cabins are en suite, offering a shower and toilet. Fall asleep to the sound of a rasping leopard, and wake up with the rising sun and splashes of feeding tiger fish, all in the privacy of your cabin.

Samaki Camp (Ruhudji River):

This rustic bush camp is your base on the Ruhudji River. It too is erected each season and is the smaller sister of Dhalla Camp. Its location on the banks of the Ruhudji River allows access to these productive waters. Samaki camp comprises of traditional Safari tents, all en suite, with twin or double configurations. The mess area is situated in the shade of the riverside forest, although most meals are enjoyed alfresco, under the stars on a beautiful sandbank in front of the camp. Samaki camp has no electricity.

Meals are enjoyed in the main central camp area under the thatched roof overlooking the river. This area contains a small library, lounges, and electric points for charging cameras and laptops, and a comprehensive fly tying station.

Next: Fishing Day