Fishing in Ethiopia

Conditions for sport fishing could hardly be better than they are in Ethiopia. Rivers and lakes are full of a wide variety of fishes some of extra ordinary size. Less than one hundredth of one percent of the country’s population is anglers. A typical day’s fishing may also include the bonus of seeing giant Crocodiles, families of Hippos, Pink Clouds of Flamingos, and exotic tropical fruits ripening on the trees near the water. Ethiopia boasts more than 200 species of freshwater fish including Nile Perch, immense Catfish, Tiger fish, and brown and rainbow trout. Anglers techniques that may be used include fly fishing thread line, spinning, bait fishing with float and lager free lining, and even trolling facilities however are limited. Those planning a trip need to be a self contained as possible. The largest of Ethiopia’s lakes, Lake Tana is one place to start a fishing safari, the lake shore enabling you to fish in comfort for the Barbus, Catfish and Tilapia as so numerous here. Tilapia and Barbus are the main species of fish in the beautiful rift valley lakes of Ziway and Langano. Further south in rift, Chamo and Abaya lakes near the town of Arba Minch also offer good fishing. The Baro River in the west of Ethiopia with access gained at the town of Gambela is noted for the giant size of Nile Perch and the great density of crocodile population as well.