Ethiopia is a huge and largely undiscovered recreational fishing destination. There are 153 rivers and 22 lakes in Ethiopia most of which have fish targetable for recreational anglers. This insight will highlight the best fishing spots in Ethiopia.
Table of Contents
Factors that contribute to the best fishing spots in Ethiopia
With so many waterbodies to choose from, its difficult to know where to go and what to target. There are several factors which contribute to how good a fishing spot is and these factors are somewhat unique to Ethiopia.
- Fish species & fishing methods
- Accessibility
- Challenges
- Overfishing
- Safety
- Quality of fishing
What makes a good fishing spot in Ethiopia?
- Fish species and fishing methods – Certain water bodies offer novelty target species like: Nile Perch, big Catfish, endemic Barbs, Tigerfish, Rainbow Trout. You can target these species using traditional methods, bait/live-bait, trolling, flyfishing, artificial lure fishing or any method you prefer.
- Accessibility – Some spots are hard to reach either because they are very remote, the logistics to get there are very complicated or there could also be instability in the region. It is often that the best fishing spots are not very easily accessible as the more remote you go the more wild the fishing. On the flip side, it can sometimes be impossible to reach certain spots due to logistical challenges often brought on by instability between rival groups
- Challenges – Ongoing conflict in Ethiopia often makes reaching certain spots impossible due to safety issues or lack of availibility of resources (boats, boatmen, fuel etc.) to make fishing possible. The wildlife in and around bodies of water in Ethiopia pose challenges to safety (hippos and crocodiles) and fishing (lure and live bait stealing fish eagles). You should bring your own equipment for your preferred method as there are no fishing shops in Ethiopia – read more about the challenges of fishing in Ethiopia.
- Overfishing – Some river spots and lakes have been pressured by unsustainable fishing practices like gill netting. This has affected the fish stocks. There is not a big local or export market for fish so even in these areas, there are still lots of good fish to be caught.
- Safety – There are many threats to safety from wildlife to rebels and bugs. Fishing in certain spots can become too dangerous at times.
Top 5 fishing spots
1. Baro River
The Baro River forms defines part of Ethiopian border with South Sudan. There are plenty of large trophy fish that feed mostly during the night time.
Location – Western Ethiopia in the Gambela Region
Fish species – Nile Perch, Tigerfish, Catfish, Barbs
Fishing methods – Trolling, shore fishing, flyfishing
2. Omo River & Turkana Delta
On the border between Kenya and Ethiopia in the south, the Omo River runs into Lake Turkana forming the Omo Delta. There is an abundance of fish life.
Location – South Ethiopia in the SNNP Region
Fish species – Nile Perch, Tigerfish, Catfish, Barbs
Fishing methods – Trolling, shore fishing, flyfishing
3. Lake Chamo
With monster fish swimming around deep, there are also many smaller size fish in the shallows making for amazing flyfishing and shore fishing opportunities.
Location – South Ethiopia in the SNNP Region
Fish species – Nile Perch, Tigerfish, Catfish, Barbs
Fishing methods – Trolling, shore fishing, flyfishing
4. Bale Mountain Streams (Flyfishing Only)
The “Ethiopian Highlands” serves as a home for Rainbow Trout which were introduced by sport fishermen from Kenya years ago. There is not a more unique place to flyfish for trout.
Location – Central Ethiopia in the Oromia Region
Fish species – Rainbow Trout
Fishing methods – Flyfishing only
5. Lake Tana
Lake Tana is the source of the Nile River. There are over 20 endemic Barb species to target (especially awesome to target on fly). At night you can catch catfish from your lodge’s jetty.
Location – North Western Ethiopia in the Amhara Region
Fish species – Catfish, Barbs
Fishing methods – Shore fishing, boat fishing, flyfishing
How to go fishing in Ethiopia
Now that you have read about the top 5 best fishing spots in Ethiopia, you might be interested in going fishing.
The best way to discover fishing in Ethiopia is to organise a trip with a Fishing Ethiopia Guide. Depending on the accessibility at the time of your visit and your preferred target species and fishing methods, there are many great fishing spots to choose including some not on this list. Most of the spots are located relatively close to a local airport where flights from Addis Ababa are affordable and logistics fairly manageable. Fishing trips on the Baro and Omo Rivers are for more adventurous anglers who love hard to reach places and don’t mind simple camping and very basic resources.
