Lake fly caught record 67lbs - Jonathan BoultonTaking on Nile Perch with a fly rod is a new and exciting challenge; very few fly fishermen have had the opportunity to target this huge predator.
Lake Nasser provides the best opportunity for fly caught trophy Nile perch, mainly due to the lake waters clear visibility and the ability to ‘sight fish’. The most effective method is walking, over desert terrain made up of loose sandstone, casting large flies, sinking lines on heavy rods, often with limited back-cast. Alternatively, each of our live aboard fishing boats is teamed up with a smaller boat called Stealth Boats which are ideal mobile casting platforms.
On Lake Nasser Nile perch are traditionally caught trolling or casting lures from the shoreline; at depth. However in the early northern hemisphere spring the perch start moving into the shallows to feed on spawning tilapia, where they can be more easily targeted by the fly rodder.
Nile perch can grow to a massive size, the Lake Nasser record, approved by the IGFA, is a perch of 230lbs caught on an African Angler safari. The largest caught on one of our safaris was 6'2" long and had a girth of 4'11" Gerald Eastmure, a 78-year-old veteran angler landed this huge Nile perch. The lakes fly caught record, captured by Jonathan Boulton in May 2010, is 67lb which we feel will be broken again soon. Fly fishermen are likely to catch the largest freshwater fish of their life, or at the very least have the opportunity to do so!
An added bonus while fly fishing on Lake Nasser is the abundance of Tiger fish; although they are smaller than Nile perch, they can grow to 16lb on the lake with an average size of 2/4 pounds, size for size Tiger fish are some of the hardest fighting fresh water fish there are.
…. we hooked and lost fish of over 60 pounds and saw cruising fish up to 150! Fly fishing for them is not easy, the fishing is the toughest and most extreme I have done. However it is by far the most exhilarating fishing I have ever experienced, much of it is spotting cruising or hanging fish, some blind casting but almost all the takes are seen so visually mind-blowing stuff. The sight of a 50 pound plus inhaling your fly from under a ledge at your feet with your leader in the rod guides will not leave you in a hurry.”
... clear visibility and the ability to sight fish
Jonathan Boulton BSc Zoology. REFFIS. Director - Mavungana Flyfishing Consultants
Safari Options
Lake Nasser, one of the biggest manmade lakes in the world, is situated on the Nile south of Aswan in the middle of the largest and driest deserts on our planet. It is a stunningly beautiful area the clean water contrasting dramatically with the stark desert environment creating an atmosphere of tranquillity, vastness and adventure. The only way to reach the best fishing areas is to join a boat safari.
Safari units are made up of a fleet of 3 or 4 live aboard fishing boats, each with an experienced English speaking Nubian fishing guide. You spend the day fishing in a vast expanse of water; over 5,250sq km of flooded Nile Valley! Fishing boats meet at lunch and in the evening with a mother ship where meals and cold drinks are enjoyed along with shower and toilet facilities.
Each night a different campsite is chosen usually a quite bay with stunning sand dunes and cliff vistas; close to fishing areas you can walk to. Each fishing boat has a shaded cabin with two berths where anglers sleep. Lighting in the cabin is available and mosquitoes do not exist on the lake!
Click on appropriate heading in left navigation panel for more information about…. Safari Crew, Safari Units or Life on Safari
Click here to download a very informative article “Quest for Nile Perch”
Choice of Three Different Types of Safari
Over 5,250sq km of flooded Nile Valley!
Nile Perch Fly Fishing Safari
This safari is designed for anglers who would like to join in the atmosphere of a sociable camp with other anglers.
Single anglers are welcome, we will try to find a suitable partner for you to fish with; if we are not successful you will have the fishing boat for your own use.
For details about this safari click the Nile Perch Fly Fishing Safari heading in the left navigation panel.
Private Fly Fishing Safari
Charter a boat safari unit for your own personal use, offering a degree of independence many anglers prefer. This safari is perfect for two people or a small group of friends who would like to set out and explore the lake, at their own pace, on a private fishing adventure that has few equals anywhere.
A private safari consists of one or more fishing boats supported by a mother ship. This safari can start or end on any day of the year and last for as long as is required (minimum charter 2 nights and 3 days) which is ideal for fishermen who would like to have the flexibility of deciding how long they want to stay on a fishing safari.
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Safari Unit, Mother Ship, Stealth Boat and Fishing Boatsor details about this safari click the Private Fly Fishing Safari heading in the left navigation panel.
Escorted Fly Fishing Safaris 2012
These Safaris are hosted by internationally experienced South African guide Jonathan Boulton. Jono has considerable experience fly fishing for Nile perch; the summer 2012 safari will be Jono's fifth visit to Lake Nasser in as many years.
The advantage of these escorted safaris is having a professional western fly fishing guide with you who has had previous knowledge of Lake Nasser and in depth experience about the best methods of targeting Nile perch and Tiger fish with a fly rod. Also, Jonathan Boulton owns South Africa’s largest specialized Fly Fishing store which will be an excellent contact for making sure you have the correct flies and equipment. Mavungana Flyfishing Consultants at http://www.flyfishing.co.za
Dates for escorted safaris in 2012
Start Date: Sunday 15th April End Date: Monday 23rd April
Start Date: Sunday 22nd April End Date: Monday 30th April
Contact
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for the itinerary and cost of escorted fly fishing safaris.
Target Species
Nile perch are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world readily accessible to anglers. R
A nice brace of 12 pounder Nile perchesearch shows they have a better chance of reaching record sizes in lakes rather than in river systems and there is every indication that there are still massive fish still living in Lake Nasser. The International Game Fishing Association has ratified three world records captured on African Angler safaris.
All tackle world record 230lb on 20lb line class
World record 213lb on 30lb line class
World record 210lb on 50lb line class
The standing fly caught record on Lake Nasser is 67lb.
Hooking and landing big Nile perch with a fly is difficult, you will see them and they will tantalize you but the average size fish you can expect to hook up and land with a fly rod will be anything from 2lb up to say 25lbs. The opportunity is there for huge fish but you have to work hard to catch them or strike it lucky.
Tiger Fish abound in the lake and can grow to 16lb. One look at this elegant fish leaves you in no doubt that it is a savage predator. For sheer sport on a fly rod they take a lot of beating. Not only is it a beautiful fish, but its ferocious elegance will excite any angler’s adrenaline. Size for size, fewer fish will give the fly fisher such a fierce fight.
Catfish: There are 18 species of Catfish in the lake; two species are of interest, Vundu and Bagrus.
Catfish are definitely worth targeting using conventional tackle; if you do hook a big ‘cat’ it 
For sheer sport Tiger fish take a lot of beatingwill give you an unforgettable fight. A good size Vundu is in the 50 to 60 pound bracket average is between 15 & 20 pounds. We have caught Bagrus catfish up to 70 pounds on Lake Nasser. Catfish are caught by ledgering for them at night while in camp; you will need a strong boat rod and a good reel with at least 50/80lb braid.
Best Time of the Year?
March to July: From about mid March through to the end of July the Nile perch can be found in shallow water because Tilapia, their principal prey, are spawning and then a huge population of Tilapia fry start growing up. This takes place in water between 10 to 20 feet which makes it a good time for fly-fishing.
August & September: These months are the height of the Egyptian summer and temperatures are high. The fishing is still good if you can cope with the heat.
October to January: The Lake is at its highest flood level and the Nile perch are more commonly found in deeper water; fly fishing is more difficult because you have to get down to the fish which tend to be lying in deeper water between 20 to 50 feet.
Tackle Advice: Refer to the heading in the left navigation panel Tackle Advice and see the fly fishing section on this page.
Safari Units
Dinner, drinks and war storiesMother Ships: A well organized mother ship is an essential part of a comfortable safari unit. All are fitted with a built-in kitchen, dining area and large industrial iceboxes to keep drinks cold. There is plenty of space to relax on the sun deck and each unit also has a toilet & shower. The mother ships carry the safari equipment, provisions, fuel, cook helpers etc; leaving the fishing boats free to spend a maximum amount of time fishing. Most people are pleasantly surprised at the standard of food on safari. The style of cooking is a blend of western taste merged with Nubian cuisine, which is superb, so if you are planning on losing weight then think again! With approximately one member of staff per person, there is little to do except relax and enjoy your holiday. This style of camping is comfortable but still maintains the adventurous atmosphere of being out in the wilds. The mother ship carries a satellite telephone which can be used by clients if required
Fishing Boats: The fishing boats are built by the African Angler in Aswan and are designed for tough work in remote areas. Each of our eleven fishing boats are fitted with long-range fuel tanks, a 12v lighting system, a fish-finder, scales up to 220lb. and plenty of storage area for your equipment.
The fishing boats have on board sleeping facilities with two bunks that have full-sized single mattress. At night the cabin can be enclosed by canvas, providing a cosy sheltered sleeping area.
All fly fishing units include a fishing boat plus a stealth boatFishing boats do not have an on board toilet and shower, these facilities are provided for on the mother ship.
Fishing boats are divided into two sections, cabin and living area and then the fishing decks. The bow deck and stern decks provide ideal casting or trolling platforms and there is also an all round deck in case a quick manoeuvre is needed when that big fish takes a dive under the boat.
Stealth Boats: Stealth Boat is the name we have given to our alternative fishing platforms which can fish areas more quietly and efficiently than is possible from our larger fishing boats. Whilst our bigger boats are also excellent fishing platform a stealth boat has the advantage of being smaller and less obtrusive. They can be quietly drifted or rowed over underwater promontories or past rocky drop-offs, allowing anglers to cast or troll without the commotion caused by a bigger boat. They are also fast and can reach new fishing areas much quicker than the bigger fishing boats. Stealth Boats are powered by a 30HP engine and are designed for fishing. They accommodate two anglers, are skippered by an experienced fishing guide and can easily be towed behind your fishing boat.
