Fishing for tiger fish

fishing for tiger fish: After Marty’s 24lb fish last week, camp was buzzing. Could anything top that? The answer came quickly.

We welcomed a new group of eight anglers to the Kilombero Valley, split between the Ruhudji and the Mnyera Rivers. Both rivers delivered from the start, but the Mnyera in particular was on fire. Fish were bumped, jumped, and landed throughout the week, with plenty in the 8–14lb range keeping everyone hooked. For anyone fishing for tiger fish, this was exactly the kind of week you hope for — full of energy, anticipation, and big-fish potential.

The Ruhudji Rat Packs

The Ruhudji, meanwhile, showed its own personality. Schools of smaller fish gathered tight to structure, attacking flies with ferocity. The 2–5lb fish came thick and fast, but patience often revealed something much bigger lurking below. A few anglers managed to pull double-digit tigers from beneath the chaos, including one beautiful 17lb specimen — living proof of how healthy this system remains.

Two Rivers, Two Personalities

With the season now in full swing, the contrast between the two rivers has become clear. The Mnyera is deeper, stronger, and darker — the river where trophies hide. The Ruhudji changes constantly, building sandbars, creating new channels, and forcing anglers to adapt. Fishing both in a single trip gives guests the best of both worlds and shows just how diverse fishing for tiger fish in Tanzania can be.

Elephants on Elephants

The Kilombero Valley always delivers more than just fish. This week brought an eland sighting beside the road and several elephant encounters along the riverbanks. Sharing water with these giants never loses its impact — it’s a reminder of just how wild and unspoiled these places are.

Fish of a Lifetime – Part Two

Then came the moment that will be remembered for years. On his third morning on the Mnyera, Ron was taking a relaxed walk through the rapids, letting his friend Matilda fish ahead. When he reached a narrow cut, he made a single cast — and everything changed.

The take was savage. The reel overran, the drag slipped, and the fish tore off. With guide Ryan quickly sorting the mess, Ron somehow held firm, guiding the fish around a reed island before finally bringing it to hand.

When the scale settled at 26lb, everyone knew they had witnessed something special. A true fish of a lifetime, caught on fly and landed from the bank. From that point on, Ron earned his camp nickname — “One Cast Ronnie.”

Another Unforgettable Week

Between the fish, wildlife, and fireside stories, it was another incredible week in the valley. Congratulations to Ron and the rest of the group for an unforgettable stretch of fishing for tiger fish in one of Africa’s wildest and most rewarding destinations.

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