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The Lower Zambezi from a
fly fishing perspective for Tigers fishes best before the rains arrive
in December. Peak period for fly-fishing is considered to be from
beginning of September to end November. The main reasons being the
increase in water clarity and temperature, whilst the water levels
show a decline. These changes result in increased Tigerfish
activity.
Recommended equipment comprises a 7 to 9wt rod with
matching reel and fast sinking line to get your fly down in the current.
The reel should be capable of holding at least 100 yards of 10 -12lb
backing. Terminal tackle will usually consist of a 6ft leader of
15 - 18lb fluoro with a 6 - 8cm piano wire trace in size #2 or #3
attaching the fly to the leader. For fishing shallow sections an
intermediate line will prove useful.
Tigerfish patterns that work well in the are are Clousers
and Whistlers. Productive colors include black, grey and black,
olive and grey, red and black and chartreuse. In the upper reaches
of Cahora Bassa Dam, a distinct preference for blue and white flies are
shown.
Mpata
Gorge is a stretch of water of particular interest to fly-fisherman in
so far as it has numerous water types and structures in a relatively
small stretch of river. Mpata Gorge has sections of fast flowing water
over and around rocks, eddies, whirl pools, small rapids, sheer rock
faces dropping in the water and has sections along its banks where back
waters have built up substantial sand banks. In fact Mpata Gorge has
been described as challenging, yet in fish size and quantities as a most
rewarding section of the Zambezi River for Tigerfish along its entire
length. |
