Lake Nasser Fishing

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Lake Nasser Fishing

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Lake Nasser Fishing fishing lake nasser

[الامبراطور - عين دالة]

Lake Nasser - Nile Perch Tagging Program

by Dave Huckle

From October 2000, we have been tagging Nile perch caught from Lake Nasser. Here Dave Huckle, the program's initiator gives details.

Why are we tagging Nile perch?

The program has been developed to give us a better understanding of Nile perch in terms of growth rates, movement, seasonal migrations etc. The previous catch-and-release policy ensured the preservation of fish stocks but did not provide any way of monitoring the fish. The tagged fish now has a unique ‘identity’ rather than just being ‘an 80-pounder’, for instance, that swims off and may, or may not, be caught again.

How does the program work?
The program is restricted to fish of 75lb and above. (We simply couldn’t afford to tag every fish caught!)

When a fish is tagged the details are entered into a database which records the vital statistics of the fish, the location and method of capture and the angler.

This information can be used to produce a variety of reports which will not only give anglers valuable feedback on catch rates and fishing methods but will also provide valuable scientific data.

How are the fish tagged?

Each fishing boat carries a tagging stick and a set of individually numbered tags.

The tags are made of hygroscopic nylon, originally developed for use in artificial organs and joints in humans. The nylon encourages tissue bonding, thus avoiding the problem of tag shedding seen in the early billfish tagging programs.

The African Angler guide in each boat has been trained to tag perch without damaging them. The tag is inserted at an angle of 40-45 degrees (facing backwards) under a scale. It should be placed below the dorsal fin (but not so low as to hit the backbone). The tagging stick is designed to penetrate to a maximum depth of 1.75 inches and is simply pushed swiftly into the side of the fish, given a twist to lock the tag and removed. The whole process takes just seconds.

What information is recorded?

Every guide will have a supply of tagging forms. It is vital that all sections are completed. It is vital that all sections are completed. If we don’t have complete data, we can’t give anglers any feedback!

All we need is the tag number, the fish’s weight, length and girth (measured around the ‘hump’) and the lure type and color used – plus date, time and location of capture. To establish the location each skipper has a map of the lake. You can either use the map to establish the grid reference, or simply mark the place on the map with the tag number. Any additional points that anglers feel may be relevant can be entered in the ‘Comments’ box.

What about recaptures?

You don’t need to tag out or re-tag! Simply record the tag number and mark the recapture box. Record all other data as per usual. It’s quite sad but we’ll probably get very excited about recaptures and may even have a bit of a party….

What will we do with the data?

From the angler’s perspective, we’ll use the data to produce reports for the African Angler newsletter. You’ll be able to see if your tagged fish are recaptured and, hopefully, we’ll have more of an insight into what they get up to in the depths of the lake.

Footnote: Dave Huckle would like to thank Dave Bird, also the UK Shark Tagging Program (www.ukshark.co.uk), whose organizers, Sue and Jeri Drake, provided invaluable help and advice towards setting up the Lake Nasser Nile Perch program.

[الامبراطور - عين دالة]

Is Summer or Winter Best?

by Tim Baily

I nearly had second thoughts about publishing this chart showing fish caught per angler over the different months of the year. I thought it might create the wrong impression: that fishing on Lake Nasser is only good during the winter season, from October through to January.

The thing to keep very much in mind, however, is that the chart only shows Nile perch over 75lb. Lake Nasser has an exceptionally large head of smaller fish, which provide very good sport throughout the year, with very frequent captures of fish in the 20-40lb bracket.

(Most newcomers laugh in surprise at my referring to a 20- or 40-pounder as a ‘smaller’ fish, because the vast majority of freshwater anglers are normally delighted if they catch a fish of even ten pounds. But, as old hands know well, Nasser is hardly your average lake.)

What all this means is that you have to get Lake Nasser into perspective and decide what it is you really want out of your safari. If your are preoccupied with size of fish then, yes, winter is probably the time to come – but keep in mind that this season has its negatives.

First, there is a much bigger chance that you might be holed up for two or three days losing valuable fishing time, with a strong wind making it impossible to reach the areas where the perch can be caught. Also, the shore fishing is well below average. During winter, generally speaking, the Nile perch are lying much deeper in the water than they do in summer, which makes it more difficult to reach them from the shore. And, finally, there are fewer of those ‘smaller’ fish in evidence.

From what we can gather, the reason for the predominance of bigger fish during the winter months is the fact that the large females are on a big feed, building up their energy and eggs prior to spawning in late January and February, much the same as the European perch do.

So what about summer? Well, if you are looking for exceptional all-round sport, with plenty of fish from 20lb up, then the time to come is between March and
July. That’s not to say that are no big fish moving at this time, though – Darren Lord caught his 210lb 50lb-line-class world record in June.

In summer, also, the shore fishing is exceptional. If you are lucky you will find hotspots where you will capture ‘smaller’ Nile perch one after another from the same area – anything from ten to 15 fish in one session. This is because, as already mentioned, the Nile perch are in much shallower water at this time. There seem to be two reasons for this. Over this period the Tilapia niloticus, one of the perch’s principal prey species, are getting ready to spawn, then spawning, then in late May and into June, protecting their young. (Tilapia build nests close to shore and are mouth brooders.) The other reason is that the young Nile perch fingerlings have put on some weight by this time. Because perch are cannibals, this is an additional food source close to the shoreline.

At this time trolling can be very rewarding – working the shallower water and then from time to time looking for bigger fish in deeper water. (In summer the big fish tend to be more spread out, feeding over a larger area, which makes them a bit more difficult to locate. Hence covering ground can pay off.)

So where does this leave us? Speaking personally, if I only had one choice, my preference would be the summer months, from March to July. While it is very
exciting catching huge fish, I expect I have caught enough of them and maybe I am now a bit jaded. My new interest is fly-fishing and catching a 20- or 30-
pounder on a fly rod in summer beats hauling in a monster with heavy tackle from a pitching boat in what I consider cold weather. I was born and raised in Africa and love the feel of the hot sun on my back. Also I am much more interested in hunting fig fish from the shore than in trolling. With shore fishing it’s a contest between you and the fish – not the boat, the guide and you hauling away with a heavy rod. It’s summer that provides by far the best opportunities for shore fishing.

Although we have had an exceptionally good year during 1999 we do not intend to become complacent. We have to keep ahead of a changing situation.

Nile perch, especially the big ones, are much more clever than one might think – they get big by being smart. We are starting to notice that, in several areas where we used to catch a lot of fish, they are starting to wise up. We know that they are still there because we can see them from shore, but as soon as they see a lure they fade into the depths – whereas, before, they used to trip over themselves to reach the lure.

The same is true of trolling. The big ones still show on the fish-finder but in some places are hesitant to take a lure. There is, however, plenty we can do to solve these problems.

For a start, we are putting a lot of emphasis on increasing the training level of our guides and developing new techniques.

The Nubian guides who work for the African Angler have been carefully selected for what I call their ‘hunting instinct’. They also have to have a real interest in the sport. Each guide goes through a training period of approximately one year before he is allowed to take a boat out on his own. Even if I say so myself we have a first-class team. However, all of us have a lot to learn about new techniques. For example, where the Nile perch are getting used to lures we have to learn
effective live- and dead bait methods.

Another important task is to explore the lake in more detail. We have 2,000 square miles and a potentially huge number of undiscovered hotspots.

To help me with the improved training program Dave Huckle is joining the African Angler for a few months during summer 2000. Dave is a passionate Nile perch angler who has traveled extensively through Africa, fishing a host of different areas for Nile perch. He is also researching a book about Nile perch. With Dave’s help I feel we will make some good progress with the training program.

[الامبراطور - عين دالة]

Lake Nasser Fishing


As the worlds largest man-made lake, Lake Nasser is approximately 310 miles in length (1550 square miles) and, in places, can reach a depth of 600 feet. The lake was created in the 1960s when the world famous High Dam was built. Together with the old Aswan Dam (built by the British between 1898 and 1902) it provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt. It is named for Gamal Abdel Nasser, president of Egypt from 1956-1970. The southern third of the lake is in Sudan and is called Lake Nubia. The lake is 312 miles (480 meters) long and covers an area of 2026 square miles (5,248 km2). It has a maximum depth of 426.5 ft (130 m) but its mean depth is 82.6 ft (25.2 m). The Egyptian portion is 202 miles (324 km) long and has a shoreline of 4,875 miles (7,844 km). Part of the area Lake Nasser covers today was once the site of the temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II around 1200 B.C. The temple was moved but other sites of historical significance was submerged. Thirty-two species of fish, as well as Nile River crocodiles, are found in the lake. 80,000 tons of fish a year are caught.

The shoreline is a variety of desert landscapes, hilly and rugged, or flat and sandy with clean freshwater beaches.

The lake is remote and thinly populated by peasant fishermen, the local residents are Bedouin camel and sheep herdsmen who are occasionally seen grazing their flocks on the sparse vegetation at the edge of the lake.

There are an impressive variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded: Wild duck, Egyptian geese, pelicans, herons, egrets and various species of hawks, kites, falcons and eagles will be among the birds seen. In most areas there are crocodile and monitor lizards, other types of wildlife include Dorcas gazelle, jackals, desert fox, and various smaller desert mammals.
Lake Nasser is a place where a small group of anglers have literally hundreds of square miles to themselves.

Lake Nasser has arguably the best freshwater fishing in the world for both Nile perch and Tiger Fish. There are also several species of catfish; the legendary giant Vundu being the biggest. Two species of Tilapia also inhabit the lake and give a good account of themselves on a fly rod. All told there are some thirty two species of fish in the lake.

[الامبراطور - عين دالة]

Nasser Then and Now
By Bob Kimber


It’s March 2000 and I have just completed my tenth Lake Nasser safari, so obviously I am something of an addict. I was lucky enough to be on one of the original ‘Reconnaissance Safaris’ put together by Tim Baily, and from that point on I have developed a passion for the lake unsurpassed by any of the other ‘exotic’ locations I have been fortunate enough to fish. In fact it would be true to say that Nasser has formed a major part of my life for the past seven years. I have countless wonderful memories of life on safari and have forged some great friendships – I even met my wife on the return flight after one trip. Tim Baily really has a lot to answer for.

So how has it changed over the years? Well the lake itself has changed a little of course, although the level has risen steadily over that time. Even at its seasonal low it is now well above areas where you could once stand and fish. Yes, this huge lake is actually getting even bigger.

But other things never change: the magic of just being in such a wilderness, the magnificent sunsets, sleeping under the awesome desert sky, and of course Tim’s jokes. (Hands up to all those who have heard him tell the one about the ships of the desert.)

There has been a real change, though, in the African Angler itself. Formerly known as the Sport Fishing Club of Egypt, this organization has progressed in leaps and bounds. Taking a look at trips one and ten is probably the best way I can illustrate this.

Safari one found myself and four friends at a slipway close to the High Dam. We had made the journey from Luxor by road, an interesting experience but not one I was eager to repeat on a regular basis. Waiting for us were two boats, and the most polite way to describe them would be ‘functional’. These were to serve not only for fishing purposes but also as our mobile camp. Everything had to crammed on board, so as you can image space was at a premium. We duly set off: two boats stuffed to the gunnels with equipment, food, fuel, three Nubians, Tim Baily – plus five anglers and all their gear.

The fishing turned out to be very hard. I believe it would have been a difficult week regardless of our knowledge at the time, but our tactics and lure selection certainly did not help the situation. The trolling was exclusively done hard against the shoreline, and we were very unselective in the areas we tried, the only criteria being that they appeared rocky and deep – that’s a lot of shoreline on Nasser. Sometimes we would troll endless stretches for what seemed like hours with little or nothing to show for our efforts. During all this, the guides were enthusiastic and excellent at handling the boats but had not at this stage developed the feel for finding fish. Tim, too, was very frustrated by the poor results but did not then have the resources to improve things. This is not meant as criticism, Nasser is a vast area with major seasonal changes in water temperature and level. Getting to grips with it was going to be a huge undertaking.

Meanwhile our shore fishing was attempted in much the same areas as the trolling, and we did catch greater numbers of fish – but the average size was very small. We also had limited success from the shore with small tigers. In fact, it was while using a small spoon intended for tiger that my friend Terry hooked and lost a perch of around 45lb, easily the biggest we hooked from shore all week.

The biggest actually caught on the trip was 57lb and luckily enough fell to my rod. It was taken on a trolled Yo-Zuri Formurat, a deep diver about the same shape and size as a Big S. (Depth Raiders were still to be discovered and we made little use of Rapalas or Russelures.)

Although our methods now seem a little crude, they did represent progress over an even earlier safari. They had apparently spent several days trolling in open shallow weedy areas. It seems funny now, but at the time who knew any better?

One thing we did quickly discover were the difficulties presented by our fishing boats doubling as supply boats. Moving camp, which we did regularly, entailed a great deal of loading and unloading during valuable fishing time. Needless to say, this was more than a little frustrating.

Early days: a typical camp, 'functional' boats... and some fish

Life in camp, though, was great fun, dinner being one of the undoubted highlights every day. The food was prepared by our Nubian chef in a small field kitchen set up on the shore, basically a couple of gas rings and a grill. Using these limited facilities and working alone he prepared dinner for everyone – all things considered, quite a feat. Dinner was served with us seated on a tarpaulin on the ground (the luxury of chairs had not yet arrived) with lighting provided by the traditional safari Hurricane Lamp purring in the background.

Sleeping options were boat or shore. For the shore a mattress was taken from the boat and laid directly on the ground, which obviously left you at the mercy of scorpions. Not surprisingly, we mostly opted for the boat, although I think we all tried the shore at some stage. So with five anglers and three Nubians, the boat did get a little crowded. Tim always slept on the shore. It was wonderful drifting off to sleep with the desert sounds broken only by Tim's unbelievable snoring...

March 2000 now, and I have been ferried to the lake from Aswan's smart new airport in air-conditioned comfort, my transfers in Luxor having been handled by Abercrombie & Kent. There to greet me is Tim, who has decided to take time out and join me for the week.

From a land owned by the African Angler at the edge of the lake, we step aboard an enormous barge that Tim has recently purchased. He plans to convert it into a floating lodge but currently it is being used as a pontoon to moor the boats which are not already out on safari. The African Angler now own all their own boats: a fleet consisting of ten fishing boats and four supply boats. Tim proudly shows me the new boat that we are ready to use for the week. Like all the boats, it has been specifically designed and built for the job. The accommodation is excellent, having comfortable twin beds with plenty of space to maneuver between them and bags of room for all your kit underneath. The deck is spacious and clear of any obstructions, with a rail round the outside enabling you to walk right around the boat - so no more gymnastics required whilst playing fish. A permanent rod rack is standard and this latest version has forward steering complete with integral fish-finder. Long-range fuel tanks mean an end to all those stops to siphon fuel (often practised in the past with a cigarette dangling from the lips). And in the evenings you can sort your gear using electric lights, the battery being charged during the day by the outboard. We are also to be accompanied by one of the large supply boats. This not only transports all the food, fuel and equipment but also has a fully fitted kitchen and dining area.

Purpose-built fishing boats are a major advance on the old days

Out on the lake, owing to some high winds, the fishing was not at its best. If this is sounding familiar, it has to be said that this is not typical of my trips - on occasions during the intervening years I've experienced some truly spectacular fishing. Sometimes, though, its fun to have to work at it. It's a good test of just how much has been learnt over the years.

We hardly trolled the shoreline at all. Instead we concentrated on offshore marks which often appeared to be in the middle of nowhere. Beneath the surface, however, they had all the features likely to appeal to big fish. (The fish-finder is now of paramount importance.) Often we would troll extremely intricate lines, searching for the right spot. On occasions we would try a more stealthy approach: cutting the engine and anchoring or drifting, casting lures from the boat. This strategy has proved very successful.

The shore fishing was very selective. There are of course now plenty of known hotspots but Tim and his guides have also developed a sixth sense for new areas that are likely to produce. It would be true to say that at some of the heavily fished areas the fish have become wise to conventional techniques. However, using a stealthy approach and something they have not seen before still brought us some success. We did particularly well with wobbled dead tiger fish, which we had previously caught using a fly rod and small trout patterns. (Catching the bait was fun in itself.) Overall we certainly did not hammer the fish, but with the knowledge of Tim and the guides, and by working at it, we caught our share. Better hook-holds would have given us a couple of 'biggies'. We also found some prolific areas for tigers, taking fish close to double figures on lures and others six or seven pounds on an eight-weight fly rod, great sport.

The crew were superb, great company and taking a real pride in their work. I have noticed lately that a real sense of team spirit has developed within everyone associated with the African Angler. At the end of a full day's fishing we would be treated to a splendid three-course dinner served at the dining table on the supply boat, usually accompanied by one or two ice-cold beers. Then, after a comfortable night's sleep (only disturbed by Bailey's snoring, no change there I'm afraid) we would wake to a cup of tea or coffee freshly prepared. (On some of my earlier trips I can recall making the coffee myself just to try and coax the crew out of bed in the morning!) Finally, heading back to Aswan on the last day, I had the same thought I've had at this point on all nine previous occasions: When can I do it again?

Reflecting on my ten safaris, it's clear that the progress made by Tim and his team is remarkable, particularly if you know some of the red tape and major obstacles that have been encountered along the way. For me, all the refinements that have been made so far are for the better - but the safaris still maintain the charm and magic of the early days. I hope this never changes.