Okavango Catfish Run Report – Botswana 2009

Targeting tiger fish in the Okavango River over the annual catfish run, once again proved to be a truly unique fly fishing experience. 2009 produced slightly larger fish on average compared to the 2008 season, but due to the higher than average waters, actual catfish runs of less intensity. In response to this, our guides shift their focus from chasing runs to settling down and fishing productive waters if a run was not with in comfortable distance, or a run failed to produce quality fish.

The combination of fishing the runs and productive looking waters definitely paid off, and we experienced excellent all round fly fishing for the duration of the season. Nembwe and thin faced large mouth were also big on the cards of 2009 guests as our guides implemented tactics fine tuned over the past 4 seasons.

Fly camping on remote islands was a hit with all who were adventurous enough to take up the offer. One memorable morning saw two clients woken at 5am by one of the biggest runs of the season passing meters from our fly camp. Landing 4 tigers over 10lb before morning tea, has to one of the finest ways to start a day’s tiger fishing imaginable.

The 2009 floods resulted in above average spawning grounds. The increased biomass this produces results in a bumper year post floods. This bodes extremely well for 2010. We are looking forward to an excellent 2010 season- Keith Clover, Operations Manager

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