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SPECIES

There are about 32 different fish species in Lake Nasser. Some are pretty astonishing like the Moonfish. You will be most interested in the Nile Perch and the Tiger Fish

Lake Nasser is the best destination in the world for Nile Perch, which only exist naturally in the African river systems and lakes. By comparison with other lakes in Africa, Lake Nasser is remote and sparsely populated; this isolation has allowed the lake to maintain an excellent quantity of big Nile Perch.

The Nile Perch is the largest freshwater fish in the world. The Guinness Book of Records lists an incredible 232kg Nile Perch caught by local fishermen on Lake Victoria. The largest reliable record of Nile Perch from Lake Nasser is a fish of 176kg (392lb). A few Nile Perch of over 100kg have been captured by anglers on Lake Nasser, our record is 108kg (238lb). Research shows that Nile Perch have a better chance of reaching record sizes in lakes rather than in river systems and there is every indication that there are massive fish still living in Lake Nasser. A magnificent fish, which resembles a giant black bass or a large Barramundi, the Nile Perch has pharaonic power and will test your equipment to the limits. Great attacks and violent head moves on the water surface are characteristic for this beautiful local fish specimen.

Nubian Jewelry and Boat Landing at Shellal, Lake Nasser, Aswan, Egypt Photographic Poster Print by Cindy Miller Hopkins, 42x56 - lake nasser dam

As for the Tiger Fish, it doesn’t reach such pharaonic proportions. However it is also very powerful and will surprise you by its acrobatic fight. Especially on light tackle a Tiger takes a lot of beating. Few fish have such a fierce fighting energy. Tiger Fish thrive in the lake and of the two species the most common is Hydrocynus Forskalli that grows to 7kg. Tiger Fish are related to the South American Piranha and just one look at their vicious teeth, leaves you in no doubt that they are savage predators.

Catfish also provide an exciting challenge. There are 18 species found in the lake, two of which are interesting for anglers: the Bagrus and more notably the legendary Vundu. If you hook a Vundu it will really give you an unforgettable fight. The local fishermen talk of specimens that have achieved weights of well over 100lb; the largest cat-fish we have caught to date is a 40kg Vundu and a 34kg Bagrus. Catfish can be caught while trolling, but you have a much better chance ledgering for them at night with dead or live bait on a single hook.

Finally, the famous Tilapia deserves to be mentioned. This fish is abundant in Lake Nasser. As small fish it is certainly one of the main food resources for the Nile Perch.

Dusk Descends on Abu Simbel with Lake Nasser in the Background Photographic Poster Print by O. Louis Mazzatenta, 18x24 - lake nasser dam

Lake Nasser has some of the best Perch fishing in the world and aside from terrific angling, the lake is a lovely place to visit. It's a magical wilderness of stunning desert scenery, bordered by the clean water of the lake, which is dotted with rocky islands, there is an atmosphere of tranquility, vastness and adventure; a wilderness where anglers literally have hundreds of square miles to themselves.

A fishing safari on Lake Nasser is as close to the real meaning of the world safari as you are likely to find in this day and age. A style of mobile camping that combines comfort with the incredible experience of being out in the real wildness. The weather is nearly always sunny and bright, the local residents are Bedouin camel and sheep herdsmen who can occasionally be seen grazing their flocks on the sparse vegetation at the edge of the lake.

Most anglers who visit the lake Nasser for the first time will catch the biggest fresh water fish of their lives.

Most camps are located on clear sandy beaches and where ever possible close to shore fishing areas. At Night in camp under the desert stars and you will more than likely hear various sounds of nature including frogs, crickets, owls etc.

Nubian Jewelry Vendor and Boat on the Banks of Lake Nasser, Aswan, Egypt Photographic Poster Print by Cindy Miller Hopkins, 36x48 - lake nasser dam

There are more than 100 species of birds that have been recorded and in most areas there are crocodile and monitor lizards as well as other types of wildlife.

Nile Perch

Nile Perch are the largest freshwater fish in the world. Research shows that the Perch have a better chance of reaching record sizes in Lakes than in river system.

Tiger Fish

Tiger fish are abundant in the lake and there are several species, the most common being Hydrocynus Forskalli which can grow to 16 Lb.

The size and strength of a Nile Perch is one thing but for sheer sport on light tackle a tiger fish takes a lot of beating. A tiger can leap clear of the water and throw your hook, break wire trace, rattle swivels to bits, and generally wreak havoc on tackle !

Tourist Boats Take Passengers to the Temple of Philae, Lake Nasser, Egypt, Aswan Photographic Poster Print by Cindy Miller Hopkins, 9x12 - lake nasser dam

There are 18 species of catfish in the lake of which two are of main interest; vendu and Bagrus. Cat fish can be caught whilst trolling but you have a much better chance ledgering for them at the night.

Catfish forage along the shoreline looking for food that has been washed up on the beach. When fishing at night you only need to cast the bait 2 to 3 meters from the shoreline, you don't need to cast out into deep water.