Gone Fishing in Kenya

Fishing Sites in Kenya: A Complete Guide

In the recent decades fishing at Kenya’s lakes, rivers and big game fishing at the Indian Ocean has gained global interest, with an increasing number of visitors already running into thousands each year coming into the country primarily for a fishing holiday; with game drive in the National Parks thrown in as incidentals.

In the 1940’s, Fishing in Kenya grew exponentially and was such a resounding success that it was immediately followed by blossoming of fishing lodges in both parks in Central Kenya, at Mount Kenya and Aberdare National Parks, and at the system of lake along the Rift Valley like Lakes Turkana, Baringo and Naivasha. This continued into the 1960’s when mounting organizational leaps grew the sport along the Coast of Kenya. Then and now, it’s not at all rare to hear tales of Nile perch weighing over 200 pounds and humongous tigerfish caught in Kenya.

Lively brown and rainbow trout thrive in the high altitude streams which bisect the alpine moors and dense primeval forests. It is only until the 1950’s that the world became well aware that Kenya has some of the magnificent beaches and coastline in Africa. Much the same way, there was an increasing global interest in big-game fishing. Watamu is Kenya’s most popular game fishing destination and the waters off Malindi Marine Reserve are proper sailfish country where Ernest Hemingway pursued his choice sport in the 1930’s and popularized the sport.

Up until the 1980’s, big quantities of barracuda, yellowfin, dolphin, kingfish, sailfish, shark, wahoo and trevally were continuously caught.  Along the wall spaces within the lounge at Oceans Sports Watamu are mounted records of some of the biggest fish ever caught along Kenya’s coast to include a Black Marlin that weighed in at 342 kgs. The Indian Ocean is a haunt for angling giant marlin, mako shark, tunny, barracuda, and kingfish. Fishing in Kenya is a year round delight.

---

Fishing in Kenya is a popular activity, thanks to its abundant freshwater lakes, rivers, and the Indian Ocean coastline. Whether you’re into deep-sea fishing, freshwater angling, or simply exploring local fishing traditions, Kenya offers diverse opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Be sure to obtain necessary permits and licenses for fishing in national parks, reserves, or specific fishing areas.

Index of Fishing Camps Around Kenya



Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Embu County - Izaak Walton Inn, The Mzima Fishing Camp, Isiolo County - Bisanadi National Reserve, Kericho County - The Dimbolil Dam, Kirinyaga County - River Thiba Fishing Camp, Marsabit County - Lake Turkana, The Oasis Club, Meru County - Lake Rutundu, Lake Ellis, Mombasa County - Suli Suli Fishing, Bahari Beach Club, Muranga County - Kenya Fly Fishers (Southern Camp), Kimakia Tea Cottages, The Aberdare Cottages & Fishing Lodge, Nyeri County - Thego Fishing Camp, KWS Fishing Lodge, Naro Moru River Lodge, Trans Nzoia County - Kapolet Fishing Camp, Turkana County - Lake Turkana (Jade Sea), Turkana Oasis Club

Kenya Association of Sea Anglers

KASA is the governing body for saltwater sports fishing in Kenya and a member of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the world’s governing body for sport fishing. KASA is the angler’s voice with the Kenya Government on all issues affecting the sport including legislation and the environment. All fishing clubs and charter operators recommended are members of KASA: Charter boats are fully geared with safety gear and ship-to-shore radios tuned into the same network.

Fishing techniques are constantly being improved especially for deep sea fishing in the waters off Kenya’s coast, as emerging ideas are implemented and proven successful. Some twenty-two fishing competitions are held annually at various fishing clubs along the coast from October through March of which information can be obtained from Kenya Association of Sea Angling Clubs. Kenya’s coastal fishing grounds are very accessible through the services of capable and well-seasoned anglers, boatmen or guides who cater to beginners and professionals.

Kenya Fly Fishers’ Club

Kenya Fly Fishers’ Club (KFFC) began life as the Kenya Angling Association in 1919. It became KFFC in 1937. As such it is the oldest fishing club in Kenya and East Africa. It is a private members’ club for the amateur and expert fisherman. An elected committee directs the affairs of Club from Nairobi; dealing with river and camp management, river stocking and membership matters. The Club has over one hundred full members’ and also welcomes guests. It offers year-round fishing on some of East Africa’s best rivers. The fishing camps (northern and southern) provide a wonderfully relaxing getaway at a very affordable price. These are perfect weekend destinations for keen fly fishermen, ornithologists and their families. Anyone, in fact, who appreciates the slower pace of traditional life in Kenya. For further information get in touch at info@kenyaflyfishersclub.com

---