The Okavango River is most famous for its spectacular flooding of the desert in Northern Botswana, and in doing so, forming the only inland delta in the world, the Okavango Delta. From a fishing perspective it is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest tiger fishing destinations. The bream fishing during certain times of the year is also fabulous.

The tiger fishing season here runs from September to early November, when flood waters recede off the surrounding plains into the main Okavango River. It is over these times that the Catfish begin to school and large shoals work to flush out the mounting concentrations of baitfish from the papyrus riverbanks - A phenomenon known as the annual Catfish Run. The catfish run triggers a frantic tigerfish bite as aggressively feeding fish gorge themselves on fleeing bait fish. Birds, crocodiles and even snakes join in on the feeding frenzy; a spectacle in its own right and aptly compared to the Wildebeest migration, only in water!

Flyfishing with black whistlers and black and red clousers around the Catfish runs, as well as in the vicinity of drop offs and junctions prove most successful during this time. Fishing with live baits (circle hooks only) has a tremendously high strike rate over this period.

For your enjoyment, Tourette Fishing has pioneered a unique mobile approach to fish the catfish run, and in doing so allows our guests to fish remote reaches of the river in comfort and safety. Fly camping on a deserted palm tree island is a magical experience and highly recommended to all who fish this emerald wilderness. For more info go to: Okavango Catfish Run Tiger Safari, or Contact us

For anglers looking to up their species count a bream and pike fishing safari deep into the heart of the Okavango Swamps is a must. This mobile-type safari takes anglers and family though some of Africa’s wildest habitats to fish intimate rivers and lagoons in the heart of big five country. These crystal waters, filtered through hundreds of kilometers of desert sand, are home to a variety of bream including nembwe, thin face large mouth, three spot bream, humpbacked large mouth, red breasted bream and African pike amongst many. Please contact us for details on this unique option.