GOLIATH TIGERFISH

Latin name : Hydrocynus goliath

other names: Mbenga 

size : 150cm 120 lbs

igfa fly record : all vacant 

A myriad of scenarios can unfold when targeting Goliath in the Chinko River, from accurate casts with floating lines at rolling fish, to using sinking lines in deep pools, the opportunities seem boundless when floating down this breathtaking river with its clear waters. The Chinko River also offers the fly fisherman the unique opportunity to occasionally sight fish at the Goliath

Latin name : Lates niloticus

other names : Capitaine, Giwan rua, 

size : 200cm 400 lbs

igfa fly record : 110 lbs 

One of the most surprising discoveries in the Chinko was the flourishing population of Nile Perch that can grow to staggering size in this small system. These fish can be found laid up on sandbars, concentrated around baitballs and often attract the attention of nearby goliaths when hooked so always be ready. Their presence offers the opportunity of catching all of Africa’s great freshwater fish on one safari.

Latin name : Hydrocynus vittatus 

other names: njege,mcheno

size : 100 cm , 35 lbs

igfa fly record : 17 lbs

Common tigerfish are terrific adversaries on fly in the Chinko system. They are aggressive masters of their domain and sometimes they can be found smashing baitfish amongst the goliath or large specimens can remain hidden in tiny pools, ready to charge down a surface fly. Fishing for the common tigerfish can often reveal unsuspected locations of goliath tigerfish, these are unbelievable moments to experience.

Latin name : Chrysichthys cranchii

other names: Kamba

size : 250 cm 400 lbs?

igfa fly record : all vacant 

The Kamba is a real monster , comparible to the giant Mekong or Wels catfish, they grow to staggering sizes. Associated with deepest parts of the Congo it is surprising that they are present in the Chinko and visible at times cruising the edges of the deeper pools. This species has never been caught on fly... We think in Chinko it may be possible.   

Latin name : Heterobranchus longifilis

other names: kambale, 

size : 150 cm , 12 lbs

igfa fly record : 71 lbs

Vundu are fairly common in the Chinko and are  encountered resting on sandy bottoms where we sight fish for them or cruising along under the vegetation on the banks . Technique is key when targeting these fish and  it seems that they respond well to a well placed fly repeatedly splashed down in the correct spot . Landing these giants can be challenging and tackle failure is almost inevitable.  

Several species of yellowfish inhabit the river and they attain unprecedented sizes in the Chinko system. Commonly referred to as “river buffalos”, they have been known to take a well-presented fly but due to their sheer size, aerobatics and speed, none have been successfully landed in two expeditions of the Chinko River. This is just another undiscovered achievement that awaits the adventurous angler here. It is estimated that more than 120 species of fish inhabit this fisherman’s paradise and many of them await discovery on fly