Fly Fishing in Kenya
Trout rivers and lakes of Kenya - Guide
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images (c) Cheli & Peacock
We have chosen some of the best places for trout fishing in Kenya and given you a brief description of each of them.
Northern and Southern Mathioyas
Two superb rivers located just outside the Aberdare National Park. Set in a major tea growing area they both have splendid backdrops of the Aberdare Mountain Range. Surrounded by lovely verdant hills these rivers are a pleasure to fish. Although fast flowing in places, they both have plenty of deep pools. Neither is a big river but that does not mean all the fish are small. The rivers are lined with beautiful trees and an array of colourful shrubs and wild flowers. The paths that follow the rivers are good. Water is normally very clear and there is plenty of room for casting making the rivers quite easy to fish. The access road is rough but four wheel drive is not essential.
Best months to fish: January, February, and July to October and December.
Altitude: 6,500 ft Species: Rainbow and Brown Average size: 8 to 10 ounce
Malewa
A wide, deep river set in a gorge in the Great Rift Valley. Sourced by the Aberdare Mountain Range, the water can be a little murky but the fishing is good. Access to the river is not easy, as the banks are high and the vegetation thick making it a difficult river to approach. Some hippo inhabit the swirling pools of the river and the surrounding acacia forest abounds with Sykes monkeys and many species of birds. The access road is rough but a four-wheel drive vehicle is not essential.
Best months to fish: January, February and March.
Altitude: 6,800 ft Species: Rainbow Average size: 1 pound
Thiririka
This is a small and slow moving river set in the most stunning tropical forest in which elephant, buffalo, bushbuck, Colobus monkeys and hundreds of species of birds reside. Although very difficult to fish it is extremely peaceful. The river does contain a lot of fallen trees (thanks to elephant) meaning that extra leader and flies are essential. The access road is not in good shape and a four-wheel drive vehicle is essential.
Best months to fish: January to March and July to December.
Altitude: 7,500 ft Species: Rainbow Average size: 12 ounces
Chania, Karura and Gikururu
Trout fishing in the Aberdare National Park is very popular, especially high up on the mist-covered moors. Rivers found here are relatively small, as are the fish. They are however wild trout and fight extremely well. The Chania River is especially good for brown trout. A short rod is an advantage as casting is difficult. A ranger is a good idea as we are in a National Park. Coupled with superb views of enormous cascading waterfalls and beautiful scenery these rivers allow the fisherman to enjoy what Kenya really has to offer. The access road is well maintained by park authorities, but during the rainy season a four-wheel vehicle is necessary.
Best months to fish: All year round.
Altitude: 10,000 ft Species: Rainbow and Brown Average size: 6 to 8 ounces
Sirimon, Burguret, Kizita, Rupingazi, Naro Moru, Liki, Nanyuki and Thego
These rivers are all located on the slopes of Mount Kenya. Running through a variety of vegetation from afro-alpine moorland to dense tropical forest the scenery is beautiful. The rivers are narrow with crystal clear water making your approach of vital importance as the fish will spot you immediately and dart away. Although rarely stocked, the rivers have plenty of small fish offering the fisherman a fun day of fishing. Casting is difficult and access to the rivers in certain areas is impossible. The access roads are rough and a four-wheel vehicle is needed.
Best months to fish: January to March and July to December.
Altitude: 8,000 ft Species: Rainbow and Brown Average size: 6 to 8 ounces
Lake Rutundu
On the tranquil slopes of Mount Kenya, just outside the National Park and north east of the main peaks, lies Lake Rutundu. This is a most stunning mountain tarn with crystal clear water, which provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Fishing from the shore is difficult, but the three casting platforms ease the problem. A small rowing boat is also available. The lake is very deep which allows fish of well over two pounds to be caught on a regular basis. This, coupled with superb scenery and extensive views across endless African landscape, creates nothing less than a fisherman’s haven. The access road is extremely rough making flying the only option.
Best months to fish: January to March and September to December.
Altitude: 10,000 ft Species: Rainbow Average size: 2 pounds
Lake Alice
Slightly higher up the mountain, just inside the National Park, we find Lake Alice. Another beautiful mountain tarn stocked with trout and recognised as the one of the best places for trout fishing in Kenya. Surrounded by exotic vegetation, such as the enormous senecio and giant lobelia, this is an ideal location to enjoy a perfect days fishing. The walk from Lake Rutundu is tiring but the spectacular views and knowledge that an elusive large trout possibly awaits you keeps your mind preoccupied. The lake has neither a casting platform nor a boat making the fishing that bit more of a challenge.
Best months to fish: January to March and September to December.
Altitude: 12,000 ft Species: Rainbow Average size: 2 to 3 pounds
Dimbolil
Located in Kericho, a small agricultural service town and heart of western Kenya’s tea plantation area, this dam provides superb trout fishing. Set within a tea estate the rolling hills are all a bright green. In the indigenous forest fringing the dam a huge variety of birdlife coexists with troops of red tailed and Colobus monkeys. The dam is full of trout with the larger fish weighing over six pounds. It is not possible to fish from the edge due to the weeds but there are four boats and one casting platform if you are tired of rowing! The access road is very well looked after and a four-wheel drive vehicle is not needed.
Best months to fish: January to April.
Altitude: 7,000 ft Species: Rainbow Average size: 2 pounds
(Guide copyright Andy Campbell and Extreme Safari and may not be reproduced without permission).
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