By Scotty Kyle

Situated on the south-west coast of Africa, Namibia is generally “off the beaten track” in terms of international tourism but, with wide-open spaces, a relatively small population, unique National Parks and excellent infrastructure, it fits the definition of “best-kept secret”. The country is very dry, with extensive deserts and rugged mountains, but Namibia has much to offer the world in terms of minerals, agricultural resources, African tourism experiences and, as we will explore, some exceptional fishing. 

Basic Facts about Namibia

WIth 318 thousand square miles of territory, Namibia is half again larger than Texas (that has “only” 208 sq. m.), and its shoreline is more than twice as long (834 compared to 367 m.). On the other hand, the population of Texas is about 30.5 million compared to about 3 million in Namibia, less than 10%, and the average income is only 7% of that of Texas. 

But Namibia is rich in other ways, extremely valuable diamond and uranium deposits, a stable government, a mostly excellent infrastructure, and large tracts of unspoilt wilderness. The best tourist destinations are far apart, often thousands of kilometres, but the roads are generally excellent and have relatively few vehicles. Travel is mostly easy, safe, interesting and pleasant and the weather is remarkably predictable in that the sun will shine nearly all the time and rain is an exceptional event.

Namibia’s Best Fishing Spots

The entire central area of Namibia, plus almost all of its eastern region, is devoid of running water for most of the year. There are a few large dams, such as Hardap Dam, in the middle of the southern region and Daan Viljoen Dam, in the centre near Windhoek, the capital city. Both dams have some fish, and local people fish there for carp, but these aliens, although large and abundant, are available in many countries and there is nothing “special” or exciting about them in Namibia.

What is special and exciting, with regard to fishing, is the amazing and exciting Orange River along the southern border, Kavango River in the north-east and the Kunene River on the northwestern Nambian border. These rivers, combined with exceptional shore fishing along much of the Skeleton Coast ‘, that is located along the central and north-western coastline – make Namibia a little known gem of a place for adventurous sport anglers. 

The Orange River

This large river drains much of South Africa and provides excellent sport fishing most of its length, but the prime areas are along the Namibian border. This area is characterized by some of the harshest environments in the world with extremely dry areas and unforgiving rugged, almost treeless, mountains. On satellite images the river is easily seen as a clear, discrete winding snake of green through this desert area, where vegetation can suck some moisture from the river. The river runs powerfully through the year, but can vary from a massive surging, unfishable and scary, torrent to a crystal-clear and beautiful watercourse. 

There is never much rain in this area, but the catchment thousands of kilometres away has a substantial summer rainfall. The best time for fishing is after the summer floods have receded, the waters are clear and relatively calm, and before the next flood arrives. Normally this is from August to February annually, but the floods take many days to reach Namibia and the exact days when they do are unpredictable. The restriction on fishing is not so much the size of the river, but the turbidity, as the most exciting fishing is fly and spinning and so clear water is essential. 

Fish of the Orange River 

The Orange River contains an impressive biomass and abundance of fish, which can often be glimpsed under calm, clear-water conditions. Although the vaunted African tiger fish is not among them, as these are only found in east-flowing rivers in southern Africa, the Orange River boasts of some of the best angling fish species, including the largemouth and smallmouth yellowfish. 

The large-mouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus kimberleyensis), is definitely the most popular species in this river and is heavily fished for along much of its length. Along the Namibian border, however, there are no significant settlements and very few places where there is road access. The result is that in this area, largemouth yellowfish can and do still grow old and very large. The angling record is currently 22.2 kg (49 lbs.) at a length of 82.5 cm (32 in.). 

The smallmouth yellowfish (Labeobarbus aeneus), looks superficially similar to the other species, but has a smaller mouth and does not grow as large. This said, however, the smallmouth is no mean catch and can grow to almost 8 kg (17.6 lbs.) and over 65 cm. (26 in.). 

There are also species of fish which can also offer excellent fishing and memories. The sharptooth barbel (Clarias gariepinus) is common and can attain massive size with a record length of 1.4 m. (55 in.) and a recorded mass of 59 kg. (130 lbs.). The other large fish that anglers target is the alien carp (Cyprinus carpio) that can grow to 34 kg. (75 lbs.) in southern Africa.

Tips and Techniques for Fishing in the Orange River

Most people access the river by a limited number of roads that snake through some of the most stunning and impressive scenery imaginable and then they walk up and downstream. There are, however, outfitters that take clients in kayaks or inflatable boats to suitable access points and then, using paddles and electric motors, flow with the current many kilometres downstream. These boats enable anglers to reach otherwise inaccessible areas where the really old and relatively naïve fish are found. 

Sport fishing is mostly fly fishing and spinning, from bank or boat, and the size and colour of fly or lure depends on the target. Many people target big largemouths and so fish the deeper, quieter, waters with fairly big and sometimes flamboyant flies and lures. Smallmouths, however, also provide exceptional fishing and can feed aggressively and fight strong and hard. 

Hooking either of these fish can be one of the most exciting fishing experiences possible and result in stumbling hundreds of metres over rocky banks trying to follow a fish that will just not stop. You may even have to cross to the other shore, and find yourself in another country, but both Namibia and South Africa usually treat such unintentional border crossings with understanding.  

Barbel fishing usually consists of night fishing using a large bait and very heavy tackle. 

The Kavango River

This river is known as the Kavango in Namibia, Okavango in Botswana, and Cubango in Angola. It rises in Angola, forms the border between that country and Namibia from Rundu eastwards for about 180 km. (112 mi.) and then cuts south across the Caprivi Strip and into Botswana, where it generates the world-renowned Okavango Delta. It is perennial but, like the Orange River, is prone to exceptional annual flooding from wet areas far upstream. It is easy to access either by hired car from Windhoek and northwards 706 km (439 mi.) on excellent tar roads or from Botswana and hired car 420 km. (261 mi.). 

Fish of the Kavango River

The Kavango River is very rich in fish diversity and biomass. Most species, however, are small members of the Cichlidae (tilapias and breams) and Cyprinidae (barbs and labeos) which are mostly of limited interest to the sport angler. The principal exception is the African tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus), a common fish in this system that can grow to over 70 cm (28 ins.) and a mass of greater than 7 kg. (15,4 lbs.). 

There is also the sharptooth barbel, as is found in the Orange River, as well as the African pike (Hepsetus odoe) which, although not large, are aggressive and give a good account of themselves. Tilapias and breams provide good sport on light tackle and then there is the “nembwe” (Serranochromis robustus), a particularly large and aggressive “bream” that lets you know immediately if you have hooked one. These fish can grow to over 3 kg (6,6 lbs) and fight well, hard and long. 

Tips and Techniques for Fishing in the Kavango River

Light tackle spinning is the best way to really enjoy fishing in the Kavango River. It is broad and slow moving along most of its flow. Good areas are near the town of Rundu, around the Bagani bridge crossing and at Popa Falls. Fishing from the bank works best in many places, although, further downstream in Botswana, fishing from small boats is popular.  Plastics and spinners are best and while many species are edible, most sport fishing is “catch and release”. No permits are required in the Caprivi Strip. 

The Kunene River. 

Along the north-west border of Namibia the Kunene River flows for over 200 km. (124 mi.) westwards to the Atlantic Ocean. Although not on a main tourist route, this wild and exciting river contains African pike, sharptooth barbel and many tilapias. The main access points are at Ruacana, where there is a hydroelectric dam and waterfalls, and the magnificent Epupa Falls, about 150 km. (93 mi.) downstream. Otherwise, access is very limited and, although there is excellent fishing at the mouth of the river, it is only really accessible through a tortuous route through Angola.

The Skeleton Coast

The shore from the harbour of Walvis Bay for about 402 km (250 mi) northwards, is a region of mostly fairly straight coastline with sandy or rocky shores and a backdrop of extremely dry and inhospitable desert. Inland is often unremitting heat and almost complete aridity and yet, right on the coast, conditions are very often cool, or cold, and are often foggy and moist for much of the year. 

Fishing south of Walvis Bay is very limited and small boat fishing is mostly limited to this bay area, with almost no boats being launched north of this point. From Walvis Bay distances are conveniently measured as “miles north of Walvis Bay” and thus “mile 72” is a locality this distance up the coast north of the town. A good road heads due north up the coast, not far from the shore, for about 402 km (250 mi), and many of the better fishing spots have been recognised and named accordingly. 

Fish of the Skeleton Coast

The fish species found here are cold-water, inshore marine species including kob (Argyrosomus japonicus), steenbrass (Lithognathus lithognathus), galjoen (Dichistius capensis) plus many sharks and rays. The shore fishing was excellent and easy, but in recent decades many more people, with ever better equipment, have accessed the area and catches have declined from their early levels, but are still often very good. 

Tips and Techniques for Fishing along the Skeleton Coast

Most fishing is carried out from the shore with medium to heavy spinning equipment using natural baits, often collected locally. Soft plastics, particularly “paddletails”, are increasing in popularity, but there are few aggressive and fast-moving predators and so plugs and fly fishing are not often productive. Weather can be challenging as it can suddenly become very cold and wet following days of scorching sun, but the fishing can still be excellent. Local knowledge can assist a great deal and there are operators in places like Swakopmund and Henties Bay ready and willing to assist anglers to make the most of the area and its fish.

Fishing in Namibia as a Tourist

Namibia is still not well known among international sport anglers and yet it contains some unique attractions in the most magnificent settings. Namibia is an intriguing blend of a German colonial past, including infrastructure and efficiency, but in a truly African context. The people and officials are mostly friendly and open and, apart from right at the coast, rain is seldom a problem when camping or fishing. 

While it does not boast the “80 kg (176,4lb) tarpon” of countries to the north, Namibia is much more “user-friendly” and it can provide some excellent sport angling in the most stunning surroundings. It is generally regarded as a safe country, with many attractions like the African “Big Five” animals and so family members, who are not fishing fanatics, can also find things to do and places to see. 

The distances between various destinations are often large, and towns and accommodation few and far between, but the road infrastructure is usually excellent and safe, and the few local residents are generally helpful and friendly. However, the areas with best fishing are  very remote, and all visitors need to be well prepared and supplied. It’s a really good idea, especially for a first-timer, to book your fishing trip in Namibia with a knowledgeable, experienced, and reputable guide, charter, or operator.

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