Nile perch Fishing

The trophy fish of Lake Nasser, a freshwater predator that can exceed 100 kg. It ambushes from rock ridges and drowned trees inside the flooded side valleys known as khors. The most productive methods are trolling 20-30 cm diving plugs at 3-5 knots, or casting big jerkbaits and soft shads from the bank. Morning and sunset are decisive; in midsummer, once the water passes 30 C, it goes deep and the fishing stops. It also occurs in the lower Nile, but around Luxor it is far smaller and much scarcer.

Lates niloticus

Nile perch (Lates niloticus)
Photo: Daiju Azuma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

JanFebMarAprMay
Jun
Jul
Aug
SepOctNovDec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
January–May, September–December
Water temperature
22–32 °C
Spawning
June–August
Behaviour
Ambushes from structure

Techniques

  • Trolling
  • heavy spinning
  • live bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch nile perch?
The productive window for nile perch runs January–May, September–December. June–August is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does nile perch feed in?
Nile perch is most active between 22 and 32 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for nile perch?
Common methods: Trolling, heavy spinning, live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

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