Tigerfish Fishing

The second most sporting species of Lake Nasser; it reaches about 7 kg and fights with airborne jumps on light tackle. It hunts under bait shoals in open water, in front of windward banks and at khor mouths. A 7-12 g spoon or a small jighead and shad on a fast retrieve is best. Its teeth work like scissors, and without a 25-30 cm thin wire trace you lose almost every fish. Keep hooks razor sharp, since its mouth is very bony. In the hot months it stays active even at midday.

Hydrocynus forskahlii

Tigerfish (Hydrocynus forskahlii)
Photo: Sablegsd · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Season calendar

Jan
Feb
MarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Dec

Active periodSpawning period — release what you catch

Season
March–November
Water temperature
22–33 °C
Spawning
July–September
Behaviour
Daytime active, open water

Techniques

  • Spinning
  • light jigging
  • live bait

Frequently asked

When is the best time to catch tigerfish?
The productive window for tigerfish runs March–November. July–September is the spawning period; releasing your catch during these months is strongly advised.
What water temperature does tigerfish feed in?
Tigerfish is most active between 22 and 33 °C. Outside that band its feeding rate drops off.
How do you fish for tigerfish?
Common methods: Spinning, light jigging, live bait.

Species that fish under similar conditions

Browse the full fishing guide