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FLYFISHING (AND GENERAL INFORMATION)
Impalila Island Lodge lies at the very tip of the Caprivi Strip. As such it is situated in the heart of some of the most outstanding tiger fishing on the Upper Zambezi River - where four countries meet.
Not only does the immediate area around the Lodge offer many kilometres of fishing on this world-famous river, but there is direct access to the Mambova Rapids (right in front of the Lodge), the Kasai Channel (5 minutes away by boat) and the Chobe River (20 minutes away). This area is regarded by many as one of the finest for tiger fishing on the entire upper Zambezi River.
The renowned Zambezi is fishable by Lodge visitors for some 20 - 30 kilometres upriver which includes some excellent sections of river and different challenges for tiger fish during the months of June to November.
The main prey is the exhilarating and hard-fighting tiger fish (Hydrocynus vittatus) which have been caught up to 18 -20 lb. on this section of the river. While tiger fish of 1 - 5 lb. are common, each season sees specimens of 10 - 16 lb. being landed. For more information on Tiger fish and the unique Tiger Fish Flyfishing Quests see http://www.flyfisher.co.za
In addition to tiger fish, there are other sought-after species of fish known collectively as "Bream", but which form part of different families. The two major families are Serranchromis and Tilapia. Many of these species also take a fly when targeted and the Nembwe (olive bream) and Threespot tilapia are highly prized as captures on fly. The former grow to around 7 lb. and the latter to 5 lb. though the average range is 3 - 4 lb.
Another species that attains great weights and can be targeted is the Sharptooth catfish (commonly known as barbel). These congregate at times of the year providing a spectacle for anglers who chance upon these "runs". They also take a fly and, as they may weigh up to 30 lb. and more, can provide a strong fight for the determined angler.
While it is an event to explore the Zambezi itself, the Kasai Channel is a faster flowing, narrow channel with close access to the Lodge. It is approx. 15 kilometres long, but has many bends on its journey to Kasane in Botswana. It links the Chobe and the Zambezi prior to the two mighty rivers meeting below Impalila Island. At the beginning of the Chobe there are fishable rapids but, on the whole, it is a slow moving river until it meets up with the Zambezi.
The Chobe, however, provides anglers with an opportunity to spend some time viewing one of Africa’s premier National Parks from the water-side and this spectacle can provide some outstanding close-up views of game and some incredible numbers of elephant and buffalo as well as many others antelope species
The Chobe can provide some good tiger fishing at times, but it is better known for massive barbel and the chance of the elusive African pike and other species of bream in the slower backwaters.
 
FISHING EQUIPMENT
Fly Fishing:
· 8/9 9 ft. fly rod with a medium- to fast action
· Fast sinking and intermediate flylines (later in the season)
· Reels to match the 8/9 weight rod with a minimum of 100 metres backing
· Leader material 20 - 30 lb. recommended Maxima Ultragreen nylon
· Wire trace (piano wire) 15 - 20 lb.
· Flies : a selection of "hot" Deceivers, Clouser Minnows and Crazy Charlies (size 2-4)as well as bucktail patterns such as the Kasai Tiger, Plewman's Robber in red, orange yellow, black, olive and grey.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ARTIFICIAL LURE FISHING
Rapalas – Countdown , Super Shadrap 9 cm., Husky, Abwi Spoon , Fat Raps and Floating magnums
Spoons – Effzett
Spinner Baits (this is good for catching Nembwe – similar to Largemouth black bass in some ways)
Spinners – all “floating” Rapalas
Line – Siglon, Spider wire and Abulon
FISHING
AT SUSUWE
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