As well as Lake Malawi, rivers and smaller lakes and reservoirs provide varied fishing opportunities. Light tackle will cover most situations and some equipment may be available for hire at the resorts, though it’s always best to bring your own.

Lake Malawi:
The majority of the 400+ species in Lake Malawi are small tropical aquarium fish, mbuna. However, sungwa (perch), ngumbo (lake yellow-fish), mpasa (lake salmon), sanjika (smaller relative of lake salmon), ncheni (lake tiger), kampango (catfish) and vundu (catfish) offer interesting possibilities. In April the Angling Society of Malawi organises the Ultra-Light Tackle Tournament which attracts entrants from across southern Africa. In the south of the lake, Mangochi, White Rock and Boadzulu Island are favourite spots. Centrally, Mbenji island and the river mouths near Salima offer the best possibilities.
Fishing is year round but best between September and April.

Rivers:
The best river fishing is usually off banks of reeds and heavy weed beds. The Bua river, running through the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, is excellent for salmon with the Luweya, Lufira and North Rukuru not far behind.
In the Lower Shire river, below the Kapichira Falls on the southern boundary of the Majete Wildlife Reserve, tiger fish are abundant, joined further down by vundu and barbel as the river broadens. Heavier tackle and a boat are needed here.
Dry season fishing between May and November is possible in the Lower Shire river and requires no licence.

Highlands:
The streams and dams of Zomba Plateau, Mount Mulanje and Nyika Plateau are well stocked with rainbow trout. Only fly fishing is permitted, with flies tied on single hooks.
The season is September to April and licences can be obtained from Zomba Forestry Office, Likhubula Forestry Office (Mulanje) or Chelinda Camp National Park Office (Nyika).