Intrepid Okavango

Join Intrepid Fly for a once in a lifetime experience in the heart of the Okavango delta. At the right time of year you can experience one of the most impressive fish migrations in the natural world. Often termed ‘the barbel run’, this natural phenomenon occurs every year between the months of September and November. As the water in the upper reaches of the Okavango delta recede into the main channels during the winter months, multitudes of prey species are exposed creating a feeding frenzy. This is a highlight to most fly fishermen in search of the most aggressive fresh water fish in the world – the mighty tiger fish. The lodge is booked out in advance by tiger fishing enthusiasts and travel outfitters and is extremely difficult to get into based on the popularity of the tiger fishing at this time of the year.

Intrepid Fly’s guides have travelled the world, fishing both salt and fresh water species, and after tackling the peacock bass in Brazil, and dorados in Argentina, one can honestly say that the tiger fish is top of the fresh water food chain. You can expect to catch aggressive tigers up to 10 kilograms in this region. This is sure to be one of your most memorable fishing and safari experiences.

Intrepid Fly has identified the best lodge in the region and the most suitable access to the Okavango pan handle by means of charter flights. There are commercial flights that fly in to Maun every day; however you will need to charter a flight to the landing strip close to the lodge. Intrepid Fly prefers to charter the flight from Lanseria (Johannesburg) direct to the camp, with a stop over in Maun for passport control. The flight to Maun is around 2.5 hours in a small aircraft and then continues for around 45 minutes to the lodge over the delta. During your stop over in Maun you will have breakfast while the host and pilot sort out the necessary paperwork with customs. This is the preferred option as it is better priced and one can get to spend more time in the region and get to fish a bit longer.

The Fishery

Fishing takes place in the channels and waterways of this magical area. This area comprises countless small palm fringed islands, huge lagoons, narrow winding waterways and even floating islands. The pockets of game fish will be found in the deep channels by looking for birds and other natural signals. Each morning you will head out from the lodge on the boats up a tributary into the main Kavango channel.

The barble migrate up stream all day and night, so each day you will have to go and seek the tigers in amongst the barble run. Other fish species like nembwe, bream and African pike can be caught. Different runs occur in the region over these months, so the guides will put you onto the closest migration to the camp. This can mean a boat trip of anything from 10 minutes to an hour and sadly this is very much out of our control, however the guides have a good idea where to expect the new runs before your arrival.

The lodge has been selected by Intrepid Fly based on the fact that the barble runs are thicker in this area and it is the only lodge in the region, thus making this experience very exclusive. Other lodges will need to send their clients on long return boat rides up to 2 hours each way each day. All the fishing here is done on specially equipped boats for fly-fishing, all skippered by experienced local guides who will put you onto large schools of fish. The Intrepid Fly guides and hosts will accompany guests on the larger boats offering tuition assistance with the tackle.

Fishing here will require casting into the productive areas, using either an intermediate or sinking lines. The barble work their way up the edges of the Kovango River through the papyrus and reeds. Here the barble and tiger fish chase the bait fish from their holding spots amongst the vegetation. In turn the tiger fish hold on the edges of the schooling barble feeding of small fish and the barbel themselves. The guides accompanying you will advise you on the correct techniques and flies to ensure you connect with the large tiger fish of the area.

Although the emphasis of this expedition will be on the superb fly fishing, one will also be able to take advantage of game viewing, bird watching and a true wilderness experience synonymous with the Okavango Delta. Here you can expect to see crocodiles, hippos, lechwe (small water buck), buffalo, elephants and other game. The birdlife in the area is world renowned, and at the time of the barbel run you can expect to see an array for king fishers, egrets, cormorants, herons, fish eagles and other water fowl.

The Lodge

The lodge was one of the first lodges to be built in the area many years ago, specifically with fly fishing in mind. Intrepid Fly has guided in the region and has selected this position from which to access the barble run, as it is the best and most comfortable place to stay and access the fishery. Guests will be based at the highly regarded 4 star lodge, conveniently situated halfway up the panhandle of the delta and right in the path of the migrating fish, and close to the private runway.

The lodge is positioned on the banks of a channel leading to the Kovango River, amongst old fig trees and indigenous vegetation. Accommodation takes the form of very comfortable en suite chalets connected to the main camp with timber walk ways through the bush. Each chalet has its own private deck. The central eating area and bar are situated on the edge of the river overlooking the flood plain. Here you can spend the day relaxing and bird watching, while the staff will ensure your comfort and provide excellent meals and refreshments. The trip is fully catered, though beverages are not included in the cost.

The Season

Intrepid Fly books out the lodge during October and November to ensure the best access to the barbel run. It is extremely difficult to get into the region during these peak months without going through a professional outfitter. Though the barbel run occurs every year between the months of September and November, Intrepid Fly has experienced the best fishing in October and early November and books out the whole camp for a few weeks. The tiger fish are in the area all year round, but the migration occurs as the water levels have receded. The fishing becomes increasingly difficult outside of these months. Should you wish to fish outside of these months, please consider our other packages offered by Intrepid Fly in southern Zambia along the Upper Zambezi.

Tackle

The lodge doesn’t provide much fly fishing tackle, however does have plenty of conventional angling gear. The guests are expected to bring their own equipment and plenty of flies (lures if you prefer). The guides will have some flies for the guests, but will be able to give you a better idea of what to bring. Intrepid Fly has a few preferred patterns and will advise you of them.

Suggested Tackle for Fly Fishing in the Okavango:

For all your fishing requirements, please contact us so that we can assist you in your selection. Intrepid Fly can source all equipment at a competitive price, or call us to arrange for you to visit a shop we recommend close to you (SA only).

General Information

Guests need to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves in the terrain: