Over the years we have fished and guided the length of the Zambezi River searching for an affordable yet exclusive destination which offers anglers the opportunity to target trophy size Tigerfish. Panyame Concession covers the beautiful western corner of Mozambique, with the camp situated on the southern bank of the Zambezi River, approximately 13km downstream from the town of Zumbo, and roughly 15km downstream from the confluence of the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers. This area is unique in that it offers anglers the opportunity to fish the river, the delta where the river spills into the lake, or the top end of the lake itself. The maze of channels and structure offer anglers’ infinite opportunities to target trophy size Tigerfish irrespective of weather conditions or water levels…and the concentration of trophy size fish is legendary to say the least.

During a days fishing, clients will be able to see Hippo and Crocodile in the river and on the banks of the numerous islands. Other game such as Buffalo, Kudu, Bushbuck, Warthog, Grysbok and sometimes Elephant can at times be seen whilst fishing.

Meal times revolve around the fishing sessions, with pre-packed sandwiches being the norm when heading out early. On returning from the morning session anglers will receive a tasty brunch/ lunch. Dinner is held in the dining room where delicious three course meals are served

The Fishing

For many anglers the Tigerfish is the epitome of Africa’s freshwater game fish species. It must rate as one of the fastest freshwater species in the world, if not the fastest. Combine the speed of the fish and the ferocity with which it attack a fly with the rugged wild environment in which they occur and you have a first-class game fishing experience.

The fishing area of Panyame covers the headwaters of Lake Cahora Bassa, where the mighty Zambezi River slows down and spreads out into various channels which run into the lake, some of them varying in width from 100m to 2km. Huge islands of up to 100 hectares which are covered by reed beds are also situated in the main channel, these form large floodplains, with the edges providing ideal cover for baitfish and hence attract large numbers of Tigerfish. The channels between these islands are also made up of huge glides which are interspersed by sandbars and various other forms of structure, again creating ideal Tigerfish habitat. This truly unique section of water has formed a prime Tigerfish feeding ground. Further upstream the river forms a gorge with very little structure concentrating the huge numbers of feeding Tigerfish in the area around Panyame. Best of all, there are no long boat rides required to get to the fishing grounds! Eighty percent of the fishing sessions are conducted within five kilometres from camp.

The average size fish in this section of the Zambezi is an extremely credible 6lbs, with fish between 10lbs and 14lbs being weighed on a regular basis. During our 2009 season the largest weighed in at an impressive 19lbs 1oz.

All the fishing is done from boats, firstly allowing anglers the opportunity to drift and fish through some of the most spectacular scenery Africa has to offer, and secondly due to numerous hippos and crocodiles which call this section of the Zambezi home.

Panyame utilises the services of four professional and internationally experienced FlyCastaway fly fishing guides, ensuring all guests experience the most this tremendous fishery has to offer.

Lodge

An extremely comfortable lodge set in a truly majestic African setting, Panyame caters for up to eight anglers in a warm and hospitable environment. All guests are housed in spacious safari style tented chalets each containing two double beds, en-suite bathroom and shower which have a constant supply of hot water. All beds have a mosquito net which can be untied and draped over the bed before going to bed. The large central dining area forms the backdrop for many memorable evening meals, with the comfortable lounge area providing the perfect atmosphere for a quiet drink and discussing the following days fishing. When temperatures begin to rise there is also the bonus of a well maintained pool over looking the mighty Zambezi for those wanting to refresh themselves before their fishing sessions.

Getting There

Based on a standard seven day package – guests traveling from or through South Africa will depart from Johannesburg International Airport on a scheduled flight to Harare, Zimbabwe, followed by a 1 hour 15 minute charter flight onboard two Cessna 206’s/ a Chieftain to Kanyemba. Two of your guides for the week will meet you at the landing strip in Kanyemba. From there you will be transferred in Land Cruisers by road through the game concession to the lodge. This part of the journey takes approximately 45mins.  

For more information on trips to Camp FlyCastaway Panyame please contact us.