Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Kenya (Complete Guide)

Ecuador boasts some of the best fishing in Africa. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish in Kenya helps anglers plan a fishing trip of a lifetime.

The best times to fish in Kenya are generally during the dry seasons from January to March and from June to October when fish are more active and water conditions are favorable.

Month	Kenya Fishing Location
January	Lake Victoria – Diverse fish species, including Nile perch and tilapia, make Lake Victoria a prime fishing location.
February	Watamu – Abundant billfish, tuna, and dorado make Watamu an excellent spot for deep-sea fishing.
March	Lake Turkana – March offers thrilling fishing opportunities for trophy-sized Nile perch in Lake Turkana.
April	Aberdare National Park – Trout fishing in the picturesque mountain streams of Aberdare National Park is exceptional in April.
May	Lake Naivasha – Calm waters and active fish make Lake Naivasha ideal for catching tilapia and black bass in May.
June	Lake Baringo – Catch tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch in Lake Baringo.
July	Indian Ocean, Malindi – July brings offshore fishing excitement in Malindi, targeting marlin, sailfish, and game fish.
August	Lake Nakuru – Trout and tilapia fishing in Lake Nakuru is fantastic in August.
September	Tana River – September offers thrilling fishing adventures with catfish and Nile perch in the scenic Tana River.
October	Lake Jipe – Tranquil fishing experiences await in October at Lake Jipe, known for tiger fish, tilapia, and catfish.
November	Lake Victoria – November provides prime fishing opportunities with diverse fish species in the expansive Lake Victoria.
December	Lake Victoria – December provides prime fishing opportunities with diverse fish species in the expansive Lake Victoria.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Kenya. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Freshwater Fishing in Kenya

Tana River, Kora National Park: Fish for enormous Nile perch during the cooler months of July and August.

Lake Victoria, Kisumu: In January and February, aim for Nile perch and Tilapia amidst the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.

Lake Naivasha, Rift Valley: Target the introduced species of Black bass and Tilapia in April and May amidst hippopotamus and bird colonies.

Athi River, Tsavo East National Park: Best fished for Yellowfish and Catfish during the dry season of July to October, when water levels are low.

Lake Bogoria, Baringo County: Try your hand at Tilapia fishing during the cooler months of June to August when the hot springs aren’t too warm.

Lake Nakuru, Nakuru County: Fish for Tilapia and Catfish during the dry months of June to September, and enjoy a backdrop of flamingos.

Lake Baringo, Rift Valley: Known for its bountiful Tilapia, best fished in the cooler months from June to August.

Lake Jipe, Taita-Taveta County: Cast a line for Tilapia and Nile perch during the rainy seasons of April-May and October-November.

Galana River, Tsavo East National Park: During the dry season, July to October, fish for Catfish and Yellowfish amidst an elephant backdrop.

Lake Turkana, Turkana County: Famous for its Nile perch fishing, best fished during the windy months of March and April.

Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu National Reserve: Excellent Catfish fishing during the dry season, particularly August to October.

Sabaki River, Malindi: Cast a line for Tigerfish and Nile perch during the cooler months, July to August.

Chania River, Thika: Ideal for Trout fishing in the cooler months, May to June.

Nanyuki River, Laikipia County: Offering abundant trout, best fished in the cooler, drier months of July and August.

Mara River, Maasai Mara: Excellent for catfish during the great wildebeest migration, around July to September.

Lake Magadi, Rift Valley: Try for tilapia in Kenya’s saltiest lake during the cooler months of June to September.

Masinga Dam, Embu County: Famed for its diverse fishing, target Catfish and Tilapia from April to June.

Kerio River, Rift Valley: Cast for Yellowfish during the dry months, particularly July to October.

Lake Elementaita, Nakuru County: Fish for Tilapia in the alkaline waters during the dry season, June to September.

Mathioya River, Murang’a County: Renowned for its brown trout, best fished during the rainy season of April and May.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Kenya

Malindi, Indian Ocean: One of the best spots for billfish, particularly Sailfish and Black Marlin, from October to March.

Lamu Archipelago, Indian Ocean: Excellent spot for Kingfish and Barracuda, best fished from November to April.

Watamu, Indian Ocean: Known for its abundant Marlin, Sailfish, and Swordfish during the billfish season from December to March.

Mombasa, Indian Ocean: Fantastic spot for Giant Trevally and Kingfish, best from October to April.

Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Indian Ocean: Target Tuna and Kingfish from October to March.

Diani Beach, Indian Ocean: Renowned for Sailfish and Marlin, with the peak season from December to March.

Pemba Channel, Indian Ocean: Excellent for Big Game fishing for Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Sailfish from October to April.

Kilifi, Indian Ocean: Target Kingfish and Barracuda during the dry months of January to March.

Shimoni, Indian Ocean: Best fished for Sailfish and Kingfish during the cooler months from August to October.

Msambweni, Indian Ocean: Good for Giant Trevally and Kingfish from September to November.

Nyali, Indian Ocean: Renowned for Sailfish and Marlin, best from October to April.

Gazi Bay, Indian Ocean: Cast for Snapper and Grouper during the cooler months from June to August.

Tiwi, Indian Ocean: Known for its Barracuda and Kingfish, best from November to March.

Takaungu, Indian Ocean: Excellent for Marlin and Sailfish, particularly from December to March.

Shela, Lamu Island, Indian Ocean: Target Kingfish and Giant Trevally from October to April.

Wasini Island, Indian Ocean: Try for Kingfish and Tuna during the warm months from November to April.

Kipini, Indian Ocean: Excellent for Tuna and Sailfish, with peak seasons from December to March.

Funzi Island, Indian Ocean: Cast for Snapper and Grouper during the dry season from July to September.

Chale Island, Indian Ocean: Known for Sailfish and Marlin, with peak seasons from November to March.

Vipingo, Indian Ocean: A great spot for Giant Trevally and Kingfish, best fished from September to April.

Kikambala, Indian Ocean: Excellent for Barracuda and Kingfish, particularly during the warm season from November to April.

Majoreni, Indian Ocean: A prime location for Sailfish and Marlin from November to March.

Bamburi, Indian Ocean: Known for its Barracuda and Giant Trevally, with peak seasons from December to March.

Mtwapa, Indian Ocean: Best for Snapper and Grouper, particularly from September to November.

Kizingo, Lamu Island, Indian Ocean: Renowned for Sailfish and Marlin, best fished from December to March.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Black Marlin

The best time to fish for Black Marlin in Kenya is generally during November to February. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times for Black Marlin fishing. Some of the top locations in Kenya for Black Marlin fishing include Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa, and Lamu.

Blue Marlin

The best time to fish for Blue Marlin in Kenya is typically during the months of January to March and August to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times of day for fishing. Some of the best locations in Kenya for Blue Marlin fishing include Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa, and Lamu.

Striped Marlin

The best time to fish for Striped Marlin in Kenya is from November to February, during the warm season. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for Striped Marlin fishing. Some of the top locations in Kenya for targeting Striped Marlin include Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa, and Lamu.

Sailfish

The best time to fish for sailfish in Kenya is during December to March, when the water is warm and the fish are most active. The ideal time for sailfish fishing is early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations in Kenya for fishing sailfish include Malindi, Watamu, and Diani Beach.

Yellowfin Tuna

The best times and seasons to fish for Yellowfin Tuna in Kenya are typically from March to July when they migrate closer to the coast. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for targeting Yellowfin Tuna. Some of the best locations in Kenya for fishing Yellowfin Tuna include Malindi, Watamu, Lamu, and Shimoni.

Mahi-Mahi

The best times and seasons to fish for mahi-mahi in Kenya are typically from November to March when the water temperatures are warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times for targeting mahi-mahi. Some of the best locations in Kenya for fishing mahi-mahi include Malindi, Watamu, Lamu, and Shimoni.

Wahoo

The best times and seasons to fish for wahoo in Kenya are typically from July to October, during the cooler months. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for wahoo fishing. Some of the best locations in Kenya for fishing wahoo include Malindi, Watamu, Lamu, and Shimoni.

Kingfish

The best times and seasons to fish for kingfish in Kenya are typically from November to March when the water temperatures are warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for targeting kingfish. Some of the best locations in Kenya for fishing kingfish include Malindi, Watamu, Lamu, and Shimoni.

Barracuda

The best times and seasons to fish for barracuda in Kenya are typically from July to October, during the cooler months. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times of the day for barracuda fishing. Some of the best locations in Kenya for fishing barracuda include Malindi, Watamu, Lamu, and Shimoni.

African Pompano

The best months to fish for African pompano in Kenya are typically from November to March when the water temperatures are warmer and the fish are more active. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to increase your chances of catching them. Some of Kenya’s best locations for fishing African pompano include Malindi, Watamu, Lamu, and Shimoni.

Giant Trevally

The best time to fish for GiantTrevally in Kenya is during November to February when the weather is warm and the water is clear. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for Giant Trevally fishing. Some of the recommended locations in Kenya for fishing Giant Trevally include Watamu, Malindi, Lamu, and Shimoni.

Nile Perch

The best time to fish for Nile Perch in Kenya is during the cooler months of June to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for Nile Perch fishing. Some of the top locations in Kenya for Nile Perch fishing include Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo, and Lake Naivasha.

Tigerfish

The best time to fish for Tigerfish in Kenya is during the dry season, which usually spans from June to September. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times for tigerfish fishing. Some of the top locations in Kenya for Tigerfish fishing include Lake Turkana, Lake Victoria, Tana River, and Chania River.

Nile Tilapia

The best time to fish for Nile Tilapia in Kenya is during the rainy season, typically between March and May or October and December. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times for tilapia fishing. Some of the best locations in Kenya for Nile Tilapia fishing include Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha, Lake Turkana, and Lake Baringo.

African Catfish

The best time to fish for African Pompano in Kenya is during December to March when the water is warmer. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of the day for fishing. Some of the best locations in Kenya for African Pompano fishing include Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa, and Lamu.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout in Kenya is during the cooler months of June to September. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most productive times of the day. Some of Kenya’s best locations for fishing rainbow trout include Lake Naivasha, Mount Kenya’s rivers, and the Aberdare National Park.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Morocco, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Capetown, South Africa, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Egypt, check out this guide.

Best Fishing in Kenya on a Seasonal Basis

Short Dry Season (Winter): January-February

Lake Victoria – Tilapia: Even during the cooler season, you can still find plenty of Tilapia in Lake Victoria.
Lake Naivasha – Black Bass: Lake Naivasha is a good spot to fish for Black Bass, especially during the cooler months.
Tana River – Catfish: Try fishing for Catfish in the Tana River during Kenya’s cooler season. These fish are known for their distinct, whisker-like features.
Lake Nakuru – African Carp: During the cooler months, Lake Nakuru is an excellent place to catch African Carp.
Lake Baringo – Yellowfish: In Lake Baringo, Yellowfish are active even during the cooler season.
Tsavo River – Nile Perch: The Tsavo River is home to the Nile Perch, which can still be caught during the cooler season.
Lake Turkana – Tigerfish: Try catching Tigerfish in Lake Turkana during the cooler season.
Indian Ocean (Off the Kenyan Coast) – Swordfish: During the cooler season, you can find Swordfish off the Kenyan coast of the Indian Ocean.
Mombasa – Marlin: Off the coast of Mombasa, you have the chance to catch Marlin, even in the cooler months.
Malindi – Kingfish: The Kingfish in the waters off Malindi are a fantastic catch during the cooler season.

Long Rainy Season (Spring): March-June

Lake Victoria – Tilapia: During spring, you have a great chance of catching Tilapia in Lake Victoria.
Lake Naivasha – Black Bass: In Lake Naivasha, you can find Black Bass in the springtime.
Tana River – Yellowfish: In spring, the Yellowfish in the Tana River are quite active.
Lake Nakuru – Catfish: Catfish in Lake Nakuru are more active in spring, and you could catch some sizable ones during this time.
Lake Baringo – African Carp: Lake Baringo is a good spot to catch African Carp in spring.
Tsavo River – Nile Perch: Nile Perch in the Tsavo River can be quite a catch in the spring.
Lake Turkana – Tigerfish: Lake Turkana is the place to be if you want to catch Tigerfish in the spring.
Indian Ocean (Off the Kenyan Coast) – Tuna: Tuna fishing off the Kenyan coast of the Indian Ocean is usually productive in the spring.
Mombasa – Wahoo: Off the coast of Mombasa, you have the chance to catch Wahoo in the spring.
Malindi – Dorado (Mahi-Mahi): Fishing off the coast of Malindi will give you a good chance to catch Dorado, also known as Mahi-Mahi.

Long Dry Season (Summer): July-October

Lake Victoria – Nile Perch: Known as one of the largest freshwater fish, the Nile Perch can be caught in Lake Victoria during the summer.
Lake Naivasha – Tilapia: Lake Naivasha is a renowned spot for tilapia fishing, which are most active during the summer months.
Tsavo River – Catfish: Travel to the Tsavo River in the summer and you might be able to catch some sizable catfish.
Lake Nakuru – African Carp: Lake Nakuru is home to the African Carp, which can be quite a catch during the summer.
Lake Baringo – Yellowfish: Lake Baringo is a great location for fishing Yellowfish.
Tana River – Tigerfish: Try your hand at catching the Tigerfish in Tana River during the summer.
Lake Turkana – Nile Tilapia: In Lake Turkana, you can find Nile Tilapia during the summer months.
Indian Ocean (Off the Kenyan Coast) – Sailfish: If you have access to the sea, the Kenyan coast of the Indian Ocean is a great spot to fish for Sailfish during the summer.
Mombasa – Marlin: Off the coast of Mombasa, you can fish for Marlin in the summer.
Malindi – Kingfish: Fishing off the coast of Malindi will allow you to catch Kingfish, a powerful and fast species that’s particularly active during summer.

Short Rainy Season (Fall): November-December

Lake Victoria, Kisumu: Here, you can catch Tilapia and Nile perch, two of the biggest fish species in the lake during September and October.
Athi River, Tsavo East National Park: In September and October, go after Yellowfish and Catfish when the water levels are low due to less rain.
Lake Nakuru, Nakuru County: Visit in September to catch Tilapia and Catfish. You’ll also see a lot of flamingos.
Lake Jipe, Taita-Taveta County: October and November are rainy seasons. Perfect to fish for Tilapia and Nile perch.
Galana River, Tsavo East National Park: Catfish and Yellowfish are here when it’s dry in September and October.
Lake Turkana, Turkana County: This lake is windy in September. It’s a great time to catch Nile perch.
Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu National Reserve: You’ll find plenty of Catfish from August to October.
Sabaki River, Malindi: It’s cooler in September and October. These months are good for catching Tigerfish and Nile perch.
Mara River, Maasai Mara: Go here for Catfish when the wildebeest are migrating in September.
Lake Magadi, Rift Valley: It’s less hot in September. You can catch Tilapia in this salty lake during these months.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Israel. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in South Africa. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Tanzania.