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

Egyot offers some of the best fishing in Africa. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Egypt are during the cooler months from October to April when a diverse range of fish species are more active and abundant, especially in the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Month	Egypt Fishing Location
January	The Mediterranean at Alexandria, good for Sardines.
February	Mediterranean at Alexandria, good for Sardines.
March	Lake Nasser, a habitat for African Catfish.
April	Red Sea, where Yellowfin Tuna thrive.
May	Mediterranean near Alexandria, popular for Gilt-head Bream.
June	Lake Nasser, home to Tigerfish.
July	Red Sea, a hotspot for Snappers.
August	Lake Qarun, filled with Nile Tilapia.
September	Mediterranean’s Alexandria coast, attracting Bluefin Tuna.
October	Lake Nasser, ideal for Nile Perch.
November	Red Sea, perfect for Emperor Angelfish.
December	Lake Bardawil, a hotspot for Sea Bass.

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

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Egypt

The Lower Nile in Cairo is great for African Tigerfish, especially in June.

In Aswan, fly fishing in the Upper Nile for Nile Perch peaks in March.

The Nile near Luxor is a fantastic spot for African Catfish, particularly in March.

The Rosetta Branch of the Nile in Rashid is a sweet spot for Mullets, with September being the prime month.

In Damietta, the Damietta Branch of the Nile offers the best Tilapia fly fishing in August.

The Qena Bend of the Nile is fantastic for catching Vundu Catfish, best during May.

In Faiyum, Lake Qarun’s inlet streams provide excellent Carp fishing in April.

In Qena, the Quena Canal is an underrated spot for the African Pike, especially in July.

The Suez Canal near Ismailia is great for Nile Tilapia, peak fishing happens in August.

Lake Manzala’s inlet streams in Damietta are good for Silver Biddy, especially in May.

The Mahmoudia Canal in Alexandria is an excellent spot for Breams, with June being the best month.

In Ismailia, the Freshwater Canal is an interesting place for Tilapia, with August being the best time.

The Asyut Canal near Asyut City offers excellent Nile Catfish opportunities, best during March.

The Bahr Yussef Canal in Minya is a popular spot for the Nile Tilapia, particularly in August.

In Beni Suef, the Bahr El-Baqar Canal is a hotspot for the Nile Perch, especially in October.

The Ibrahimiya Canal near Faiyum offers good chances for Carp, with April being the peak month.

In Sohag, the Bahr Yusef provides excellent fly fishing for African Tigerfish, particularly in June.

The Sweet Water Canal in Port Said is a decent spot for African Pike, especially in July.

The Toshka Canal near Aswan is an ideal location for Nile Perch, with March being the best time.

In Qena, the Quena Canal offers an interesting opportunity for Vundu Catfish, best during May.

Best Times: Lakes to Fish in Egypt

Lake Nasser near Aswan is popular for Nile Perch, especially in March.

The northern end of Lake Qarun in Faiyum is great for Carp, with April being the peak month.

Lake Bardawil near Sinai is excellent for Sea Bass, particularly in December.

The western shore of Lake Mariout near Alexandria is a hotspot for European Sea Bass in September.

Near Luxor, the sections of Lake Moeris offer good Nile Tilapia fly fishing in August.

Lake Idku’s eastern coast near El Burullus is a sweet spot for Mullet, with October being the prime month.

The southern end of Lake Manzala near Damietta offers excellent Silver Biddy opportunities in May.

In Kafr El Sheikh, the eastern shore of Lake Burullus is a good place for Mullets, particularly in October.

The northern shore of Wadi El Rayan Lake near Faiyum offers a chance for Carp, best during April.

In Giza, the sections of the Magic Lake on the Giza Plateau is a hotspot for Tilapia, especially in August.

The southern shore of Toshka Lakes near Aswan is popular for Nile Perch, with March being the peak month.

In Minya, the sections of Bahr Yusef Lake are an interesting place for African Pike, particularly in July.

The eastern shore of Lake Timsah near Ismailia offers good chances for Nile Tilapia, with August being the best time.

In Port Said, the western end of Great Bitter Lake is great for Nile Perch, especially in October.

The eastern end of Little Bitter Lake near Ismailia is a popular spot for the African Tigerfish, especially in June.

In Aswan, the sections of Lake Nubia offer good Nile Perch fly fishing opportunities, best during March.

The northern shore of Wadi El Natrun Lakes near Beheira is a decent spot for Tilapia, especially in August.

In Dakahlia, the southern end of Lake Manzala is an excellent spot for Silver Biddy, with May being the best time.

The western shore of Lake Edku near Alexandria is a hotspot for Mullet, especially in October.

In Sohag, the sections of Lake Tafla offer an interesting opportunity for Vundu Catfish, best during May.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Egypt

These Egypt-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Reefer Sport Fishing Charter	Hurghada, Egypt
Marosca Boat	Hurghada, Egypt
Private Over Day Fishing Charter	Hurghada, Egypt
Hottuna Hurghada Fishing Charter	Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada Fishing Red Sea	Hurghada, Egypt
Fish Hunt Fishing Center	Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada Fishing Speed Boats Charters	Hurghada, Egypt

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Egypt

The Red Sea near Hurghada is known for its Emperor Angelfish, with November being the peak month.

Marsa Alam’s coast on the Red Sea offers prime Yellowfin Tuna fly fishing in April.

The coral reefs near Sharm El Sheikh in the Red Sea are great for catching Groupers, particularly in January.

In Alexandria, the Mediterranean Sea’s Sardine run in February is a sight to behold.

The offshore wrecks near Dahab on the Red Sea are popular spots for Giant Trevally, best in June.

Near Port Said, the Mediterranean’s sandy beaches offer a good catch of Bluefin Tuna in September.

The Sinai Peninsula’s Ras Muhammad National Park in the Red Sea is perfect for Snappers in July.

The coastal area near El Gouna on the Red Sea offers great fly fishing for Yellowfin Tuna in April.

The reefs near Taba on the Red Sea are known for their vibrant Parrotfish, best caught in May.

In Ain Sokhna, the Red Sea’s coastal area is a hotspot for Jacks, especially in August.

The Red Sea near Safaga is a haven for Snappers, with July being the peak month.

El Quseir’s coast on the Red Sea is popular for its Emperor Angelfish, best caught in November.

Near Marsa Matruh, the Mediterranean’s coves offer a great catch of European Sea Bass in October.

The offshore area near Nuweiba on the Red Sea is known for its Barracuda, best caught in March.

The coastal area near Suez on the Red Sea is a great spot for fly fishing Jacks, especially in August.

Near Qesm Hur, the reefs of the Red Sea are a hotspot for Groupers, especially in January.

The Marsa Ghaleb’s inlet on the Red Sea near Port Ghalib is popular for its Yellowfin Tuna in April.

The coastal area near Ras Gharib on the Red Sea is known for its Snappers, best caught in July.

Near Marsa Alam, the Red Sea’s sandy beaches offer a good catch of Emperor Angelfish in November.

The offshore wrecks near Makadi Bay on the Red Sea are popular spots for Giant Trevally, best in June.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Nile Perch

If you want to catch Nile Perch in Egypt, the best time is during the cooler months of October and November. Nile Perch are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Good locations to find Nile Perch include Lake Nasser near Aswan, Lake Bardawil, Lake Qarun in Faiyum, and the lower Nile near Cairo.

African Tigerfish

If you want to catch African Tigerfish in Egypt, the best time is in the warm month of June. African Tigerfish are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Good locations to find African Tigerfish include Lake Nasser near Aswan, the Bahr Yusef Canal in Qena, and the sections of Lake Tafla in Sohag.

Nile Tilapia

If you’re looking to catch Nile Tilapia in Egypt, the best time is during the warm month of August. Nile Tilapia are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the top locations to fish for Nile Tilapia include Lake Qarun in Faiyum, the inlet streams of Lake Manzala in Damietta, the Freshwater Canal in Ismailia, and the southern shore of Lake Manzala in Dakahlia.

African Catfish

If you want to catch African Catfish in Egypt, the best time is during the month of March. African Catfish are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Good locations to find African Catfish include Lake Nasser near Aswan, the Nile near Luxor, the Asyut Canal near Asyut City, and the Bahr Yusef Canal in Minya.

Vundu Catfish

If you’re looking to catch Vundu Catfish in Egypt, the best time is during the month of May. Vundu Catfish are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the top locations to fish for Vundu Catfish include the Qena Bend of the Nile, the Bahr Yusef Canal in Minya, the Bahr El-Baqar Canal in Beni Suef, and the sections of Lake Tafla in Sohag.

African Pike

In Egypt, the best time to fish for African Pike is during the warm month of July. African Pike are usually most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Good locations to find African Pike include the Bahr Yussef Canal in Minya, the Sweet Water Canal in Port Said, and the coastal areas near El Gouna and Ras Gharib on the Red Sea.

Carp

In Egypt, the best time to fish for Carp is in the cooler months of April and May. Carp are most active during early morning and late evening hours, making these the best times to fish. Some of the best spots in Egypt to catch Carp include Lake Qarun in Faiyum, the inlet streams of Lake Manzala in Damietta, the Bahr Yussef Canal in Minya, and Wadi El Rayan Lake near Faiyum.

Mullet

If you’re looking to catch Mullet in Egypt, your best bet is to try in the cooler months of September and October. Mullet are usually most active during the early morning and late afternoon. You can find them in places like the Rosetta Branch of the Nile in Rashid, the eastern coast of Lake Idku near El Burullus, the eastern shore of Lake Burullus in Kafr El Sheikh, and the western shore of Lake Edku near Alexandria.

Grouper

In Egypt, you can catch Grouper mostly in the cooler month of January. Groupers like to feed in the early morning and late afternoon. Great places to find Grouper include the Red Sea areas near Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and the reefs near Qesm Hur.

Yellowfin Tuna

In Egypt, the best time to fish for Yellowfin Tuna is in the month of April. Yellowfin Tuna are usually most active during the early morning and late afternoon. You can find Yellowfin Tuna in several places on the Red Sea, like Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh, El Gouna, and the Marsa Ghaleb’s inlet near Port Ghalib.

Bluefin Tuna

If you’re looking to catch Bluefin Tuna in Egypt, September is your best month. These fish are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. For the best spots to find Bluefin Tuna, try fishing off the coast near Port Said in the Mediterranean Sea, Marsa Matruh’s coves in the Mediterranean, or the sandy beaches of the Red Sea near Marsa Alam and Nuweiba.

Giant Trevally

The best time to catch Giant Trevally in Egypt is in the warmer month of June. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk. Some of the top spots to fish for Giant Trevally include the offshore wrecks near Dahab and Makadi Bay on the Red Sea, and the Sinai Peninsula’s Ras Muhammad National Park, and the coastal area near Suez.

European Seabass

In Egypt, the best time to catch European Sea Bass is during the cooler month of October. These fish are usually most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Top locations for European Sea Bass in Egypt include the western shore of Lake Mariout near Alexandria, the coves of the Mediterranean near Marsa Matruh, and the coastal areas near Port Said and Lake Edku.

Snapper

For Snapper fishing in Egypt, the warm summer month of July is the best time. These fish tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. Some of the top spots for catching Snapper are the Red Sea near Hurghada, Ras Muhammad National Park on the Sinai Peninsula, the coastal area near Safaga, and the Red Sea area near Ras Gharib.

Jacks

If you want to catch Jacks in Egypt, try fishing in the warm month of August. Jacks tend to be most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Good places to find Jacks include the Red Sea areas near Ain Sokhna, Suez, and El Gouna, and the offshore area near Nuweiba on the Red Sea.

Barracuda

The best time to fish for Barracuda in Egypt is in the cooler month of March. Barracuda are usually most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the top spots for catching Barracuda include the offshore area near Nuweiba, the Sinai Peninsula’s Ras Muhammad National Park, and the coastal areas on the Red Sea near Suez and Ras Gharib.

Emporer Angelfish

If you want to fish for Emperor Angelfish in Egypt, the best time is in the cooler month of November. Emperor Angelfish are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Good locations to find Emperor Angelfish include the Red Sea areas near Hurghada, El Quseir, Marsa Alam, and the coast of Sharm El Sheikh.

Best Fishing in Egypt on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

In December, Lake Nasser is a popular spot for fishing Lates, also known as Nile Perch.
During January, the Red Sea is a good place for finding Groupers, large sea fish that prefer warm waters.
The Mediterranean Sea, particularly around Alexandria, is known for its Sardines in February, small but plentiful fish.
In Lake Bardawil, you can find good numbers of Sea Bass in December, a popular sport fish.

Spring

Lake Nasser is well-known in March for catching the African Catfish, one of the world’s largest freshwater fish species.
The Red Sea is favorable in April for catching Yellowfin Tuna, a fast and high-endurance fish.
The Mediterranean Sea near Alexandria has plenty of Gilt-head Bream in May, a highly prized fish in Egypt.
In Lake Qarun, you can find abundant Carp in April, a popular freshwater fish.

Summer

Lake Nasser is a good spot in June for Tigerfish, a sharp-toothed, aggressive fish.
During July, the Red Sea offers opportunities to catch Snappers, colorful and popular sport fish.
The Mediterranean Sea surges in Bluefin Tuna in June and July, particularly around Alexandria.
In Lake Qarun, the Nile Tilapia is plentiful in August, a fish native to Egypt’s freshwater habitats.

Fall

In October, head to Lake Nasser to catch Nile Perch, known to be one of the largest freshwater fish.
During November, the Red Sea is an excellent spot for fishing Emperor Angelfish and Silver Cheeked Toadfish.
The Mediterranean Sea is rich with European Sea Bass in September and October.
Visit Lake Bardawil in October to fish for Grey Mullet, a common species in this brackish lagoon.

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