Chilwa
Chilwa is a lake in Mozambique. The fish here are ranked by weather, water temperature and season, see the likely catch below.
Best day to fish
The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.
Conditions right now
Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.
Best times today
Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.
Feeding times today
Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.
Next hours
Likely catch now (4 species)
About the fishing here
Chilwa is a lake in Mozambique.
Popular catches here include African Sharptooth Catfish, Nembwe, Nile Tilapia and Tigerfish.
African Sharptooth Catfish fishing is usually best around Jan-Dec. The best windows are usually dawn and dusk.
A national or regional fishing permit is generally required here. Check the local rules. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.
Tips right now
Fishing permit
You need a fishing permit (fiskekort) to fish here. Buy it online:
About this water
Lake Chilwa is the second-largest lake in Malawi after Lake Malawi. It is in eastern Zomba District, near the border with Mozambique. Approximately 60 km long and 40 km wide, the lake is surrounded by extensive wetlands. There is an island in the middle of the lake called Chisi Island. The lake has no outlet, and the level of water is greatly affected by seasonal rains and summer evaporation. In 1968, the lake disappeared during exceptionally dry weather. When David Livingstone visited the lake in 1859, he reported that its southern boundary reached as far as the Mulanje Massif, which would have made the lake at least 32 kilometres (20 mi) longer than it is today.
Read more on Wikipedia →Map
More waters nearby
Common questions
What fish can you catch at Chilwa?
Popular catches here include African Sharptooth Catfish, Nembwe, Nile Tilapia and Tigerfish.
Do you need a fishing license at Chilwa?
Usually yes. Most countries require a national or regional fishing permit. Check the local rules via the link on this page.
When is the best time to fish Chilwa?
African Sharptooth Catfish fishing is usually best around Jan-Dec. The best windows are usually dawn and dusk.
What is biting at Chilwa right now?
Right now African Sharptooth Catfish is the most likely catch, at about 75%.