Africa
Fishing in
Mali 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Mali17.57°, -4.00°
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Through local authorities.
- Cost
- From 5-15 USD.
- Validity
- Day/trip permit
- Available online?
- No
Mali has the Niger River and the inland delta — one of the largest wetlands in West Africa! Nile perch and Capitaine catfish. Timbuktu is here! ATTENTION: Parts of Mali are extremely unsafe (terrorism).
Book fishing tours in Mali
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons.
- Catch limits
- No strict limits.
- Prohibited methods
- Dynamite prohibited.
- Catch & Release
- Not widespread.
The Niger Inland Delta is a huge flood area that turns into a fishing paradise during the rainy season.
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Niger-Binnendelta (Nilbarsch + Kapitänswels, huges Feuchtgebiet)
- —Niger near Bamako (Nilbarsch + Tilapia, stark belastet through Goldsuche)
- —Lac Sélingué (Kapitänswels + Tilapia, künstlicher Reservoir)
- —Lac Manantali (Barschartige + Welse, wichtiges Fishermeneigebiet)
- —Bani-River near Mopti (Große Welse + Nilbarsch, traditionelle Fishermenei)
Target fish
Freshwater
Niger River and inland delta. Huge wetlands.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked).
Starting from50 USD / day
Best season: November-March (dry season, fish concentrated).
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- NOTHING available locally.
- Fishing guides
- 15-50 USD/day.
- Transport
- Flights to Bamako. 4WD. Pirogues on the Niger.
- Safety
- WARNING: Northern Mali and the center are extremely unsafe (terrorism/jihadism)! Only Bamako region!
- Customs & taking fish home
- Visa in advance.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
5-15 USD.
Guide prices
15-50 USD/day.
Daily budget
Budget: 15-30 USD.
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Mali
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Mali →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Mali with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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