01 ·
Niger Inner Delta
Nile Perch + Captain Catfishhuge wetland
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Mali.
Fishing in Mali 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
5
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
From 5-15 USD.
›All license details
- 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).
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
November-March (dry season, fish concentrated).
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Niger near Bamako
Nile Perch + Tilapiaheavily impacted by gold mining
03 ·
Lac Sélingué
Captain Catfish + Tilapiaartificial reservoir
04 ·
Lac Manantali
Perch-like species + Wels Catfishimportant fishing area
05 ·
Bani River near Mopti
Large Wels Catfish + Nile Perchtraditional fishery
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
African Bonytongue
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No general closed seasons.
Catch limits
Catch limits
No strict limits.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite prohibited.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Not widespread.
What does it cost?
5-15 USD
License
5-15 USD.
15-50 USD
Guide per day
15-50 USD/day.
15-30 USD
Daily budget
Budget: 15-30 USD.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Mali17.57°, -4.00°
🎣 Live catches in mali
2 verified catches
Not enough data (2 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Through local authorities. — 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).
Rules in detail
The Niger Inland Delta is a huge flood area that turns into a fishing paradise during the rainy season.
Freshwater
Niger River and inland delta. Huge wetlands.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked).
Equipment
NOTHING available locally.
Guides
15-50 USD/day.
Getting there
Flights to Bamako. 4WD. Pirogues on the Niger.
Safety
WARNING: Northern Mali and the center are extremely unsafe (terrorism/jihadism)! Only Bamako region!
Customs & fish export
Visa in advance.
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: May 30, 2026
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