Where to Go for Fishing and Angling in India?

Cascading water, picturesque scenery, and the thrill of angling – it is quite easy to get hooked on a fishing vacation…

Inundated with plethora of lakes, rivers, ponds and coastlines, India is the perfect destination for all kinds of angling and fishing holidays. Over the past few years, angling and fishing have established themselves among the most popular adventure activities in India. The crystal-clear coast lines offer a great opportunity to the angling lovers who are scouting for the destinations to fish all year round. Right from the magnificent Himalayan valleys, to the snow-fed streams, to the vast coastal regions of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, the country has a diverse range of adventurous settings to provide an unforgettable experience to the fishing fanatics. If you wish to catch the majestic Mahseer, a beautiful Brown Trout, then India is one of the best destinations for fishing and angling in the world.

Prominent Destinations for Fishing and Angling in India:

RAMGANGA RIVER, CORBETT NATIONAL PARK, UTTARAKHAND

Corbett National Park nestled in Nainital district of Uttarakhand is a famous destination for the fishing and angling fanatics. The park houses many exotic varieties of flora and fauna, but the pristine Ramganga River flowing by the park adds stars to the popularity of Corbett. The river is an abode of several fish species such as the Mahseer, Goonch, Brown Trout and many other kinds of fishes. The park is enveloped by verdant landscapes, dense forests and enchanting beauty. It is certainly a dream come true for visitors hooking the fishes in the home of mighty tigers.

The permission of the park Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) is required for fishing and angling in Corbett National Park. The private resorts located in close proximity to the park can arrange the fishing permit license and angling trips. Fishing in Ramganga can be carried out all round the year and October to mid June is the best season to indulge in the recreational activity of angling and fishing. It is important to note that fishing and angling is permitted in the Upper Ramganga, extending from Nagataley to Masi. The experience of fishing in the Ramganga River cannot be expressed in words and provides unforgettable memories.

KOSI RIVER, UTTARAKHAND

River Kosi that flows by the Corbett National Park is replete with Mahseer. The river forms the eastern boundary of the park from Mohan up to the Ramnagar. Fishing can be carried out all round the year but the months of October and June are considered best for making a plan for angling. The best fishing and angling spots in Kosi are Betalghat and Chhara. The permits for the fishing can be arranged by the hotels and resorts located around the region. Besides fishing, sitting on the banks of the Kosi River and marveling at the awe-inspiring beauty of nature can be a pleasurable experience.

PANCHESHWAR, MAHAKALI RIVER, UTTARAKHAND

Pancheshwar is a beautiful village located about 40 kms from Lohaghat town in Champawat district of Uttarakhand and popular as one of the best angling locations in India. Here, the Mahakali and River River blend. The place offers the rich pickings of the Mahseer fishes. The water of the river is crystal-clear and the best season for fishing is before the arrival of the rains and after the month of October. People from various geographical locations of the world flock to this place to participate in the International Angling Competition held in March every year. Night fishing is quite a rage among the fishing buffs and undertaken with the assistance from the experienced local guides.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh is no doubt an attractive destination for fishing and angling. The Pabbar Valley region, located around 80 kms, north-east of Shimla is one of the best place for Golden Mahseer Fishing in India. Here fishing is carried out on the banks of Pabbar River. The other popular places for fishing and angling in Himachal Pradesh are Mandil, Dhamvari, Chirgaon, Seema and Sandasu. The Bead, Sutlej, Ravi and Baspa flow through different districts of Himachal Pradesh, mainly in the upper Himalayas. These rivers are goldmine for brown Trout fishing. Tributaries of the Beas River like Sarvari, Parbati, Sainj, Hurla, Phojal and Tirthan are considered excellent destinations for fishing. Here, the fishing enthusiasts can get a wonderful chance to catch various kinds of fishes like the Brown Trout, catfish, Rohu, Catla, Golden Masheer, Mrigal Nemacheilus spp, Barilus sp and Schizothoracids.

Remember: There are certain rules to be followed while undertaking this special interest tour in Himachal Pradesh without inconvenience. The state government has categorized the streams of Himachal as the General and Trout waters. The lengths of the streams are estimated to be around 600 km and 2400 km respectively. For angling in Trout waters, a license has to be obtained from the government. Only rod and line fishing is allowed in Trout waters.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Angling and fishing in Arunachal Pradesh offers you a great chance to get immersed in the beauty of nature and cherish ultimate thrill. There are four prominent regions in the state that are popular for fishing. These regions include Bhalukpong and Tipi, located on the banks of Kameng River, Pasighat, situated on the banks of Siang River and Wakro, nestled on the banks of Lohit River. As the rivers are translucent, there is high oxygen content in these rivers and hence there is a high possibility of a good catch. The main fishes found in the rivers are golden Mahseer and Brown Trout. It is the best location for brown trout fishing. The angling sports of Arunachal are very peaceful and offer a magnificent opportunity for fast and still water angling.

Extra Information: During fishing, the visitors have to be extra cautious as wild elephants and leopards roam along the river banks. If you are going out at night, make it a point to go out in groups of at least 3-4 people. Bonfires are an absolute necessity.

JIA BHOROLI RIVER, ASSAM

The north-eastern state of Assam is a paradise for angling and fishing enthusiasts. The Jia Bhoroli River in Assam that emanates in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh and flows through Sonitpur district of Assam is famous for Golden Mahseer fishing. An annual angling competition is organized in the month of November every year in association with the State Forest Department of Assam and Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association. Tourists from India and other parts of the world swarm this place to participate in the competition. Apart from the competition, the months of October to April are the best time for fishing. The other kinds of fishes found in the Jia Bhoroli River are Saal, Gorua, Korang and Boka. Kapili, Manas and Bhalukpung rivers are ideal spots for angling.

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are enveloped by blue waters that offer a great chance for fishing and angling. The islands with its lush rainforests and mangrove trees certainly mesmerize the tourists. The rivers of Andaman are a home to various kinds of fishes like Dorado, Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Dogtooth. Saltwater fishing is famous among the tourists in the Havelock Islands of Andaman. While fishing, do not forget to bring along your camera to click captivating pictures of the beautiful sunset.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Jammu and Kashmir is an angler’s paradise that contains several snow and spring fed streams. Angling in various pristine lakes of Kashmir like the Dal Lake, Nagin Lake and Anchar Lake offers an everlasting experience. The streams of Kashmir are full of German Brown and Rainbow Trout fishes. The best season for fishing in the state is from April to October. The Sindh, Krishen Ganga, Doodh Ganga, Noobug and Lidder rivers are generally covered with snow and begin to melt between the months of May to July. These rivers are well stocked with fishes and offer an enjoyable experience to the tourists.

Important point to be noted: Before you can start your angling exercise, it is mandatory that you get the necessary permit from the Directorate of the Fisheries, Srinagar. No angler is allowed to catch more than six fishes. After catching the fish, the tourists are required to release them back into the water. All this measures have been taken by the state government to preserve and maintain and effective environmental balance.

KARNATAKA

Fishing and angling is one of the unique recreational activities carried out by the people in Karnataka. The state government runs angling camps across the Cauvery River, which houses several varieties of Mahseers. It is very interesting to know that the Mahseers are considered to be the ‘Pride of Cauvery River’ and various concrete steps have been undertaken to safeguard the habitat of Mahseer. In the fishing and angling camps, generally run by the government, catch and release practice is followed. The angling fanatics must follow the rules. Every time a fish has been hooked, the camp attendant helps the visitors to remove the fish from the water, tie the mouth by using a nylon rope, take the weight and pose for a photograph. After all these activities, the fish is then released into the water. It is important to obtain a license from the Coorg Wildlife Association for fishing; otherwise the anglers may be penalized.

KERALA

When one envisages about Mahseer fishing and angling trip to South India, then the exotic state of Kerala immediately comes to the mind. The beguiling streams of Munnar hill station and Elephant Lake provide a pleasurable fishing and angling experience. The streams contain a stockpile of Trout fishes, Mahaseers, etc and catching a fish amidst the verdant landscape provides memories of a lifetime. The best time for fishing in Kerala is from October to March. Silver, Gold, Black and Pink Mahseer, Pearl Spot, Climbing Perch, Sardine, Pomfret, Tuna, Seer and Mackerel are the other varieties of fishes found in the rivers and streams of Kerala.

RANIKOR, MEGHALAYA

Meghalaya fascinates the travelers with its picturesque beauty and exotic wildlife. However, besides its wildlife, it is also becoming one of the popular destinations for angling and fishing trips in India. Ranikor, a small town, nestled about 5 hours from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a famous destination for fishing. The Kynshi River that originates from Rilang town is a rich store of various species of fishes such as the Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Goonch (Catfish) and Eels. The tribals can also be seen catching fishes using traditional equipments. A fishing trip to Meghalaya is really a captivating experience, where the fishes are catched by riding on a local boat.

GOA

Goa is one of the best angling destinations in India that offer a great chance to the angling lovers to trap various kinds of fishes in the tropical surroundings of the state. Many beaches like the Agonda beach, Vagator beach, Chapora River, etc contain several varieties of fishes like the Soormai, Salmon, Mullet, Ladyfish or catfish, Rockfish, Stingray, Guitarfish, the local Barramundi and many more. The ideal time for fishing in Goa is October to May. Many visitors patiently wait by the beaches to get their prized catch and pose pictures with it.

LAKSHADWEEP

Just like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep is also an arresting group of islands that not only charm the visitors with its serene beauty but also with its magnificent beaches. The beaches are the perfect avenue for fishing and angling. The waters of the beaches are very shallow and transparent. One can see the fishes coming and kissing the toes quite clearly. The anglers can look forward to catch various kinds of fishes like the Dolphin fish, flying fish, Yellowfin, Rainbow Runner, Red Snapper, Butterfly fish, Skip Jack, Sail fish, Parrot fish, Coral fish and much more. Besides, fishing, there are also many enthralling adventure activities that can be enjoyed in this beautiful island like surfing, kayaking, scuba diving and canoeing.

Fishing and angling holidays in India provide never-ending excitement. A great amalgamation of variety of fishes and serene locations which offer a fishing vacation that will remain etched into the hearts of angler enthusiasts. Fishing in enchanting locations of India casts a magic spell upon the anglers and offers a pleasurable experience.