Fishing in Nepal

Nepal is rich in terms of water resources. The abundance of snow fed rivers, lakes and mountain streams in Nepal certainly offers good fishing grounds for dedicated and patient fishermen. Sport fishing has gained a rapid popularity in Nepal. The country is landlocked between the giant nations of India and China, and is approximately 950 kilometers away from the sea.

Hence, Nepal offers the vertical distribution of around 118 varieties of Fresh Water Fish at altitudes ranging from 80 meters to 2700 meters. Popular trips are done in Karnali River, Trisuli River, Bheri River, Narayani River, Seti River, Babai River and Kali Gandaki River. The beautiful lakes of Pokhara Valley – Fewa lake, Rupa lake and Begnas lake also provides for anglers and fishermen.

Mahaseer is the most commonly sought sport-fish in Nepal. Other species of fresh water fish includes Cooper Mahaseer, River Catfish, Fresh Water Shark, Mountain Stream Trout, Fresh Water Eel, Mud Eel, Giant Murrel, Knife Fish, Feather Back, Common and Grass Carp. The best season for good sport fishing in Nepal’s fresh water rivers and lakes is during Oct-Dec & Feb-May. However, the best season for fishing varies from place to place. Trans-Himalayan Rivers has good fishing around Feb-May whereas the time period around Sep-Apr is considered good for fishing in the larger rivers of Terai.

Nepal Guide Treks and Expeditions have been successfully organizing and executing Fishing trips in Nepal. We combine this trips with other interesting activities such as camping and rafting to add more adventure. We aim to provide an exciting and memorable trips in Nepal for tolerant anglers and patient Fishermen wanting to hook fishes of Nepal.

Karnali River is endowed with beautiful rivers that are good fishing ground for the angling enthusiast. Many varieties of fish are found in Karnali River . This is very popular fishing spots are Karnali, Babai valley in the Royal Bardia National Park, Chitwan, Dolalghat and lakes of Pokhara. Among the many fishes found here, the Golden Mahseer is prized above the others. Karnali is the ideal place for Mahseer fishing. The best season to go fishing is before or after the monsoon i.e. from February till April and from October till November when fishes go upstream for spawning and consume less food.

Fishing in Budi Gandaki
Half way between Kathmandu and Pokhara Budhi Gandaki is a mystery river! Like the Marsyangdi, the Budhi Gandaki rises wholly in Nepal and drains the Eastern slopes of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal before flowing south through a steep - sided valley to join the Trisuli River upstream of Mugling.

Fishing here will certainly provide you a unique experience. At the same time you can observe typical Nepali villages, good mountain views and a little - traveled but easy river. The different varieties of fish can be seen frolicking in the water. The journey starts from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar and the desire to catch fish takes you to Arket Bazaar. The fishing area includes several places of Arket Bazaar, Seuli Bazaar and Arughat Bazaar. Forgetting the rest of the world you can relax and enjoy fishing here. This place is really wonderful with crystal clear water and you can go to beautiful blue water by boat as there is an opportunity to hook up the varieties of fishes such as mahseer, snow trout, fresh water eel, and catfishes. The high currents of the water make this adventure a memorable and challenging one. And the fish you catch here are really delicious if it is cooked. In addition to this, you can experience various cultural and traditional ethos of this small but diverse country.
After your unspoken interaction with these beautiful fish fauna you retrace your route to Arughat Bazaar and from there a picturesque drive brings you back to Kathmandu.

Fishing in Ankhu Khola (Netrawati)
Ankhu Khola is yet another excellent destination for the subtle sport of fishing. It lies north in the Ganesh Himal region. You drive from Kathmandu to Khahare Bazaar which takes about six hours. The main places where you can enjoy the fun of fishing includes from Khahare Bazaar till Kintang Phei. Another option is from Khahare till Tari Besi. This program has been designed to take anglers, both amateurs and professionals on an exciting fishing trip. While on this exciting fishing trip you also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forests, streams and the high mountains.

Here too you find an opportunity to hook up the varieties of fishes such as mahseer, snow trout, fresh water eel, and catfishes. The main attractions of this program are to make you feel relaxed away from the hubbub of city and help to observe the rural part of Nepal. Here you can enjoy boating, swimming in crystal clear blue water and lying on sand beeches, camping, experience local culture, interaction with the local people as you can choose home stay, try fresh and tasty fruits, vegetables and fish and beautiful sceneries add an extra advantage to your tour.

Fishing in the Terai: the Mahseer
The rivers in the Terai are good fishing. Large catfish, Murrel and carp are found in abundance in these rivers. Anglers can also try their luck in West Nepal's Bardia Wildlife Reserve in the Babai valley where agencies organize guided fishing trips. While trekking or rafting in Karnali, Sun Kosi, Bheri, Arun river bring along a fishing rod or give the local methods a try - using a bamboo pole or a crude fish trap. The Mahseer is a large and much prized sport fish found in the Geruwa river that skirts the park. However, its numbers are dwindling rapidly and it is advised that you let go of one even if you land a catch.

Practical information
Asking local fishermen and boatmen for information on good fishing spots and varieties can be rewarding. The Tharus of the Nepal Terai are an active fishing and hunting community and can provide good company on a trip, or in just providing suggestions. In Bardia, apart from an entry fee to the park, you have to pay a fee of Rs.300 per rod for sport fishing. This may be well worth for a fishing trip in the Geruwa. You may just land a mahseer!