Fishing In Nepal

Fishing is an interesting sport. Though fishing in Nepal is not well advertised in the world, Nepal is a beautiful destination for a fishing admirer. If you are a passionate angler, fishing is an interesting sport to do if you have plenty of time in Nepal.

There are nearly 200 species of fishes dancing in the Himalayan rivers and lakes in Nepal. Among all the varieties found in Nepal, around 190 are the indigenous species whereas the others are and remaining are exotic species. Some of the major fish breeds in Nepal include Silver carp, Bighead carp, Grass carp, Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Brown trout, and Rainbow trout.

“The Himalayan Mahseer”, is the most popular species of fish found in the rivers of Nepal. The other species like Goonch fish and illusive catfish are also amongst the most sorted fishes for angling in Nepal.

The Himalayan rivers in Nepal are the most amazing habitats of most of the fishes. In Nepal, sport fishing is also equally popular. You can go fishing in the beautiful rivers like Trishuli, Marshyangdi, Betrawati, Indrawati, Karnali, and Koshi. While fishing, one must take care of the aquatic species like Dolphins and Crocodiles. They are mostly found in Koshi, Rapti, and Narayani river.

Best Season to go Fishing in Nepal

Most of the fishing in Nepal involves the white-water fishing. Thus, the best time for going fishing in the rivers of Nepal is before and after monsoon. Thus, the most popular time of the year for fishing in Nepal starts from February to April and from October and November.

The time between June and July is monsoon in Nepal. Monsoon receives heavy rainfall. Thus, the rivers flood with turbulent muddy water during this time. Hence, monsoon is not a good time for activities like fishing in Nepal.

Popular Places for Fishing in Nepal

Fishing is possible in many beautiful swiftly flowing rivers in Nepal. Nepal is the second richest country in terms of natural water resources in the world. There are three major river basins in Nepal. Koshi originates towards the east, Narayani is the central one, and towards west is the Karnali.

Some of the places that are popular amongst the enthusiast anglers are Karnali river, Babai river, the confluence of Narayani and Rapti river in Chitwan, Dolalghat, and at the lakes in Pokhara.

Nepal, due to its diverse topography offers different fishing experiences. Fishing in the mountain streams really is gratifying. Whereas if you are fishing in Terai rivers, you will catch the large fishes. You will catch large catfish, murrel and carpsince they are found in abundance there.

What Should I Bring for Fishing in Nepal?

There are lots of anglers who go fishing if they have some spare time in Nepal. If you want to plan a fishing trip in Nepal before you come here, you can bring Fishing Gearss like fishing reel, fishing rod, fish finders, and some other lightweight gears.

However, if you want to buy or rent the Fishing Gearss, you can find them at various shops in Nepal.

Mahseer Fishing in Nepal

image credit: WimpPK

Golden Mahseer is one of the most popular species of fish for Himalayan fishing in Nepal. They are edible fish. People call it the tiger of fishes. The Mahseer fish is found in the clear rivers in the Nepalese Himalayas. The fish is easily characterized by its thick scales, powerful jaws, and a large protrusible mouth. An adult Mahseer fish is golden on the dorsal side whereas its fins are reddish-yellow in color.

Mahseer fish is found in highly oxygenated rivers. Golden Mahseer fish is omnivorous. It eats small fishes, insects, and algae inside water. A single Mahseer can weight up to 50 kg and more.

Mahseer fish is the toughest sport fish. They are highly intelligent and will swim away if you reach a distance of about 50 to 75 feet from them. Once they realize that an angler is close, they stop feeding.

Bardia National Park is a well-known place for Mahseer fishing in Nepal. The Bardia River is a pristine freshwater river. There is a large number of Golden Mahseer in the river. You will see them coming out of the clear water and splashing under. Here, the local agents organize guided fishing. Some try their luck in the lakes in Pokhara. Anglers use baits and spoons to fish them. Mahseer fishes are popular for fly fishing as well.

Fly Fishing in Nepal

Fly fishing is a fishing method in which a lightweight fishing lure is used to catch fish. To cast the artificial fly, you will need good casting techniques and casting materials like a fly rod, reel, and specialized weighted line.

Fly fishing in Nepal is freshwater fishing. Fly fishing is most popular in the Budhi Gandaki River. This river originates from the snowy Himalayas in Nepal. Fly fishing in the rivers is done for species like Himalayan Mahseer, trouts, carps, and catfish.

Which species of fishes are only found in Nepal?

Mahseer (Sahar)
Deep Bodied Mahseer
Copper Mahasheer (Katle)
Freshwater Shark (Gounch)
Jalkapoor
Freshwater Eel (Raj Bam)
River Catfish (Bachawa)
Giant Murrel (Saur)
Mud Eel (Hile Bam)
Feather Back (Patali)
Knife Fish (Chitala)
Catfish (Buari)
Tenger Catfish (Tengri)

Some Fishing Trips in Nepal

Trishuli River Fishing Trip

Trishuli River is one of the best destinations for river fishing in Nepal. The river is one of the makes the major tributaries of the Narayani river system. Fishing experience in Trishuli River is an amazing one. It is a fast-flowing river where different species of fish are found. Some of them include Trout fish, River Eel, and Golden Mahseer.

While fishing in the Trishuli river, you will not only fish but will also do exciting camping adventure on the riverbank.

Bheri River Fishing Trip

Bheri River is one of the best rivers in Nepal for fishing trips. The river originates from the Dolpo region and joins Karnali cutting a wide valley. Bheri river flows through the Chure range into Bardiya National Park in Terai region of Nepal.

Fishing in Bheri river truly is an adventure. On the first part of the river, there are many twists and turns and some narrow ravines also. Fishing in the Bheri river combines both the rafting and fishing. Also, you can have a jungle tour in the Bardiya Wildlife Reserve. At the Bheri river, there are chances that the anglers may see rare Gangetic dolphins.

Seti Karnali River Fishing Trip

The Seti Karnali fishing tour combines fishing in the Seti river and Karnali river in Nepal. Seti river originates from Mt. Api and Saipal Himal and flows downwards joining lower Karnali river. This place is highly popular amongst keen fishers and adventure lovers.

This fishing tour is the most popular one. This tour combines fishing and rafting in the swiftly flowing white water rivers. In these rivers, the Golden Mahseer, Silver Mahseer, Sahar, Bokar, and Giant Catfish are found in abundance. This tour combines many fishing destinations. You will be fishing for different fishes in different places.

Tamur River Fishing Trip

Tamur River For fishing tours and river trips, Tamur River is an ideal choice. This is the sixth largest river in Nepal originating from Mt. Kanchenjunga. The river is popular for Kayak fishing, rafting, and edge fishing. During this fishing trip, you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of Tamur valley. The fishing experiences in the Tamur river are amazing.