Top Himalayan Rivers for Fishing and Angling in India

 Last Updated: 07 Mar, 2023 By Arun Joshi

If fishing is all what you would like to enjoy during your much needed break, then don’t miss sight of India – the land of rivers. Home to a number of volatile sources of water, the country brings opportunities for the devoted anglers who consider fishing and angling synonymous to adventure sports. Among the plethora of options, the rivers and lakes in the Himalaya appear as the icing on the cake. With surprising varieties of game fishes like Mahseer in Ramganga River or man-eating Goonch fish in Kali River, the country has won the confidence of world-anglers who do not mind travelling overseas to gather some wonderful memories.

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To provide the adventure fanatic with a vivid idea about the best fishing destinations in India, a well-knit list is given here:

Ramganga River in Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

A cascading river that meanders through the verdant forest of Corbett National Park, River Ramganga is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. An unbeatable destination to trap Mahseer fishes, this river also lets one capture Goonch, Brown Trout and many other kinds of fishes. As the river flows through one of the top most national parks in India, the anglers can witness exotic species of birds and animals in the nearby forests. Enveloped by dense covering of woods, the riverside also helps one to get closer to nature. Actual fishing/angling is organized on the outskirts of Corbett Tiger Reserve. For angling one needs to take permission of the park Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). The resorts found in the close proximity of the forest can arrange permits for fishing & angling in corbett. Fishing and angling in Upper Ramganga river is permitted, extending from Nagataley to Masi. September to May is considered to be the best time for fishing in Ramganga River.

Kosi River, Uttarakhand

Another fishing spot close to Corbett National Park is Kosi River that forms the eastern boundary of the park from Mohan up to the Ramnagar. Here, again the main attraction is Mahseer, which is known as India’s Tiger in water. The best fishing or angling spots in Kosi are Belaghat and Chhara. Permits can be arranged by the nearby resort authority. Apart from fishing, solitude lovers also can spend their leisure on the river bank. The tourists meeting Corbett National Park can easily angling in Kosi River.

Mahakali River, Uttarakhand

If you are looking for an offbeat destination to embark for angling, Mahakali River in Pancheshwar village can be a delightful spot. The river is located around 40 km from Lohaghat town in Champawat district of Uttarakhand. The river is situated very close to the Nepal border and appears to be an excellent option for angling. Kali is a Himalayan snow fed river and contributed by several tributaries which results in enhancing the sporting value. This is the point where Kali and Sarayu River converges. The crystal clear water of this river helps to make the fishing experience more fascinating. With the help of expert guides, the tourists can go at night for fishing and as per the requirement, fishing can be experienced riding on boats. Fishing in Kali River mostly offers rich pickings of Mahseer fishes. The best time to go for fishing in this place is before the arrival of monsoon and after October.

Beas Ghat, Uttarakhand

For fishing trips in India, Beas Ghat in Uttarakhand state can be an excellent option. The destination is very close to Dev Prayag and acts as an exceptional habitat for Mahseer fish; a 60 lb Mahseer is the best catch so far in Beas Ghat. Located at the foothills of Himalaya, this river is enclosed by picture perfect natural settings, fantastic beats and spotless beaches. Presenting all the exotic natural elements together, the riverside invites global tourists to spend a relaxing vacation where they can enjoy the thrill of taming this beautiful water creature. Nayar, a stream meeting the Ganges is considered to be one of the best fishing beats of the river. September to November is the ideal time for fishing in Beas Ghat.

Assi Ganga River, Uttarkashi

An ideal angling spot for beginner, Assi Ganga River is located 11 km ahead of Uttarkashi. The river originates from Dodital Lake and merges with the famous river Bhagirathi at Uttarkashi. The river is primarily habited by brown Trout fishes that are larger in size. The fishes were introduced to this small river by the British colonels in 1869 to satiate their angling desire. After independence for many years the river remained untouched. As a result the fishes could grow naturally and now a number of good catches are found in this river. In the recent past the destination has been rediscovered, and catch and release system is being introduced here. For angling in the Assi River, one needs to take permission from the forest department in advance. April to June is considered to be a good season for angling in the Assi River.

Pabbar Valley in Himachal Pradesh

The Pabbar Valley region is located 80 km north-east of Shimla and stands apart for its cascading rivers and untainted trekking trails. The Pabbar River gushes downwards with strong force and houses discrete varieties of sports fishes such as Golden Mahseer, trouts and goonch. The nearest regions of Pabbar are less trodden by the adventurists and thus invite those globetrotters who prefer solitude to sate their travel freak mind. Go fishing and angling in Pabbar valley and enjoy the murmuring of river or take a short break and explore the vistas replete with undulating meadows and lush greenery.

Beas River, Himachal

Being one of the most popular rivers in North India, Beas is fed by a couple of tributaries and rivulets, which are ideal to satisfy your desire of angling in Himalayan Rivers. Manalsu is one of those popular tributaries of Beas where fishing can be enjoyed. The river mainly flows through the region of old Manali where Manalsu and Beas coincides. Besides Manalsu, Sarvari, Parbati, Hurla, Sainj, Tirthan, and Phojal are considered as some of the excellent places for fishing. The cold mountain streams are suitable for trout to survive. The best beats are found at the confluence of river Larji and Tirthan valley. Sainj is another popular trout stream that flows on the other side.

Rivers of Arunachal Pradesh

The mystical land of snow, narrow ice fed streams and lofty mountain ranges, Arunachal Pradesh encompasses a couple of energetic rivers that are hotspots of several adventurous activities. These rivers mainly snake through eye catching natural sights which let the visitors get soaked in the tranquility and allow them to feel the ultimate thrill. There are mainly four regions in Arunachal Pradesh which are popular for fishing. Among these Bhalukpong and Tipi are located on the banks of Kameng River, Pasighat is situated on the banks of Siang River and Wakro is located on the banks of Lohit River. Being translucent, these rivers contain high oxygen content which enhances the possibility of a good catch. These rivers are mainly inhabited by golden Mahseer and Brown Trout among which the chances of brown trout fishing is high.

Rivers of Jammu and Kashmir

Bestowed with plentiful numbers of rivers, lakes and snow fed streams the earthly paradise of Jammu and Kashmir brings excellent opportunity of angling or fishing for the adventure freak souls. Presenting a good number of brown and rainbow trouts these spots have turned into an angler’s paradise. For the best catches the Indus and Lidder Rivers and their tributaries are considered to be the best spots. Early morning and late evening are the ideal time for ensuring some good catches. Those who are avid adventurers can try fishing at some high altitude lakes through trekking. The trek starting from Sonmarg leads to different parts of the mountains which include the names of Vishansar, Kishansar, Satsar, Gadsar and Gangabal. During winter most of these lakes turn frozen and as a result the fish (mainly brown trout) keeps close to the bottom of the lake. Unlike other places, the use of spoons and spinners is allowed in this region.

It is opined that Mahseer is an indigenous species of India and found not only in Himalayan rivers but also in some of the popular rivers of South India, at the confluence of river Cauvery and at some other popular rivers of North-East India. It is considered as one of the most playful freshwater fishes. However, Trouts are not indigenous to India and mostly prefer to stay in brackish water. But by nature’s grace it can be found in most of the high altitude lakes in India. However if one is not very specific about the fishes and wants to enjoy fishing as a game, The Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh can also serve as an ideal spot.

Published: 28 Aug, 2014By Arun Joshi