Angling/Fishing Destinations in India

A number of rivers flow from the Himalayan ranges in India into its plains and plateaus before embracing the sea. These snow fed rivers are the best sights for Angling in India. A great variety of fish like Golden, Silver, Grey and Black Mahaseer, Brown and Rainbow Trout, Katli and Rohu can be found in the fresh waters of Ganga, Yamuna, Brahamaputra, Krishna, Mahanadi and Kaveri rivers, making India an anglers' paradise.

Mahaseer fish is only found in Indian rivers and is said to be the toughest to catch in fresh water category. Trout is found in the snow fed mountain streams and rivers. Himalayan rivers and lakes are the best destinations for catching Trout and enjoying angling in India.

Angling Equipments

Basic accessories required for angling are rods, lines, hooks, reels, baits and spoons.

Main Angling Destinations in India for fresh Water Fish

Himachal Pradesh

Streams, rivulets and rivers flowing through Himachal Pradesh are famous for Brown Trout. Rivers like Beas in Kullu Manali, Larji river in Larji Valley and streams in Sainj are well known for Trout angling. One needs to apply for a license for angling from fisheries office located in Patlikhul (Kullu). Issuing of license is generally restricted during monsoon season.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is also irrigated by the snow fed rivers of Himalayan region, which are inhabited by Trouts. This makes the state an anglers' paradise. Some of the major angling points in Jammu and Kashmir are Lidder and Indus rivers, other rivulets and streams.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the seven sister states of Northeast India. Located in the lap of Himlayas, it is a beautiful state and travelers' paradise. Some of the main angling sites in Arunachal Pradesh are Pasighat banks on Siang river, Tezu banks on Lohit river and Bhalukpong and Tipi banks on Kameng river.

Angling in South India

There are a number of rivers and streams flowing through South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Mahanadi, Kaveri, Godavari and Krishna rivers are habitat to Mahseer, Purree, Khudchee and White Carp. Fishing can be enjoyed here throughout the year barring the monsoon season.
Some of the best streams for angling Trout fish in Tamil Nadu are Peermund, Kalkundi, Pirtimund and Chembar. Elephant Lake in Munnar and the streams around the city are known for Trout angling in Kerala. Kaveri river is the best source of fishing in India.

Fishing in Open Sea

Indian coasts, with a coastline of about 3,000 km, are also famous as angling destinations. Some of the Indian states where there are ample opportunities for sea fishing are Goa, Kerala, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Orissa and Lakshadweep. Coastal areas of India harbour marine fish like Sea Bass, Marlin and Mckerel.

Best time for fishing in India

Though angling can be enjoyed throughout the year but the best season for fresh water fish angling is from March to June and from September to December. Weather conditions during winter and monsoon season make it difficult to do so.

Most of the Indian states have Fisheries departments which ensure the proper maintenance of hatcheries. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh maintain fish hatcheries where a major stock of fish is bred and then re-stocked into the rivers flowing through these states.

Angling is a sport which requires a lot of patience and capacity to stand quiet for hours together and the skill to catch fish. Indian rivers include around 30 species of fish which catch the interest of Anglers.