With abundant coastlines and rivers, India is an ideal destination for fishing. Fish forms an important part of many cuisines and huge fish markets dominate almost every big city and town. Indians are even accustomed to hearing “is this a fish market?” in school, while growing up, to add to the popularity of the aforementioned fish markets!
Fishing is not only something the fishermen do every morning but it’s a leisure sport that is catching up in India and here are some of the best destinations to go fishing !
1. Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand
The pristine Ramgangariver flowing through the Corbett National Park makes for a picturesque location for fishing between the rocky, mountainous landscape. It is home to Mahseer – a scaly, fresh water fish which is known as the best sport fish in the world. The Goonch, Brown Trout are also found here, to name a few type of fish. One of the most famous destinations among fanatics for fishing, a license is needed which you can easily get from the Divisional Forest Officer.
Although accessible throughout the year, October to mid-June makes for the best time to go here, given the cooler temperatures before the onset of summer
2. Mahakali River, Uttarakhand
Lying at the confluence of the Mahakali and Saryu rivers that demarcate the Indo-Nepal border, it provides a unique experience to fishing enthusiasts, rafters, and birdwatchers alike. The Pancheshwar Fishing Retreat is the ideal spot to park yourself for the experience. The mighty Mahseer is abundant here.
Open throughout the year with the exception being the monsoon months when the water levels rise to dangerous levels. People from all over the world come here to take part in the International Angling Competition that takes place here every March.
3. JiaBhoroli River, Assam
Nestled in Upper Assam is a fishing destination that is famous since the time of the British. The Nameri National Park, into which the snow fed JiaBhoroliriver enters, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Murral, Goonch and Indian Trout are some of the famous catches of the area.
An annual angling competition is held here every year in November, with the best time of visit being form then on till March.
4. Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
North-east of Shimla lies a valley, with an abundance of Golden Mahseer. The Pabbar Valley region is also famous for it’s apple orchards, oak and deodar forests. Other major fish found here are the trout and carp. There are several camps at the valley for fishing which is a testament to its popularity among enthusiasts. For trout fishing, a license needs to be obtained from the government and only rod and line fishing is allowed in trout waters.
October to April is an ideal time to go to this, relatively untouched little paradise in Himachal.
5. Kokernag Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
When thinking of Kashmir, one can think of its expansive beauty in the valleys and mountains. What one might not think of relating to it is fishing, which has in fact been popular here since the days of the Raj. Kashmir has many snow and spring fed streams and lakes like the Kokernag, Sukhnag, Verinag, Veshnusar and Gangbal – which are known for trout fishing.
The Dal Lake and Jhelum also make for interesting fishing spots. Brown and rainbow trout are the most popular catch here. But beware, a catch and release policy is followed wherein you can catch only 6 fish at a time or you will get penalised.
The best time to visit is from April to October when the snow caps melt and the fish are aplenty.
6. Karnataka
Being a coastal state, it is no surprise that Karnataka figures on the list of the best fishing spots in the country. The Mahseer fish, like in many other parts India, are the pride of the Kaveririver. Like Jammu and Kashmir, they also follow a catch and release policy.
The anglers can take photos with their catch after which it is released back into the river. Fishing can be done only at these camps after obtaining a licence from the Coorg Wildlife Association, to make sure the policy is followed.
The best time to visit is during the off-season as not many venture to the waters during the monsoon.
7. Elephant Lake, Kerala
God’s own country has something to offer to everyone – especially those on a hunt for the best Mahseer in the land. Elephant lake and Munnar are some good fishing spots here. Silver, Gold, Black and Pink Mahseer, Pearl Spot, Climbing Perch, Sardine, Pomfret, Tuna, Seer and Mackerel are the numerous varieties of fish here.
October to March is the best time to visit here and you could even spend the new year catching some fish and relaxing on the beaches elsewhere in Kerela.
8. Ranikor, Meghalaya
Located five hours from the capital Shillong, Ranikor is one of the last wild fishing spots left in Meghalaya. Eels and catfish can be found here apart from the ever abundant Gold, and Chocolate Mahseers. It is a great spot for some birdwatching too with Brahmini kites swooping in to take some fresh catch from the rivers too. If you didn’t have enough reasons to visit the unexplored north-east then fishing should definitely be another reason to add to the list!
The best time to go here too is from October to May.
9. Lakshadweep Islands
An archipelago in the Arabian Sea, the Lakshadweep Islands offer diverse flora and fauna. The water at the beaches in shallow and transparent, making for an ambient fishing experience. One can look forward to catch various kinds of fish like the dolphin fish, flying fish, yellowfin, rainbow runner, red snapper, coral fish and many more. Apart from fishing, there are also activities like canoeing, kayaking that you can do, to take maximum advantage of the beauty of the waters!
October to Mid-May is an ideal time to visit, after the turbulent monsoon season ends.
10. Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh
The eastern-most state has more to its name than sharing borders with China and Nepal. With scarce human presence, the fishing scenery of this place is like no other. Brown trout is a famous catch of the area. With high oxygen content, the water is also cleaner and makes for a better catch.
There are four prominent regions in the state popular for fishing.Bhalukpong and Tipi, on the banks of Kameng River, Pasighat, situated on the banks of Siang River and Wakro, nestled on the banks of Lohit River. Wild elephants and leopards roam the area, so be extra cautious when you go here.
October to April is the best time to visit, the weather will also be slightly nippy around this time!
This article was compiled from: http://www.holidify.com/blog/fishing-destinations-of-india/
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