Fishing in the high current white water rivers and vast lakes of Nepal is an incredible adventure. There are more than 185 varieties of freshwater fish in Nepal. Varieties of fish ranging from Golden Mahseer to the mountain stream trout are found in these Himalayan waters.
The serene Himalayan rivers of Seti Karnali, Budhi Gandaki, Babai, Balephi, Trisuli, Koshi, and others are ideal for fishing. The two best times for fishing in Nepal are before monsoon (February – April) and after monsoon (October – November). Monsoons are not the best time for fishing. However, local fishermen do catch a lot of fish during the monsoon as well.
Moreover, fishing packages also include a lovely camping and rafting adventure. This added adventure makes fishing quite popular among tourists. Golden Mahseer, Grass Carp, Common Carp, Catfish, Trout catfish, rainbow trout, Murrel, common trout are some of the common fish found in Nepal.
Besides that, Goonch, Bullseye Snakehead, Indian Trout Barb, Silver Masheer, Jalkappor Kanti, Himalayan trout, Asala, and others are also found in some fishing spots. Overall, fishing requires a lot of patience and practice. Whether you fish in still waters or high flowing waters, you will have a great time fishing in Nepal.
We are offering various fishing packages at a reasonable cost. Read further for the detailed description of fishing in Nepal and book your trip now!
Best Time for Fishing in Nepal
When is the best time for fishing in Nepal? You might wonder. While fishing is possible throughout the year, the best time for fishing in Nepal is Spring and Autumn. These are the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period in the country. You can fish efficiently and productively in these recommended seasons.
Spring (March, April, May) is the beginning of new forms of life and the incredible wildlife come out of their hibernation. The hills get green and forests remain filled with flowers. There is perfect weather and temperature for fishing during these months. Warm temperatures make it easier to go fishing and stay long hours outdoors.
Autumn (October, November) is arguably the best time for fishing in Nepal. This season is the peak time for tours and travels which includes fishing packages. Nature is at its best during Autumn Season. The weather remains stable and temperatures are moderate during these months. The days are warm and nights are cool. These factors enhance your fishing experience to a great extent.
Monsoon Season (June, July, and August) is the least favorable time for fishing in the country. This season comes right after Spring and there is heavy rainfall in the country. If you are planning your trip in this season, then you should take this trip in early June as it is the beginning of the rainy season.
Moreover, there are fewer chances of obstruction in the early parts of June. But starting from the latter parts of June, there are frequent floods and landslides. Also, the water level in rivers fluctuates making it hard to fish during this time.
Winter Season (December, January, and February) is the off-season for touring around Nepal. Fishing during winter is also possible as snowfall is only limited to a higher elevation. So, fishing is quite possible and can turn out to be a great adventure during this season. The weather remains cold and chilly during these months. However, the daytime is sunny and warm. Thus, sunbathing and fishing on the banks of the river is a lovely experience.
Fishing in Nepal Itineraries
Babai River Fishing
Babai River in the mid-western region is one of the best destinations for fishing in Nepal. Located in pristine Babai Valley, Babai river opened for fishing in 2011. Babai River has more than 50 species of fishes including Golden Mahseer (Tor Putitora), Goonch (Bagarius yarelli), Bullseye Snakehead (Channa marulius), Indian Trout Barb (Raiamas bola), and others.
Moreover, you can catch Golden Mahseer and Goonch of up to 3-4 kg. Some anglers have also caught a 15 kg fish in Babai River. A guide will accompany you along the trip as Bardia National Park is a restricted area.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 02: Full day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj, drive to Chepang, Rafting and Fishing in Camp 1
Day 04: Rafting and fishing to Camp 2
Day 05: Rafting and fishing to Camp 3
Day 06: Rafting and fishing, put out at Babai Bridge, drive to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu, or Jungle Safari in Bardia National Park
Day 07: Fly back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj
Day 08: Final Departure
Balephi River Fishing
Balephi River is a narrow white water rapid that is ideal for fishing and rafting adventure. There are special fishing destinations along the river. The river starts from Langtang and other mountains from the Langtang region.
Moreover, the major seasons for fishing are October to November and February to May. The local villages with immense natural and cultural beauty are the major attractions of Balephi fishing. The juncture of the Balephi river is just 73 km away from Kathmandu and takes around 5-6 hours to arrive.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Balephi & Overnight at Camp
Day 02: Fishing at Balephi Khola (River)
Budhi Gandaki River Fishing
Budhi Gandaki River presents a unique experience of fishing in Nepal. The famous Budhi Gandaki fishing trip is available as a multi-day trip. The tiny villages alongside the green forest will give you a glimpse of the local community.
Moreover, the view of the silver mountains while fishing will enchant you. Seuli Bazaar, Arughat, and Market bazaar are the fishing spots in Budhi Gandaki River. Mahseer, snow trout, freshwater eel, catfish, and others are the varieties of fish available in Budhi Gandaki river.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Arughat Bazar and overnight at River Bank
Day 02: Rafting to the next destination and fishing whole day
Day 03: Raft/fishing down till MachheGaun
Day 04: Fishing till Benighat and back to the destination.
Trishuli river fishing
Trishuli is a famous fishing river located in the Ganesh Himal region. Trishuli especially after monsoon season is ideal for fishing. Trishuli river flows from Tibet and combines with Budhi Gandaki. Betrawati also joins the Trishuli and increases its water capacity.
Moreover, you can observe the beautiful Langtang mountain region while fishing. Various species of fish are available to catch during the fishing trip in the pristine Trishuli river. The 3/4 days fishing package is one of the most popular fishing adventures in Nepal.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Charaudi and stay at River Fun Beach Resort
Day 02: Whole day fishing at Trishuli River
Day 03: Fishing at Kuringhat
Day 04: Fishing and back to the destination
Mai Beni and Triveni river fishing
Fishing in white water originated from the Himalayas is a peaceful experience. Mai Beni and Triveni are two tributaries of the Saptakoshi River. Anglers can catch Golden Mahseer (tor putitora) and Goonch in these beautiful rivers as they are pocket areas for these fish.
Furthermore, local fishermen have been fishing in these areas for ages. Mai Beni is also a sacred place where two rivers meet. Triveni is where the two rivers of Tamor and Dudh Kosi rivers join and form a bigger river.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 02: Fly to Biratnagar, drive to Barahakshetra, trek to Mai Beni Camp
Day 03: Fishing in Mai Beni
Day 04: Whole day angling in Mai Beni
Day 05: Trek to Aqua for a fishing adventure and then trek back to Mai Beni
Day 6-8: Fishing in Mai Beni and Surrounding areas
Day 09: Trek to Triveni and then go fishing in surrounding areas
Day 10-12: Fishing in Triveni and surrounding locations
Day 13: Trek to Barahakshetra, drive to Biratnagar, departure to Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure
Seti Karnali River Fishing
Located in the Far-western region, Seti and Karnali are two major rivers in Nepal. It is home to more than 50 species of fish and other aquatic creatures. Seti and Karnali rivers have rare and distinct species of fish including Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora), Silver Mahseer (Tor tor), Bokar, Sahar, Asla, giant catfish, and others.
Seti Karnali has various famous fishing spots that local fishermen have been using for ages. Kohalpur, Scorpion beach, Jungle Ghat, Juicer, God’s House, Thulighat, Flip and Strip, and Rato Bhale Gaun are some of the famous fishing spots in Seti Karnali river.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 02: Fly to Nepalgunj, then drive to Gopghat for 6/7 hours, overnight stay in tented camp
Day 03: Rafting and Fishing in Camp 1
Day 04: Fishing in Camp 1
Day 05: Rafting and fishing and overnight in Camp 2 (Budhi Ganga Confluence)
Day 06: Fishing in Camp 2
Day 07: Rafting to Scorpion Camp (Camp 3) and Fishing
Day 08: Fishing at Camp 3
Day 09: Rafting and Fishing at Masheer Camp (Camp 4)
Day 10 & 11: Fishing in Camp 4
Day 12: Rafting in Karnali River
Day 13: Rafting to Ghatagaon and Fishing
Day 14: Rafting till Chisapani and drive to Nepalgunj, and then fly to Kathmandu
Day 15: Final Departure
Tamor & Koshi River Fishing
Fishing in an isolated remote area of the Tamor Khoshi river is ideal for angling enthusiasts. Koshi and Tamor are home to various species of fish including Golden Mahseer, Silver Mahseer, Jalkappor Kanti, Goonch, catfish, Himalayan trout, Asala, and others.
It is an ideal package for anglers who love to fish in white waters. You can also go on a short trek to beautiful Tamor valley and excursions in nearby villages. Fishing, dancing, barbeque, and campfire are various activities you can partake in this spectacular adventure.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 02: Fly to Biratnagar, drive to Chimera through Dharan, Camp at Chimera
Day 3-4: Fishing in Chimera
Day 05: Trek to Ghangeri
Day 6-7: Fishing in Ghangeri
Day 8: Trek to Mai Beni
Day 9-12: Fishing in Mai Beni
Day 13: Trek to Barahakshetra, drive to Biratnagar and depart to Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure
Bheri River Fishing
The Bheri River has its starting point in the Dolpo region of Nepal. There are various small settlements and villages along the river. The Bheri River region is remote and unexplored. It has various exciting twists and turns which makes it a great adventure.
Moreover, the trip continues with a jungle tour in the Bardia Wildlife Reserve. You can also observe rare Gangetic dolphins that live in the calmer waters in the lower parts of the river. Bheri River fishing trip provides you with great scenery, good fishing spots, and a charming village atmosphere.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or Drive to Nepalgunj
Day 03: Fishing whole day
Day 4-7: Fishing and rafting
Day 08: Continue Fishing & rafting - arrive at Chisapani.
Day 09: Fly back to Kathmandu and free day at Kathmandu
Day 10: Final Departure
Hence, these were the various fishing packages in Nepal. You can choose the best fishing package based on your schedule and requirements.
Trip Cost US$ 000 Per person
You May Like to Know
When is the best time for fishing in Nepal?
The best time for fishing in Nepal is the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period. Autumn Season (October and November) and Spring season (March, April, and May) are ideal for anglers due to stable weather conditions and favorable temperatures.
What are the best places to go for fishing in Nepal?
There are various Himalayan white water rapids and vast lakes in Nepal that are the best places to go for fishing in Nepal. Seti Karnali, Budhi Gandaki, Babai, Balephi, Trisuli, Koshi, are some of the ideal fishing destinations in the country.
How many species of fish are found in Nepal?
Nepal has around 185 different species of fish.
How long are the fishing packages in Nepal?
There are one day packages, multiple days packages, and long days fishing expedition packages available. You can choose the ideal fishing package that suits your desire and requirement.
Which species of fishes are only found in Nepal?
Golden Mahseer (Tor Putitora), Goonch (Bagarius yarelli), Bullseye Snakehead (Channa marulius), Indian Trout Barb (Raiamas bola), Silver Mahseer, Jalkappor Kanti, Himalayan trout, Asala, Goonch (Bagarius yarelli), catfish, rainbow trout, Murrel, carp, and others are some of the major varieties of fish found in Nepal. The Golden Mahseer is the most valued fish among them. Read more in details.
How many rivers are there in Nepal?
Nepal has around 6000 rivers including big rivers and small tributaries. The total cumulative length of these rivers is around 45 km.
What are the other adventures included in the fishing package?
Rafting and camping are some of the adventures included in the fishing package.
