Fishing in India

India is not only one of the biggest, and currently the most populated country in the world - it also has anything an angler could wish for: long coastlines and deep seas, reefs and mangroves, mighty rivers, deep lakes, and cold mountain streams. In any corner of this vast and diverse country, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, you can find an unforgettable angling adventure. The country’s varied climate ensures excellent fishing conditions year-round, with different seasons offering various fishing opportunities. The winter months, from October to March, are particularly favorable for both coastal and inland fishing, with mild temperatures and active fish populations creating ideal conditions. The monsoon season, from June to September, by contrast, is hardly the best time for fishing in India. Fishing in India is regulated by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, which ensures sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations. Anglers must have a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online or at authorized vendors. Always check the latest regulations before your trip to ensure compliance and to help preserve India’s rich aquatic ecosystems. India’s rich fishing opportunities, diverse environments, and robust regulatory framework make it a top destination for recreational anglers. Whether you’re drawn to the expansive waters of the Indian Ocean, the serene rivers of the Himalayas, or the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, India offers an exceptional fishing experience that caters to all preferences and skill levels. Plan your fishing adventure in India today and explore the angler’s paradise that awaits in this beautiful South Asian country.

Practically each and every type of fishing is possible in India. If you want to pursue the biggest pelagic species offshore, you’re welcome to the Andaman islands in the Bay of Bengal or the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, while nearshore fishing is excellent around the popular resorts in Goa. On the other hand, backcountry fishing, both on the mountain rivers of the Himalayas and in the national parks in the lowlands, where you sometimes need to watch out for tigers, leopards, and wild elephants, is an adventure second to none.

India’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish, both saltwater and freshwater. In the brackish coastal waters you will find species like groupers, seabass, and silver pompano, while the depths of the Indian Ocean hide such treasures as king mackerel, six species of tuna from little tunny to yellowfin, dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), sailfish, wahoo, and marlin, as well as the coveted giant trevally. The fish population of India’s rivers as lakes is no less diverse. There are unique members of the carp family such as catla and roha, catfish, including the walking catfish or magur, outworldly featherback, snakeheads, tilapias, and the king of the subcontinent’s gamefish: the mahseer.

Ever since the colonial times, the pith helmet sporting officers from England and Scotland found the golden mahseer a fish par excellence to catch on a fly, leaving nothing to salmon, and modern fly fishing enthusiasts find that the fish more than lives up to its reputation. Many other techniques can be applied successfully in India, from traditional handline fishing to bottom fishing, and all the way up to trolling with heavy tackle after the biggest fish of the seas.