India is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with a culture of its own that you cannot truly comprehend unless you walk barefoot on one of its well-known Ashrams, wander the streets of Mumbai, and get to know the locals and their customs. And, while there are thousands of things to do here, not many foreigners truly exploit the fishing potential of this country.
Benefiting from the waters of the Arabian Sea, Laccadive Sea, and the Indian Ocean, the country has a huge fishing potential, providing enough food to feed the poor, and export at the same time. If you’re looking for the adventure of your lifetime, put on your light wool fishing pants and head to one of these picturesque destinations for a fishing trip.
Jim Corbett National Park
Ranking number one in many professional anglers’ tops, the Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. It is the country’s first national park and one of the most beautiful places you can visit in terms of wildlife in India.
The Ramganga River flows through the park and is home to numerous fish species, including brown trout, golden mahseer, and the goonch catfish. The place is also a great spot for seeing some of the rarest species of tigers in the world, as well as hundreds of species of birds, insects, and flowers.
You will require a fishing license from the Divisional Forest Officer to fish in the waters of the Ramganga River but you can easily get one with the help of your hotel staff.
If you’re an outdoorsy person, you won’t get easily bored in the area, even after you’re done fishing for the day. You can take a jungle safari and watch some of the most majestic wildlife creatures in their natural habitat, visit the historical Corbett Museum or the famous Garjiya Devi Temple. The best time to visit the area is between November and March.
Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
The river Pabbar is another famous fishing destination you wouldn’t want to miss the next time you visit India. It has created an astonishing valley that can only be reached from two nearby towns, Rohru and Theog.
This secluded location is best known for its fishing spots but you can also enjoy the majestic lofty mountains, visit the nearby temple of Hatkoti or wander through its famous forests of deodar, oak, and apple orchards.
However, the place is mainly known as a fishing destination, so bring your best game to fish for trout, carp or Golden Mahseer. You will require a fishing license for trout and shouldn’t bring anything else but a rod and reel in the trout waters.
You can visit Pabbar Valley anytime between October and April, where temperatures are warm enough and you can enjoy a fulfilling fishing experience.
Bheemeshwari, Karnataka
The fishing camp in Karnataka is known as the Angler’s Paradise as you can fish for the famous mahseer almost all-year-long. The camp is located on the Kaveri river which offers a wide array of outdoor activities apart from fishing.
It is a popular destination for kayaking, zip-lining, and rappelling, so you won’t have too much time to get bored if you choose this area. The camp is also a great place for nature lovers who want to see over 200 bird species, including the grey-headed fish eagle and the pied crested cuckoo. You can even spot sambar deer, jackals, elephants, and even leopards.
Karnataka is a true family destination that offers log huts, cottages, and tents where you can camp, as well as a restaurant, and hammocks for the lazy mornings when you don’t want to wake up early to go fishing. However, bear in mind that you are not allowed to take the fish with you back home. Book your visit anywhere between June to August or September to February for the best outdoor adventure.
Elephant Lake, Munnar, Kerala
The hill station Munnar is a popular tourist destination and a great spot to try out fishing. The lake provides a wide variety of fish, including mackerels, sardines, tuna, and pomfrets.
If you want to enjoy a native fishing experience, ask one of the locals to teach you one of the many fishing techniques used in the area. You’ll be surprised by how inventive fishermen became in order to provide for their families throughout the years.
The best time to visit Elephant Lake is October to March so you can also go for an elephant safari or visit the Tea Museum.