Fishing in Nepal - Top 6 Places for Himalayan River Fishing

  • Sep 23, 2026
  • Rajesh Thapaliya

It's summertime in Nepal, and most people may seek ways to evade the blazing heat. But for anglers, it's the season to rejoice since they can count on Nepal's sweeping rivers for fishing. 

Regarding fishing, the rivers in Nepal never fail to support the fishers. Home to a wide variety of fish, it's excellent fun to go angling in Nepal's gushing rivers and streams.

Winding through the hills and remote places of Nepal, you can develop many new species of fish thriving in the river.

Most rivers alongside Nepal's lakes boast fish from different families, including Rainbow trout and Silver Carp. Until now, Nepal has preserved more than 200 species of fish, of which 190 are indigenous.

Anglers can also find themself during an adventure with the rivers offering adventurous sports such as rafting. Trishuli, in particular, hosts thousands of people yearly, allowing them to experience the thrill ride.

Table of Contents

If you want to Fish in Nepal but aren't sure where to start or which place is best, we've listed the 6 Best Places to Fish in Nepal.

6 Best Places for Fishing in Nepal

Seti Karnali River

Considered one of Nepal's best fast-flowing rivers, Seti Karnali is set amid lush green hills. Anglers can cast a Fishing line while enjoying the magnetic view.

Seti Karnali is a significant tributary of the Karnali River system, which flows through western Nepal. It is formed from the glaciers and snowfields surrounding the two mountains, Nampa and API.

The lesser-known Seti River provides habitat for fish such as silver Mahseer, giant catfish, Sahar, and Bokar. Besides Fishing, anglers can use their spare time for rafting and even camping on the riverbank.

Tamor River

When most rivers lose their giant Fish to chaotic human activities, the Tamor has more. The river is home to more than 26 varieties of Fish, including Balitoridae, Cobitidae, Psilorhynchus, and many more.

Hence, anglers traveling near Kanchenjunga or Sapta Koshi will have an exciting time since the water rewards rare Fish species. Unlike anywhere else, Fishing in the Tamor River is exceptional, with spectacular views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Makalu.

In the glory of eastern Nepal, the Tamor flows downstream from Kanchenjunga, meets the Sun Koshi and Arun at Tribenighat, and forms the Saptakoshi.

Balephi River

The Balephi River has had unique and diverse aquatic species for several years. It has nourished and supported a broad range of fish species, including Catfish and golden mahseer.

A small tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, the Balephi River starts in Langtang and flows through many regions of the Himalayas. Chanute is apparently where most anglers want to be for Fishing, but you can also travel to nearby towns like Jalbire and Balephi Gaun.

The river is close to Kathmandu, and it takes only two and a half hours to reach the waterway. In addition to angling, fishers can enjoy the natural scenery and go rafting.

Kali Gandaki River

Kali Gandaki is an ideal place to start catching enormous Fish in Nepal. You can trust the river any day to catch large freshwater fish, as it's home to Golden Gudgeon Catfish and Golden Mahseer.

One of Nepal's longest rivers, Kali Gandaki originates in Mustang and flows through Nepal and Tibet. The sweeping river also provides a splendid backdrop for anglers, with soaring green hills and gorges.

Between fishing, anglers can take a leisurely break and enjoy rafting. If you disagree, you can camp on the river's edge.

Babai River

The nearby Babai River offers incredible things, from exotic wildlife to flora and beautiful landscapes. Meanwhile, the river offers anglers a variety of Fish, which can be more fun than just taking in the view.

Babai Valley has as many as 50 Fish species, including the gigantic Golden Mahseer, Indian Trout Barb, and Goonch. As the river flows through a conserved area of Bardia National Park, fishers can glimpse wild Asian Elephants, rhinos, and deer.

You can travel anywhere inside Bardia National Park or around Chepang to enjoy Fishing in the Babai River.

Phewa Lake in Pokhara

Beyond its vibrant city, snow-capped mountains, and temples, Pokhara is famous for its lakes. The city alone has more lakes than anywhere in Nepal, including Rara, Phewa, and Begnas.

While all these lakes shine with their unique features, anglers choose Phewa for Fishing. The lake's rich water allows a variety of Fish to thrive.

Anglers can catch Golden Mahseer, Catfish, and Common Carp. To reach the lake, anglers need only ride for 5 hours.

Besides these fishing places, Ankhu Khola and Budhi Gandaki are also options for fishermen. You can experience a rural homestay. In addition to Fishing and a traditional stay, you may enjoy the view of the great Himalayas, green hills, farming terraces, and more.

Basic Fishing Gears

High-quality fishing Line

Anyone who goes fishing in Nepal must have strong fishing lines in their kit. These lines help to fight giant Fish and prevent the hook from being lost. Avid anglers often use monofilament Fishing lines because they are efficient, abrasion-resistant, and durable.

Bobbers

Bobbers act as an indicator, letting anglers know when a fish has taken the bait. They notify you when fish take the hook by hopping. These days, Bobbers are versatile and come in different shapes and sizes to quickly adjust to the bait. You can have either regular bobbers or spring ones, which quickly sense the presence of Fish.

Fishing Rod and Reel

Anglers of all skill levels need a quality, adjustable, long-lasting Fishing rod and reel. They're essential for any angler, whether a pro or an amateur. A simple spinning rod and reel weighing 8lb to 20lb performs well in both fresh and salt water.

You may want to check out the best ultralight spinning reel and ultralight fishing rod.

Sinkers

Another small piece of gear that is very useful while Fishing is a Sinker. It adds weight to the fishing line to maintain stability, increase the possibility of sinking, and maintain casting distance. Unlike lead sinkers in the early days, sinkers now come in varieties such as Pyramid, barrel, bullet, and dipsey.

Fishing Lures

Fishing Lures are artificial baits that tempt and trap Fish. They mimic natural bait and work well in all water types. Use light-colored lures in clear water; in murky water, dark-colored lures work well.

Rajesh Thapaliya

Rajesh Thapaliya

Namaste! I am Rajesh, a Nepal travel blogger who provides Nepal travel tips to travellers who are planning to visit Nepal and know about Nepal.

I am a tourism service provider in Nepal So far, I have been to the Nepalese Himalayan base camps as a tour leader and collected lots of information about the Nepalese Himalayas. You can find my experiences in my travel blogs, so it may make it a lot easier for you to travel to Nepal.

You may find beautiful photos on Instagram,  Facebook and Twitter. I have worked very hard to be in this stage after high school and dedicated my experiences to the people who would like to know about Nepal and Nepal travel.