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Fishing in
Nepal 2026.

Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview

🌙Fishing Times 2026
Simple license

Best fishing times

·Nepal

28.39°, 84.12°

01

Fishing License & Permit

License required?
Yes
Where to apply?
Through fishing tour operators or local authorities. Permits for national parks separately.
Cost
Fishing permit: From 500-1,000 NPR (~4-8 EUR). National park entry: Extra.
Validity
Day or travel permit
Available online?
No

Nepal is home to the Golden Mahseer in spectacular Himalayan rivers! Fishing is less developed than in India, but the rivers are more pristine. The Kali Gandaki and Trisuli offer adventure fishing with Himalayan panorama.

Fishing tours

Book fishing tours in Nepal

Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals

View tours →

02

Rules & Regulations

Closed seasons
Mahseer: Monsoon (June-September) — rivers too dangerous! Closed seasons vary.
Catch limits
Mahseer: C&R recommended. Moderate limits for other species.
Prohibited methods
Dynamite, poison prohibited. Strict rules in national parks.
Catch & Release
Recommended for Mahseer. Increasingly standard.

Nepal offers fishing with a view of the Himalayas! The Golden Mahseer fights in torrential mountain rivers — an unforgettable experience at 1,000-2,000 m altitude.

03

Waters & Fish Species

Top waters

  • Seti-Karnali (Trophy-Spot für Golden Mahseer & Goonch)
  • Babai River (Bardia Nationalpark, exzellente Mahseer-Bestände)
  • Trisuli River (Leicht erreichbar, Mahseer & Snow Trout)
  • Phewa Lake (Pokhara, Fishing with Annapurna-Panorama)
  • Koshi River (Größtes Riversystem, Welse & Karpfenartige)

Target fish

Golden MahseerAsala (Snow Trout)SaharGoonch CatfishRohu
Best seasonOctober-May (outside monsoon). Peak: March-May and October-November.

Freshwater

Himalayan rivers and lakes. All freshwater in spectacular mountain scenery.

Saltwater

No access to the sea (landlocked in the Himalayas).

Book a fishing trip & guide in Nepal

Starting from200 USD / day

View trips
OfferCharter boats & guides
GuidesLocal captains & guides
AvailabilityInstant booking
Top-rated captainsSecure payment

Best season: October-May (outside monsoon). Peak: March-May and October-November.

04

Practical Information

Equipment
Hardly any tackle shops. Bring your own equipment!
Fishing guides
Fishing guide: 30-80 USD/day. Organized tour: 100-200 USD/day.
Transport
Flight to Kathmandu. Domestic flights to Pokhara. Buses. Roads are adventurous!
Safety
Himalayan rivers: Torrential currents! Monsoon: Life-threatening. Altitude sickness. Crocodiles in Chitwan!
Customs & taking fish home
Visa on arrival (30 USD). Fishing equipment permitted.

05

Cost Overview

License fees

4-8 EUR + national park entry approx. 15-30 USD.

Guide prices

30-200 USD/day.

Daily budget

Budget: 20-40 USD (extremely cheap!). Comfort: 60-150 USD.

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Detailed guide: Fishing in Nepal

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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 17, 2026

All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 17, 2026

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