A popular sport in the west, angling has also found its takers in India over the past few years. Travellers who like their experiences slow and calm often pick up angling as a hobby. The leisure activity gives you a sense of achievement, while the serene environs offer a restorative experience. The sheer joy that anglers go through on grabbing their catch is unparalleled. By Karan Kaushik
Bookmark these 10 angling destinations in India for your next easy adventure
Ramganga River, Jim Corbett National Park
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Ramganga river is perhaps India’s most visited fishing spot. Anglers come here to fulfill their perennial desire of catching the Golden Mahaseer. The upper reaches of the Ramganga river are blessed with great pools and runs. Since the river is not snow-bolstered, it offers great angling opportunities throughout the year. Anglers are permitted to fish at leisure along a 24km upstream. Apart from Mahseer, you can expect Indian Trout, Goonch, and the rare Kalabasu. The banks of the river also make for a nice picnic spot. It goes without saying that you can club your angling trip with a wildlife safari in the Tiger Reserve.
Lohit River, Arunachal Pradesh
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Another amazing place to accomplish your Mahseer goals is Wakro in Arunachal Pradesh. Located on the banks of the Lohit River, the place offers suitable bites for hookups. The reason why the river is perfect for fishing is its pure nature, which blesses it with much more oxygen than the rivers Indians flock throughout the year. The main catches here are Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Catching Mahseer is considered a big achievement in the angling community because the fish puts on a tough fight once you manage to hook it.
Elephant Lake, Kerala
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Kerala is truly endowed with a fair share of pristine water bodies. From Vypin and Ponnani to Azhikode and Kumbalangi, God’s own country has no dearth of ideal fishing spots. One of the most famous hubs for anglers is Elephant Lake in Munnar. The wealth of underwater species here include fishes like Seer, Sardine, and Pearl Spot. You can also grab three varieties of Mahseer- black, silver, and gold. The stunning Elephant Lake is one of the most-visited destinations in Munnar and attracts anglers from October to March.
Kokernag Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
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Jammu and Kashmir’s Kokernag is home to the largest trout farming project and brooder producing centre of Asia. Its waters are home to a stock of more than 15 lakhs trout. The fisheries farm is known to produce the best quality of Rainbow Trout in the world. Jammu and Kashmir is nothing less than a paradise for anglers. The popular streams for fishing here include Lidder, Wangath, Gurez, Hamal, Lam, Sindh, Kishenganga, Sukhnag, among others. The angling season lasts from April to September. You need a license to fish, which is valid for one day. The bag limit has been kept at six fishes.
Jia Bhoroli River, Assam
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A tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra, Jia Bhoroli forms the border of the Nameri National Park. The Assam Bhoroli Anglers Association conducts an annual angling competition in November every year with the support of the State Forest Department. The best time to enjoy angling here is from October to April. Anglers can expect species like Saal (Murral), Gorua (Goonch), Korang (Indian trout), and Boka (Chocolate Mahseer). The pacy currents of the river also provide great opportunities for rafting.
Bheemeshwari, Karnataka
Located in the Mandya district, Bheemeshwari lies on the banks of the Cauvery and makes for a great angling destination. The town is famous as Karnataka’s fishing village and continues to be one of India’s best eco-tourism destinations. Anglers flock to the place to try their luck with the mighty mahseer. However, they are mandated to follow the catch and release principle. The best time to fish here is during the morning hours when the chances of catching mahseer are high. Apart from angling, adventure lovers can also go trekking around Basavanabetta.
Andaman Islands
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The marine life of Andaman needs no introduction. The islands here are incredible for game fishing. Thanks to the rich wealth of underwater species that the seas of Andaman Islands inhabit, there’s never a no-game scenario for anglers here. The best places to enjoy fishing at your own leisure are Havelock Island, Port Blair, Rutland Island, and Cinque Island. Common catches include Barracuda, Snappers, Jobfish, Tuna, Groupers, and Giant Trevally. A permit is required, for which you must apply at least a day in advance.
Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought-after destinations for anglers. Among the many majestic river valleys here, Pabbar Valley is great for fishing. The angling rules set by the Himachal Pradesh government are liberal, and you can enjoy the sport for a nominal fee. The most popular catches here are Brown Trout and Rainbow trout. Some streams also inhabit mahseer. You’ll have to get a license, after which you can catch only six trout a day.
Ranikor, Meghalaya
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Nestled at a distance of 120km from Shillong, Ranikor sits on the Indo-Bangladesh border. What makes the drive to Ranikor amazing is the presence of Mawsynram, the wettest place on the earth. Ranikor mostly attracts anglers from nearby areas. The fishing spot here is the Kynshi river. The catches one could expect here are Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Eels, and Catfish. Here, you will meet tribal fishers too, who use a mix of modern and traditional fishing techniques. It’s a great birding spot too. The rare Brahmini Kite can be easily spotted.
Kalimpong, West Bengal
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The freshwaters of Kalimpong attract anglers from all parts of eastern India, who come here to try their luck at sport fishing. The best time to do this is from February to May. Angling in Kalimpong can be done on the banks of the Teesta, Relli, Rishi, and Rangeet rivers. Most anglers prefer the confluence of Teesta with the Ravi Jhora, below Tribeni. Then there’s Doban at 27 Mile, where the Teesta takes in the water of the Relli river. The most rewarding catches for anglers in Kalimpong include Golden Mahseer and Katli.
Related: These 10 Wetlands In India Must Be On Every Birdwatcher’s Winter List
