Bhutan is one of the rich watersheds of four main rivers namely Toorsa, Raidak, Sunkosh and Manas flowing from high Himalayan glacier of the North to the Indian plains in the South. These four river catchments practically cover the whole of Bhutan. The Royal Government of Bhutan has rehabilitated most of the rivers and lakes in the higher altitude with Brown Trout imported from western Himalayas with an intention to keep water potable on sustainable basis. This program was launched during early ’50.
The lakes and rivers of Bhutan present another interesting habitat. No survey of the types of fish has yet been under taken. Forty-two species have been recorded but potentially there may be an additional two hundred, because rivers all join the Brahmaputra beyond the border of Assam and are enriched by the stocks of that river. The greatest variety is found in the lower-lying river sections. Mainly in the winter months, when the water level is low, some fish migrate from the Brahmaputra to the higher sections of the Bhutanese rivers in order to spawn.
The snow trout [Schizothraichthys progastus] is very common and popular. It is not a trout at all but belongs to the carp family, can grow up to fifty centimeters and loves swift waters. It migrates to the highest region for spawning, afterwards returning to the lower areas. In the swift brooks of the high mountains up to an altitude of 2,770 meters, brown trout [Salmo trutta] can be found; they are not indigenous, but seem to have been released. These fast-flowing rivers have produced a fish that is ideally adapted to high flux. The barbs [Garra gotyla gotyla] have a sucking disc on their underside, which enables them to attach themselves to stones. They feed on algae and attain a length of 15 centimeters.
At present it has been observed that most of the rivers and lakes between the elevation of 5,000 to 16,000 feet above the sea level are well populated with the brown trout and the Royal Government has started culling of excess population by issuing fishing licenses as a luxurious sport based on both social, cultural and scientific plans approved by the Government.
We offer two fishing trips in and around Bhutan. Please take a look and let us know if you are interested. We recommend you to combine it with a cultural tours.
– Tour 1
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro. After lunch fishing in Paro river
Day 03: Fishing continue. Lunch. Drive to Damchu and tent
Day 04: Leisure day fishing in Damchu
Day 05: Fishing in Khasadrapchu. Camp.
Day 06: Fishing in Simtokha. Visit Simtokha Dzong.
Day 07: Thimphu sightseeing.
Day 08: Departure.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro. After lunch fishing in Paro river.
Day 03: Fishing continue. Lunch. Drive to Damchu and tent.
Day 04: Leisure Day 0fishing in Damchu.
Day 05: Fishing in Khasadrapchu. Camp.
Day 06: Fishing in Simtokha. Drive to Wangdi.
Day 07: Fishing in Wangdi chu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 08: Departure.
Fishing Rules
- Trout fishing is banned in the breeding season covering the month of October to December.
- Fishing is restricted in the 1- km vicinity of the Government offices, dzongs, Monastery, bridges and important government installation and public places.
- Fishing is allowed only with rod and reel (spinning and fly).
- Any fish caught below the size of 8 inches in length should be released back to the water. The usual size so far caught in the local water is of 1 lb. Weight. The maximum size caught is of 10 lbs.
- Fishing is not developed and published as revenue earning and economic venture but it is scientifically developed conservative plan.
Most of the rivers are accessible by motorable roads where as the lakes are NOT. The rivers usually flood during the monsoon season starting from June to August and all the lakes are inaccessible during the winter months (November, December, January and February) due to heavy snowfalls.
