Bhutan’s river systems are classified into two types:
- Mahseer Waters
- Trout Waters
What you need to know before you go fishing:
REGULATIONS FOR ALL:
- All fishers need to purchase the correct type of fishing permit (see permit types and rates in the section below) and carry the permit with you when fishing.
- All anglers must fish with a rod and reel using fly fishing or spin fishing techniques.
- No bait of any type is allowed.
- Snagging or spearing fish is prohibited.
- If all anglers use best fishing and handling practices, Bhutan's fisheries will be healthy and sustainable.
REGULATIONS FOR NON-BHUTANESE ANGLERS
- All non-Bhutanese anglers must purchase a Recreational Fishing Permit.
- All fishing by non-Bhutanese anglers in all waters is catch-and-release only.
- Non-Bhutanese anglers must be accompanied by a certified Bhutanese fishing guide when fishing anywhere in Bhutan.
- Recreational Fishing Permits only allow the use of single barbless hooks on all lures or flies. No barbed hooks or treble hooks are allowed.
- All fishing from a raft must be done using a company that has been certified for fishing trips. Raft companies for fishing must have the required licenses, permits and launch dates.
REGULATIONS FOR BHUTANESE
- Bhutanese nationals can purchase two kinds of permits: 1) A Recreational Fishing Permit and 2) A Fishing for Personal Consumption Permit.
- Recreational Fishing Permits allow a Bhutanese to harvest two fish per day only in Normal Fishing Areas. Fishing must use only one single barbless hook. An individual cannot have more than 6 fish in their possession at any time.
- Fishing for Personal Consumption Permits allows a Bhutanese to harvest three fish a day in Normal Fishing Areas. Fishing can use single, double, or treble hooks. An individual cannot have more than 8 fish in their possession at any time.
- Harvest of Golden Mahseer is strictly prohibited at all times everywhere in Bhutan.
- No harvested fish may be sold; they are for personal consumption only.
Restricted dates, times, and places for fishing:
- Fishing in all Trout Waters is prohibited during the months of November and December.
- Fishing in all Mahseer Waters is prohibited during the months of June, July and August.
- All fishing is prohibited on the following dates: 8th, 15th, and 30th day of each Bhutanese calendar month.
- All fishing is prohibited from sunset to sunrise.
- No fishing is allowed within 500 meters on either side of a Monastery or a Dzong or other culturally significant sites.
- No fishing is allowed within 500 meters of major public infrastructures as deemed important in the locality such as an Airport, School, Stadium and Institution.
Other Restrictions
- The release or introduction of any non-native or exotic fish species into the waterbody is prohibited.
- The release of any hatchery-bred native fish species into any waterbody is prohibited.
- The taking of fish alive under the Daily Harvest Limit is prohibited.
‘High-End Recreational Fishing Areas’ are designated stretches of major rivers that are restricted for recreational fishing only and are being managed to maintain robust populations of Mahseer for conservation and to provide excellent fishing opportunities.
MAHSEER HIGH END FISHING AREAS:
- Are divided into three different Zones based on what river is being fished.
- Each Zone requires a different Mahseer High- End Recreational Fishing Permit
MAHSEER NORMAL FISHING AREAS:
- All anglers fishing in Mahseer Normal Fishing Areas require a Normal (or High End) Recreational Fishing Permit.
- Mahseer Normal Fishing Areas are all Mahseer waters other than those designated as High-End Fishing Areas.
Trout waters are also classified into High-End and Normal waters. Currently high-end waters have not been designated for Trout, but will be in the future. For now, all fishing for trout only require a Normal Areas permit.
Bhutan's Certified Fishing Guide Program
Bhutan can now provide a unique adventure opportunity for international fishing enthusiasts. To meet the expected international standard for fishing guides, Bhutan has developed (with the help of international specialists) a certification program for fishing guides and river rafting fishing guides.
To provide exceptional fishing experiences, the fishing guide certification program includes training in guiding techniques, fly fishing and spin casting, best handling practices, current regulations, as well as swiftwater training in safety and rescue.
This program will continue to grow so that local guides are available for anyone that wants to fish in Bhutan's rivers. A list of certified guides will soon be available on the Department of Tourism's Guide page.
Credits:
Created with images by standret - "Silhouette of fisherman throws a fishing pole into the lake at sunset" • goodluz - "catching a brown trout in the river" • Rob - "Trout Fishing Catch and Release" • MarekPhotoDesign.com - "guide word in wood type"