Himalayan Golden Mahseer Fly Fishing in Bhutan 

Among Asian country, the Bhutan is been always considered as one of the last unexplored Golden Mahseer angling spot in the Eastern Himalayas, surrounded by a natural mountains, fresh glacier river and pristine environment.

For more than many decades, the tiny landlocked Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan had remained a mystery for many anglers or Bhutan Flyfishing lovers and completely fishing trip in Bhutan remains largely under-discovered and unspoiled angling hot spot for hardcore anglers around the globe but now slowly it’s getting explored to outsiders. As a general, our fishing spot in Bhutan are ranging from large stream level to crystal clear spring-fed streams. An elevation for angling in Bhutan is from a low of 160 m to 3,000m from sea level. The most common varieties of fish species found in Bhutan are such as snow trout (belonging to the carp family), brown and rainbow trout (which has thrived since its introduction some decades ago) The best time for trout angling in Bhutan is from spring season (March till May) and fall season(September till October)

While you are in Bhutan, you will be experiencing the unique joy of angling charm, in which many beautiful trout streams, rugged mountains and many authentic cultural scenes which are dated back from 8th century onwards. Fishing in the crystal clear stream of Bhutan is totally breathtaking landscape and that is what every angler always dreamt about. Just to make our anglers aware that, using of any kinds of live bait is strictly prohibited in Bhutan, whereas fly fishing and spin fishing is always permitted and fishes are released back into the river after catching it (Catch and Release basis) Catching of fish in any streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes canals, channels and dams in Bhutan are strictly forbidden without possession of a valid fishing license or permit. Fishing within one kilometer of monastery, temple, fortress or religious school is strictly prohibited. Fishing shall be prohibited during the 8^th, 10^th, 15th, and 30^th of each Bhutanese month and other religious occasion. Please check restricted Bhutanese religious day with us or we will inform you when fishing tour itinerary is designed and we will inform our anglers accordingly.

If we travel further towards southern foothill of Bhutan (subtropical zone) we will come across with low elevation fish species such as mighty Himalayan Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Goonch and Katla(South Asian Carp). Besides fishing activities, Zhemgang also known as of the best spot for bird lovers. The Himalayan Golden Mahseer, Goonch and Katla in Bhutan are found in rivers of Mangdechu in Panbang, Manas, Tingtibi under Zhemgang district, Gelephu under Sarpang district, Sunkosh River in Tsirang – Dagana, Raidak under Chhukha district and Nyera Ama Chu in Bhangtar under Samdrup Jongkhar district. Today, Bhutan’s rivers are considered as one of the last remaining aquatic habitats for the Himalayan Golden Mahseer population. The best angling season for mighty Himalayan Golden Mahseer, Katla and Chocolate Mahsser in Bhutan is from mid of April till first week of October. Of all, the Monsoon season best time to do Bhutan Golden Mahseer fishing tour.

You will have to bring your own fishing gears or fishing tackles as there is no hire equipment is readily available in Bhutan and we do also arrange those fishing tackle at additional cost. Just to avail an daily legal fishing permit in Bhutan, our government has kept minimum charges of US $16-US$17 per day per person or equivalent of Nu. 1,000(Bhutanese local currency) Any additional  information with regard to Himalayan Golden Mahseer Fishing Tour or Bhutan trout Fishing tour in Bhutan, you would get it from our company experts.

Fishing Tackle Recommendation for Fly Fishing in Bhutan

Fly Fishing tackle consists of the fly line, Fly fishing rod leader and reel. The weight or fly line density plays a part in the presentation of the fly. A float line is rides and buoyant on the top of the water. An intermediate line has a slightly heavier load and sinks slowly versus a sinking or full sinking line that carries load and will sink.

• Rod and Reel (9 weight) Reels must have capacity to hold at least 300 yards of 30 lb backing line and the fly line, especially for Golden Mahseer and if you are looking for a trout angling than we suggest you to bring 5 weight reel and rod.
• Wader with fishing boot
• Landing net
• Leader & Tippet (Sinking & Floating)
• Indicator

Recommended Fly Fishing Line

We recommend you not less than 300 yards of 30 lb /pound backing. Sinking fly lines (sink tips or sink lines) – 3 to 6 inch/second sink rates are best.

Recommended Flies
Almost, all the flies that are used for Salmon works for The mighty Himalayan Golden Mahseer, thus they mostly feed on small fish – minnows. So flies imitating minnows should be the fly of the best choice. And other streamer flies like Wolly Buggers, Seducers and Salmon flies’ works too. Most preferred fly patterns are Seducer with Red and white color pattern, then Clouser Minnows, Matukas, Wolly Bugger and Olive colored nymphs. It is also preferred to have weighted flies, so that it can sink instantly. If your flies are light and don’t sink pretty fast then use shorter leader, so that your sink line will take fly deep quickly for better chances of striking.

Tackle recommendation for Spin Fishing in Bhutan
Good quality of travel rod with 8-9 feet long, preferable Ugly Stik Shakespeare or similar type, 15-20 lb line and good reel (3BB+1RB) and 10-15cm Rapala plug baits /lure (Sinking type / countdown) and Mepps Aglia Spinner silver type (number 4 and 5 )

Fish species are found in Bhutan  
Species found in western and central Bhutan are wild Brown trout, Rainbow trout and local carp known as Snow Trout. The Species found in eastern parts of Bhutan are Snow Trout and Catfish. Towards southern belt of Bhutan, especially in warmer places like Panbang, Tingtibi, Tsirang Sunkosh, Dagachu and Samdrup Jongkhar, we come across with hard fighting fish such as “Himalayan Golden Mahseer” (Tor Putitora), Chocolate Mahseer, Katla and Goonch(catfish)