YK Poudel

Bhutan is increasingly becoming an attractive destination for recreational fishing, having generated Nu 3.236 million in fees between 2023 and 2024 from 6,459 anglers, of which 6,363 of them were tourists.

High-end recreational fishing was introduced in 2022 through the amendment of Forests and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations 2017.

This new tourism offering emerged amid reforms in the tourism sector, allowing anglers to fish in designated Mahseer and trout waters.

Recreational fishing, also known as fly-fishing, sport-fishing or game-fishing, is fishing conducted by individuals primarily for sport or leisure.

Managed by the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the programme aims to promote fishing through permits.

To make it more accessible, permit fees for Bhutanese residents have been reduced, and permits can be obtained through an online forestry service.

The statistical officer of MoENR, Tshering Sonam Wangmo, said that given Bhutan’s vast river systems and conservation efforts, high-end recreational fishing could become a vital eco-tourism product.  “This initiative not only enhances adventure tourism but also serves as a conservation by-product that can help generate national revenue,” she said.

The programme distinguishes between normal and high-end fishing, depending on the duration and location of fishing.

As per the data with the ministry, 6,012 individuals opted normal fishing while 447 people chose high-end fishing. Of the total individuals opting for high-end fishing, 291 were Bhutanese.

Community-based campsites have been developed at Zarkapla in the Zhemgang Forest Division, with additional sites identified for future development along key fishing river stretches.

In 2022, six national freelance anglers and rafting guides underwent ‘Training of trainers’ programme conducted by experts from the United States. 

To date, over 30 local guides have been trained in two batches. “The curriculum for fishing guide training has been developed and henceforth fishing guides will be trained by the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forestry Research and Training,” Tshering Sonam Wangmo said.

Only four species of fish are permitted for recreational fishing—Golden Mahseer, Chocolate Mahseer, Snow Trout, and Brown Trout.

According to the Forest and Nature Conservation (Amendment) Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2022, all water bodies are classified as either Mahseer or Trout waters, with designated fishing categories: high-end recreational fishing, normal fishing, and prohibited zones.

High-end recreational fishing is further divided into three zones in Mahseer waters—Manas, Mangdechhu-Drangmechhu-Punatsangchhu-Wangchhu region, and Maochhu-Nyera Amachhu-Amochhu area.

Anglers are allowed to fish in Upper Nyera Amachhu, Kholongchhu, Tangchhu, Dhurchhu, Chumeychhu, Nikkachhu, Phochhu, Upper Maochhu, Phobjikha, Gogona, and Haachhu under high-end recreational fishing in Trout water.

The angling season is closed during fish spawning in all trout waters in November and December, and for Mahseer water in June, July, and August.

Fishing is also prohibited on religious days, within 500 metres of a monastery, dzong or culturally significant sites or lakes, major public infrastructures, and municipal boundaries.

The Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan 2023 and Forest and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2023 are in place to monitor Recreational Fishing.

The DoFPS has documented illegal fishing trends, with 504 cases in 2019, peaking at 593 in 2020, and subsequently declining to 234 in 2023.

According to the Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan 2023, sections between 171 and 174 outlines the offences and penalties for illegal fishing.

Similarly, the sections between 310 and 315 of the Act states that fishing without a valid permit that falls under sections between 171 and 174 shall be penalised as per the law.