trekking in india

 The Best Time to Go Fishing in India: A Seasonal Guide

Fishing is gaining popularity as a pastime in India. With a diverse array of fishing spots, anglers can enjoy freshwater fishing in rivers, lakes, and ponds or head to the coast for saltwater fishing. However, knowing the best time to go fishing in India is crucial to having a successful trip. 

In this seasonal guide, we will attempt to highlight the optimal times for fishing in India and provide tips to help make your next fishing trip a success.

Winter (December - February)

Winter is not the ideal time for fishing in the cold river waters of North India. Fish like the Mahseer and Goonch tend to be sluggish and are not easily attracted to lures and flies.

However, this is a wonderful time to go fishing in the the southern part of India, especially in freshwater. 

The water temperature lowers during this season, causing fish to migrate to the surface and become easier to capture. Winter is a good season for several fish species, including Mahseer, Rohu, and Katla in the southern rivers & lakes. 

Winter is not as ideal as summer for saltwater fishing, but it is still a nice season to fish in India's coastal locations. During this season, anglers can target species such as Barracuda, Kingfish, and Snapper. The best locations for saltwater fishing during winter are around the Andamans & off the beaches of Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Spring (March - May)

Spring is a transitional season, with water temperatures rising and fish migrating.. This is the best time to go fishing in India. Anglers may catch a variety of fish during this season, including Trout, Goonch (Catfish), Rohu, and Mahseer in freshwater, and Barracuda, Mackerel, and Grouper in saltwater. During the spring season, rivers and dams in the northern states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir are ideal for freshwater fishing. Anglers can also travel to the southern states of Karnataka and Kerala for freshwater backwater fishing. During the spring season, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the ideal places to go saltwater fishing.

Summer (June - August)

Monsoon in India is not the time to fish in India, especially for freshwater fishing. 

Saltwater fishing too is not recommended during the monsoon.

Post Monsoon (September - November)

The post monsoon season in India is an excellent time for fishing as the fish migrate. Catfish, Trout and Mahseer in the Himalayan rivers in North India are ideal targets at this time. 

Saltwater fishing too is ideal for this time of the year. GT and Tuna can be targeted around the Andaman & Nicobar islands.

Tips for a Successful Fishing Trip

Now that you know the best time to go fishing in India, here are some tips to help make your fishing trip a success:

Get the right gear:

 Before you go fishing, be sure you have the proper equipment. The type of gear used is determined by the species of fish being pursued, as well as the area and weather conditions. Check that you have the necessary fishing rods, reels, bait, lures, and other supplies.

Check the weather:

 The weather has a significant impact on fishing. Check the weather forecast before planning your journey to ensure you won't be caught in severe weather. If the weather forecast is not favourable, you may want to reschedule your trip.

Get a fishing license: 

In India, you must get a fishing licence to fish in specified areas. Before you go fishing, be sure you have all the proper permissions. A fishing licence is available through the state fisheries department or online.

Be patient: 

Patience is required when fishing. You may not catch anything for hours at a time. Don't give up, and keep trying. Remember that fishing is about more than simply catching fish; it's also about having fun in nature and spending time with friends and family.

Follow fishing regulations: Regulations for fishing exist to safeguard fish populations and to guarantee sustainable fishing practices. Make sure you obey the local fishing restrictions. This covers catch limitations, size limits, Catch & Release and fishing techniques.