Bhutan’s fish and fishing opportunities remain significantly under-discovered. There has yet to be a comprehensive survey of the fish inhabiting the country’s lakes and rivers. About Forty-two species have been recorded, though potentially there may be an additional two hundred or more. Furthermore, since most are not aware of this option, fewer than ten fly-fishers annually visit Bhutan. There therefore exists the chance of making some interesting and unexpected discoveries.
Fishing spots range from large rivers such as at Punakha, the glacial-fed waters of Bumthang, Paro and Thimphu, to the crystal-clear spring-fed streams at Gangtey and Nikachu. Altitudes range from a low of 4,000 to a high of 9,500 feet. The most common varieties are the snow trout (belonging to the carp family) and the brown trout (which has thrived since its introduction some decades ago). The best times for fishing are from March to October. Perhaps what is most remarkable about the fishing experience in Bhutan is the general ambiance. The overall natural environment is one of the purest and richest in the world, and a traditional way of life remains little disturbed by modern influences. Being in Bhutan therefore offers an unusual serenity and a rare sense of being completely detached from one’s everyday life.
