Bhutan has identified objectives and strategies to conserve the Mahseer and its ecosystem. Some of them are securing the habitats and ensuring viable wild populations of Golden Mahseer, increasing science-based information on its ecology and enhancing community livelihoods through the promotion of high-end catch-and-release (Mahseer) recreational fishing, and strengthening education on the conservation of the fish.
Once strictly prohibited, fishing for Golden Mahseer has now been legalized in Bhutan through the amendment of forestry regulations. All major rivers of Bhutan that sustains the golden mahseer has been delineated as High-end recreational fishing sites and rivers should be accessed using rafts, unless stated otherwise. Use of single-barbless hook with artificial lures is allowed and it is exclusively “catch-and-immediate-release”. Possessing Golden mahseer dead or alive is an offence.
The international anglers should always be guided by a nationally certified fishing guide. Considering the strong taboo of catching fish by the Buddhist, fishing is prohibited on auspicious days of the Buddhist calendar.
On the major high-end mahseer waters such as Mangde chhu, Drangme chhu, Punatshang chhu and Manas, no more than two launches shall be allowed in a week during the prime fishing seasons, and groups which book the launch dates by paying non-refundable weeklong permits on first come first basis shall remain valid.
Fishing permits are issued online through an Online Forestry Services. Fishing is strictly prohibited on sites prohibited fishing sites as qualified under the regulations. For more information, one can contact the Department of Forests and Park Services or visit their website: www.dofps.gov.bt
