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Nepal’s tourism landscape is evolving, and a compelling new niche is casting its line: catch-and-release angling. Moving beyond traditional perceptions of fishing, this sustainable and experience-driven activity invites travellers to engage with Nepal’s pristine river ecosystems by catching, photographing, and safely releasing fish back into the wild.
At its core, angling tourism in Nepal is not about the catch alone, but the connection with nature, conservation, and the thrill of the wild.
Seti–Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge Debuts
Marking a significant milestone, the Seti-Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge which was held from 22 March to 2 April positioned Nepal firmly on the global angling map. As the country’s first international fishing competition, the event welcomed 23 foreign anglers representing diverse nations, alongside Nepali trainees.
The competition route stretched across two of western Nepal’s most dynamic river systems from the Seti River in Dipayal, Doti, to the Karnali River in Thuligaad, Kailali, offering both challenge and spectacle.
Competition Highlights & Winners
The event celebrated both skill and sustainability, with anglers competing across key categories:
Largest Golden Mahseer (Sahar)
Largest Goonch (Thed)
Most Golden Mahseer Caught
Awards and Recognition
Winners were awarded both cash prizes and exclusive angling packages, reinforcing Nepal’s appeal as a premium fishing destination:
The awards ceremony, held on 1 April in Bardiya, brought together tourism officials, local leaders, and stakeholders. Recipients were presented with distinctive fish-shaped trophies alongside official certificates.
International Participation
The event drew anglers from across the globe, underlining its international appeal:
Collaborative Effort Driving Tourism Innovation
The initiative was led by Bogatan Fudsil Rural Municipality, with support from Sudurpashchim Province Ministry of Industry Tourism Forest and Environment. Key promotional backing came from the Nepal Tourism Board.
Hospitality and aviation partners included Aloft Kathmandu Thamel and Buddha Air, while operational support was strengthened by private sector players such as Karnali Rafting and Adventure Pvt Ltd.
A Sustainable Future for Nepal’s Rivers
Angling tourism introduces a new dimension to Nepal’s travel offerings: one that aligns adventure with environmental stewardship. By promoting catch-and-release practices, it supports aquatic conservation while attracting high-value travellers seeking immersive, low-impact experiences.
As noted by coordinator Devraj Jaishi, this emerging segment holds immense promise:
“High-value tourists who stay longer are especially attracted to angling. This event has demonstrated that Nepal is a suitable destination for fishing tourism. Angling is a new tourism segment for us. It not only promotes adventure tourism but also spreads awareness about river and aquatic conservation. The future is very promising.”
Casting Ahead
With its untamed rivers, rich biodiversity, and growing global interest, Nepal is poised to become a standout destination for sustainable angling. The success of the Seti-Karnali challenge signals not just a new product, but a progressive shift in how the country positions its natural heritage which invites the world to experience it, responsibly.
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