Freshwater Fishing on the Indus in Punjab

A 7-day trip to two barrages on the Indus, Chashma and Taunsa, for rohu, catla and mahseer, with time alongside local anglers.

About the Freshwater Fishing Trip

Fishing for Mahaseer and trout are two exciting activities in Pakistan. The northern mountain streams offer beautiful opportunities for trout fishing. Some of the finest destinations for trout fishing include Kaghan, Naran, Swat, and Ghizer. In Gilgit, the streams and lakes are excellent sources of trout fish. There are several places in and around Gilgit that you can visit for trout fishing. Kargah Nullah, which is 10 kilometers from Gilgit, is a beautiful destination for enjoying trout fishing. Other fantastic places you can see for fishing from Gilgit include Singal, 56 kilometers from Gilgit. Phandar, 117 kilometers from Gilgit, and Singal, 56 kilometers from Gilgit.

Introduction as published on the Fishing page.

Key facts

Duration: 7 days
Best time: June-December
Range / region: Himalaya-Karakoram-Hindukush
Highest point: 2,228m
Starts and ends: Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Who it suits

It is the most accessible of the fishing programmes, a road trip from Islamabad with no flights or mountain travel. The programme lists a fishing permit among its inclusions.

Best time in the programme: June to December.
The itinerary obtains the fishing licence from the local fisheries department on day 1.
Fishing equipment is listed as not included.

The Chashma and Taunsa barrages

Chashma and Taunsa are two barrages on the Indus in Punjab where the river is held back into broad, slow-moving water. Fish gather in the pools and channels around the gates, which is why the trip is built around these two stretches rather than a single lake.

Both barrages are reached by road from Islamabad, so the trip stays entirely in the lowlands.
The programme names rohu, catla and mahseer as the fish it targets, all freshwater species of the Indus system.

Trip planning and access

This is the most accessible fishing programme: a road trip from Islamabad with hotel nights and a season the programme gives as June to December. Because it never climbs into the mountains, it suits anglers who want time on the water without altitude or long mountain drives.

Expect hot lowland weather through much of the season; early morning and evening are usually the most comfortable times to fish.
The route uses main roads, but ask the team for the exact driving time between Islamabad and each barrage before you set dates.

Equipment, rules and responsible fishing

Fishing equipment is listed as not included, so plan to bring your own rods, tackle and weather-suitable clothing, and confirm with the team what can be arranged locally. The itinerary obtains the fishing licence from the local fisheries department on day 1, which keeps the paperwork current.

Permits, catch limits and protected species are set locally and can change; follow the fisheries department guidance for the year you travel.
Handle fish carefully and release anything you are not keeping so the river keeps producing for local anglers.

Choosing between Chashma and Taunsa

The programme visits both barrages rather than committing to one, which lets the trip respond to where the fishing is working at the time. Chashma, near Mianwali, sits below a large lake and is known for tailwater fishing below the gates; Taunsa, further south near Kot Addu, is a longer, quieter stretch. What you actually fish on a given day depends on water levels and the season, so treat the named locations as the plan rather than a fixed catch.

Water released through the barrage gates changes the fishing from week to week; the guide and local anglers know where to be.
Ask which species is most active for your dates rather than expecting all three on every outing.

Checking the rules before you go

Fishing rules in Pakistan are set by the provincial fisheries departments and can differ between reservoirs and rivers, and between years. The itinerary handles the licence on day 1, but you can still ask ahead which species are protected, what the size limits are, and whether any stretch is closed for the season.

Do not rely on rules quoted online from earlier years; confirm them for the year you travel.
If you plan to keep fish, check how that is arranged locally rather than assuming.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1
Depart from Islamabad to Chashma Barrage (approximately 4 hours). Obtain the necessary fishing license from the local fisheries department. Settle into nearby accommodations.
Day 2-3
Engage in fishing activities targeting species like Rohu, Catla, and Mahseer. Explore different spots along the Indus River for varied experiences.
Day 4
Travel to Taunsa Barrage (approximately 3 hours). Check into local accommodations.
Day 5-6
Continue freshwater fishing, focusing on species prevalent in the area. Interact with local anglers to learn about traditional fishing techniques.
Day 7
Return to Islamabad.

Included and not included

Listed as included

Fishing Permit Hotel Accommodation on a sharing basis Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Air-conditioned luxury transport English-speaking tour guide Entry fees toll taxes Domestic flight tickets Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels

Listed as not included

Member international flight tickets
Member personal insurance and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks,
Fishing instrument Helicopter emergency rescue fees, Room service, personal services, items of a purely personal nature, and any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) then members will be paid according to the number of days basses.

As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.