Fishing in Pakistan: Mountain Trout, River Mahseer and Sea Fishing
Pakistan offers three very different kinds of fishing: cold-water trout in the streams and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan, warm-water species such as mahseer, rohu and catla on the Indus barrages of Punjab, and offshore and coastal fishing in the Arabian Sea from Karachi. Each has its own season, tackle and permits.
This guide compares the three fishing trips we publish and explains how to choose between them, what to bring and how permits work.
Trout fishing in Gilgit-Baltistan
Brown trout were introduced to the mountain waters of what is now northern Pakistan during the colonial period and have since established themselves in many streams and lakes. Our trout fishing trip flies from Islamabad to Gilgit, with the Karakoram Highway as the fallback in bad weather, and spends two days on the Kargah Nullah and Singal stream, with fly and spin fishing for brown trout.
The trip then drives through the Ghizer valley to Phander, where two days are spent on Phander Lake and the Ghizer River with local guides. The inclusions list a Gilgit-Baltistan district fisheries trout permit, lodge or hotel accommodation, meals, transport and a local trout fishing guide; rods and flies are not included.
Trout season and rules
Trout waters in the north are managed by the fisheries department, with permits, catch rules and closed periods around spawning. Rules and dates change, so we confirm the current conditions when we arrange the permit. Summer and early autumn are the main visiting season, when roads to valleys such as Ghizer are open; our guide to Shandur and Ghizer describes the Phander area.
Freshwater fishing on the Indus barrages
Our freshwater fishing trip in Punjab drives from Islamabad to the Chashma Barrage on the Indus, where the first stop is to obtain the necessary fishing licence. Two days target rohu, catla and mahseer at different spots along the river, before the trip moves to the Taunsa Barrage for two more days of freshwater fishing alongside local anglers. The programme's published season is June to December.
Mahseer are powerful river fish prized by anglers across South Asia, and the golden mahseer is widely regarded as Pakistan's national fish. Populations have declined in many rivers, so catch and release, careful handling and barbless hooks are good practice. Fishing equipment is listed as not included on this trip.
Sea fishing from Karachi
Our Arabian Sea fishing trip flies from Islamabad to Karachi and spends five days on the water: offshore boat charters from Karachi harbour targeting species such as tuna, a coastal day around the Churna Island area for reef species and snapper, and trolling and bottom-fishing sessions with local captains. The inclusions list the boat charter and permits, a professional skipper and fishing guide, and port fees; personal tackle is not included but rental is mentioned as available.
Sea conditions shape this trip. During the south-west monsoon, roughly from June to August, the Arabian Sea off Karachi is usually rough, and local fishing restrictions apply for part of the season, so the cooler months are generally the better time. We confirm sea conditions and current rules before fixing dates. The Karachi guide covers what to see in the city before or after.
The three trips compared
| Programme | Days | Best time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing in Pakistan | Freshwater Fishing in Punjab | 7 | June-December | Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad |
| Marine Fishing in Pakistan – Starts from Islamabad | 7 | — | — |
| Trout Fishing in Pakistan | Gilgit Baltistan | 7 | — | — |
From the published itineraries; a dash means the programme does not state the value.
Choosing your fishing trip
- For scenery and fly fishing: the Gilgit-Baltistan trout trip, which combines mountain streams with the Ghizer valley.
- For hard-fighting river fish: the Punjab barrages, with the chance of mahseer.
- For big-game and sea fishing: the Karachi trip, timed for calm seas.
- To combine fishing with other travel: the trout trip fits naturally with Hunza or Skardu, and our guide to planning a first trip to Pakistan helps you build a longer itinerary.
What to bring
- Your own rods, reels and flies or lures for trout; a travel rod case protects them on domestic flights and jeeps.
- Waders or quick-drying trousers and good wading shoes; mountain streams are cold and fast.
- Polarised sunglasses, sun protection and a warm layer for early mornings in the mountains.
- For sea fishing, seasickness remedies if you are prone to it, and a waterproof bag for valuables.
- Travel insurance covering your activities, since personal insurance is not included.
Getting to the water
Each trip starts in Islamabad. The trout trip flies to Gilgit and, according to the itinerary, the Kargah Nullah and Singal stream lie roughly 50 km from Gilgit, while the drive on to Phander through the Ghizer valley is about 117 km; mountain roads make those distances feel longer than they look. If the Gilgit flight is cancelled by weather, the trip drives up the Karakoram Highway instead, which takes most of two days.
The Punjab trip is entirely by road: about four hours from Islamabad to the Chashma Barrage and about three hours from Chashma to the Taunsa Barrage, according to the itinerary. The sea trip flies from Islamabad to Karachi and back, with transfers to the harbour each morning. Early starts are normal on all three, because fish feed most actively in the cool of the morning.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a fishing licence in Pakistan?
Yes, permits are required. The trout trip includes the Gilgit-Baltistan district fisheries trout permit, the sea trip includes charter permits, and the Punjab trip begins by obtaining a fishing licence. Rules change, so we confirm them before your trip.
What fish can I catch in northern Pakistan?
Mainly brown trout in the streams and lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan, such as the Kargah Nullah, Singal stream, Phander Lake and the Ghizer River.
When is the best time for sea fishing from Karachi?
Usually outside the south-west monsoon, which roughly covers June to August. We check sea conditions and local restrictions before setting dates.
Is equipment provided?
Personal rods, flies and tackle are not included on the trips. For sea fishing, the programme notes that tackle can be rented if needed.
Can I practise catch and release?
Yes, and we encourage it for mahseer in particular. Tell your guide at the start of the trip so handling and hooks can be planned accordingly.
Plan a fishing trip
Let us know which fishing interests you, when you can travel and whether you want to combine it with touring. Browse all our fishing trips or contact us through the enquiry form.