Bhutan · Spearfishing zone
Designated recreational fishing rivers/streams (non-restricted SRF waters)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Designated recreational fishing rivers/streams (non-restricted SRF waters).
Fishing in non-restricted areas is permitted with a valid permit/license. Since 2022 a high-end recreational (catch-and-release) fly-fishing programme operates on designated mahseer and trout zones (reported as several mahseer high-end zones and around eleven trout zones), only for four species: golden mahseer, chocolate mahseer, snow trout and brown trout. No spearfishing is permitted in any of these zones.
What applies here
Restrictions
Specific rules and limits that apply within this area.
Valid DoFPS permit/licence required; rod-and-line angling only; single barbless hook; artificial flies/lures only; strictly catch-and-immediate-release; no live bait; closed seasons and Buddhist holy days apply.
When it applies
Seasons
Time-of-year periods that affect spearfishing in this zone.
Trout waters closed Nov-Dec; mahseer waters closed Jun-Aug; closed on Buddhist holy days.
Source
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Bhutan
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to the nearest Range Office or Division/Park; recreational/tourist permits are issued online via the Online Forestry Services and, for tourists, arranged through licensed Bhutanese tour operators with a certified fishing guide.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · dofps.gov.bt