Fishing Destinations In Tamil Nadu
Angling, or hobby fishing, has quietly gathered momentum across Tamil Nadu in recent years, especially among younger folk. During one of our recent journeys to Ooty, we came across a group of anglers from Chennai who had made the trip solely to fish. They brought with them modern rods, neat little tackle kits, and a shared enthusiasm that was hard to miss. Casting lines into a quiet lake in the Nilgiris, they spoke to us about how angling had become more than just a pastime. For many, it began during the pandemic and quickly turned into a serious passion. They now travel together to different parts of the state, discovering new spots and returning to old favourites.
In this blog, we take a closer look at some of Tamil Nadu’s finest fishing locations. Along the way, we will include useful details such as elevation, travel access, the fish you are likely to find, and notes on permits where they apply. Whether you are well-versed in fishing or trying it out for the first time, these places offer a calm, rewarding experience in the heart of nature.
We have chosen a handful of destinations from a much larger list, based on first-hand knowledge and on-ground insight.
1. Mukurthi Lake and Streams: The Premier Trout Fishing Destination in Ooty
rout fishing in Ooty has a long and interesting history that dates back to the British era, when trout was first introduced to Indian waters. By the early 1900s, the steelhead strain of rainbow trout had made its way to high-altitude streams in regions such as the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, as well as parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Although trout is found in several rivers and lakes across the Nilgiris, Mukurthi Lake and its feeder streams remain the preferred destination for serious trout anglers.
Fishing enthusiasts from across India and abroad visit Ooty for the experience of catching trout in these cool, clear waters. A fishing licence is required for those who wish to fish here, and it can be obtained through the office of the Assistant Director of Fisheries in Ooty. The District Collector’s office may be contacted for the most up-to-date process and location details.
The prime season for trout fishing in Ooty runs from January to August. Both fly fishing and spinning are commonly practised in these waters. Mukurthi Lake, located inside the Mukurthi National Park, is roughly ninety minutes from Ooty town by road. Anglers may also explore the smaller rivers and streams that feed into the lake.
In addition to Mukurthi, there are other fishing spots in the Nilgiris that attract hobby fishers. These include the upper reaches of the Krumund River (above the falls), the Portimund Reservoir, the Mejod River (below the falls), as well as Emerald Lake, Peermund Stream, and Chembar Stream. Each offers a quiet, scenic setting ideal for those who enjoy fishing in nature without crowds or noise.
Whether you are drawn by the challenge of trout or the beauty of the hills, Ooty remains a top choice for angling in South India.
2. Pichavaram: The Mangrove Waters that Attract Anglers
Pichavaram is a coastal village located near Chidambaram in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. It lies around five hours by road from Chennai and just under three hours from Pondicherry. The well-known temple town of Chidambaram is only 12 kilometres away. The region’s main draw is the extensive mangrove forest that stretches between the Vellar and Coleroon estuaries.
Set at sea level, this area is easy to reach and makes for a good day trip if you are looking to fish in quiet waters. Small boats can be hired locally to explore the mangrove canals or the nearby rivers where fish are known to gather.
A special fishing permit is usually not needed for hobby fishing here, though it is always best to check with your boatman. Most local accommodations or taxi drivers will help you arrange a boat without much trouble.
3. Kamaraj Sagar: A Well-Known Fishing Spot near Ooty
Ooty, set high in the Nilgiris, has long been a favourite destination for anglers in Tamil Nadu. Its cool weather, choice of accommodation, and variety of fish—both introduced and local—make it a steady draw for those keen on hobby fishing.
Kamaraj Sagar is a reservoir located about 10 kilometres from Ooty town. It sits at an average height of around 6,000 feet and is easily reached by road. The town itself is roughly three hours from Coimbatore and about six hours from Bangalore. Surrounded by wooded hills, the dam is also a popular spot for local visitors, which means it can get quite busy during the day, especially on weekends and holidays.
Some seasoned anglers suggest that the area near Thallaikunnu, close to the reservoir, is promising for catching catfish and crappie. Early mornings or late afternoons are usually the best times to fish here, before the crowds arrive.
4. Emerald Lake and Avalanche River: Prime Fishing Locations near Ooty
Emerald Lake, along with the nearby Avalanche area, continues to draw anglers looking for quiet, scenic spots to fish in the Nilgiris. Situated around 25 kilometres from Ooty town, the drive to the lake is pleasant and straightforward, with good road access throughout the year.
Notably, this is one of the areas where rainbow trout was introduced during the British period in the early 1900s. Just five kilometres from Emerald Lake lies Avalanche Lake, another promising site for hobby fishing. Both spots offer a mix of open water and smaller feeder streams. A fishing licence is required and can be obtained from the local Fisheries Office or the District Collectorate.
5. Sholayar Dam in Valparai: A Quiet Fishing Experience in the Hills
Valparai, a peaceful hill station near the Kerala border, lies deep within the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats. Known for its forests and wildlife, it is home to rare species such as the Nilgiri Tahr and the Great Indian Hornbill. The area also features several water bodies and streams, offering anglers a variety of locations to explore.
Valparai can be reached from Pollachi (about 110 kilometres away) or from Kerala via Athirappilly (around 45 kilometres). Sholayar Dam is located about 20 kilometres from Valparai town, at an elevation of roughly 700 feet. Carp and catfish are among the common species found in these waters. It is a good idea to ask your accommodation or a local guide to help arrange your fishing trip, as they are familiar with current access rules and suitable spots.
6. Kodiveri Dam: Angling for Mahseer in the Bhavani River
The Kodiveri Dam, located on the Bhavani River in Erode district, is a known spot for those interested in fishing for mahseer. Among the species found here is the orange-finned mahseer, considered one of the most sought-after game fish in India. The river is also home to various types of carp and catfish.
Kodiveri is around 70 kilometres from Coimbatore, making it a reachable day trip for anglers in the region. While formal details about fishing permits here are limited, it appears that many local anglers fish without specific licences. If access is restricted within the main tourist area of the dam, there are usually quieter spots upstream or downstream that provide good opportunities without the crowd.
Endemic Explorer curates fishing tours and charters to some of the finest angling and hobby fishing destinations in the world, combining local knowledge with responsible access to prime rivers, lakes, coasts, and reservoirs.
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