8th All-India trout angling event in Manali from today

The picturesque town of Manali is gearing up to host the prestigious 8th All-India “Catch ‘n’ Release” Trout Angling Championship 2025, a unique three-day event blending competitive sport with environmental awareness. Scheduled from April 25 to 27, the championship will take place at the serene Forest Nature Park, Beas Bihal.

Organised by the Trout Conservation and Angling Association (TCAA), Kullu, in collaboration with the Himachal Angling Association (HAA) and supported by the Manali Tourism Development Council, the event aims to promote sustainable angling and highlight the urgent need for trout habitat conservation.

Krishan Sandhu, spokesperson for TCAA, said the event will open on Friday, April 25 at 4.30 pm, with Torul S Raveesh, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Manali Tourism Development Council, attending as the chief guest. Sunayana Sharma, District Tourism Development Officer, Kullu, will be the guest of honour.

The closing ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, April 27 at 1 pm, will be graced by Vivek Chandel, Director-cum-Warden of Fisheries, Himachal Pradesh, as the chief guest. Other dignitaries include KB Ralhn, Retired Deputy Director of Fisheries and President of the Himachal Angling Association and Angel Chauhan, Divisional Forest Officer, Kullu.

Beyond the thrill of the championship, the event will feature an interactive workshop on trout habitat conservation and promotion of angling tourism. Organisers will spotlight ecological concerns under the “Water Soil Community Initiative” of TCAA and HAA.

Central to the campaign is the message of free aquatic movement, with advocacy for the construction of fish ladders and bypasses at dams to support migratory fish species. “Fish migration is vital for healthy rivers,” organisers emphasised, warning that dams and barriers continue to endanger aquatic biodiversity. The movement is symbolised by the powerful call to action: “FREEDAM”.

Anglers, nature enthusiasts, environmentalists and tourists are invited to participate in this one-of-a-kind event that merges sport, conservation and eco-tourism into a shared mission for sustainable river ecosystems.

Himachal Tribune