Nepal’s fishing industry is relatively small and primarily artisanal, reflecting the country’s mountainous geography and abundance of rivers and lakes rather than large-scale commercial operations. The top fish catches in Nepal are dominated by indigenous species such as mahseer (Tor putitora), catfish (Wallago attu), and various species of carp, including the popular rohu (Labeo rohita) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio), which has been widely introduced for aquaculture. Fishing in Nepal has a long tradition among rural communities, especially along the Terai plains and river valleys, where fish are an important source of protein and income. In recent decades, the government has promoted fish farming to meet local demand, but wild capture fisheries remain significant in the country’s many rivers, such as the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali. The industry faces challenges from overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, but remains an integral part of Nepal’s rural economy and food culture.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freshwater fishes nei | 21,000 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.