Song River Fisheries and Angling Heritage Dehradun

The Song river flowing through Dehradun district supports healthy populations of Mahaseer, the golden freshwater fish considered a trophy catch by anglers and deeply valued by local communities. Traditional fishing communities (Mallah) use bamboo traps, cast nets, and line fishing methods refined over generations. The Lacchiwala nature reserve area on the Song river is a popular destination for recreation and traditional fishing. Community agreements restrict fishing seasons and methods protecting breeding populations. Mahaseer conservation programs involve local fishing communities as stewards of river health. Traditional ecological knowledge about fish behaviour, seasonal migration patterns, and habitat preferences guides sustainable harvesting.