Arunachal Pradesh hosts annual trout angling championship in Mechukha

Mechukha Trout Quest 2.0, an annual angling championship organised by the Arunachal Pradesh government, drew 56 anglers from across India, Thailand and Bhutan. The event on the Yargyap Chu river in Mechukha valley followed strict conservation rules: traditional fishing is banned, and sport angling operates on a catch-and-release principle.

Among the participants was Nasreen Sultana, the only woman angler in the competition and a first-time trout fisher from Assam. A musician by profession, she described angling as a way to slow down and test patience. She noted that the sport remains male-dominated and encouraged more women to take it up.

Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Minister Pasang D Sona said the competition helps recognise local efforts to conserve trout. Farmers and residents have volunteered to protect the fish and the river. The event highlights a growing angling culture in the region, balancing sport with environmental stewardship.