less challenging environment than the upper valleys of the Himalayas.  

 

The Mahseer (Barbus tor putitora) is the most spectacular fish present in many of the rivers originating from Himalaya’s and flowing ultimately into the Bay of Bengal. It can easily swim upstream, against rapids at over 20 knots and can grow up to 125 lbs. Also present in plenty in these rivers are Goonch - Popularly known as Catfish. These are handsome fish whose fast-flowing river environment makes them extraordinary strong so that they put up a memorable fight when hooked. Their habitual - fast-flowing rivers that descend through spectacular mountain valleys in almost continual rapids - offer not only tremendous sport but also wonderful scenery and solitude. As ever, the best fishing in india tends to be in the less explored remote areas.

Corbett Ramganga Resort (owned by our sister concern-Surbhi Adventures Pvt. Ltd.) is situated on the northern boundary of famous Corbett National Park, right on the banks of gin clear River Ramganga which is famous world over for Mahseer and Catfish. An ideal place surrounded by dense forest on all sides and River Ramganga flowing with our boundary it’s the greatest fishing venue you may visit in India. Biggest catches recorded at our Resort were: Mahseer of 76 lbs and catfish of 112 lbs in May 2002 (last season).

Our resort is spread over 20 acres and all modern facilities are available. For adventure lovers we have deluxe safari tents with wall to wall carpeting and all modern comforts such as regular beds, separate luggage space, table and chairs inside the tents, attached constructed bathroom with running hot & cold water, shower etc. If interested in deluxe or luxury accommodation than one can try our regular room or suite (2 room apartments-one living cum drawing room + one bedroom, tastefully furnished with all modern comforts).

There are two periods of the year when anglers concentrate on Mahseer fishing in India: In Autumn (Sep/Oct/Nov), as the rivers begin to clear after the monsoon, and in Spring (March/April/May), when the early monsoon rain begins to raise the level of the rivers again. The Himalayan rivers can be expected to clear around the end of September. In spring, the optimum fishing time can be variable ranging from the beginning of March to end of May. Mahseer migrate down the rivers in the autumn as the river levels drop. They ascend again as the monsoon corners in late spring. Each river varies in its characteristic to promote the run of fish and the timing is notoriously difficult to predict. For this reason the trip involves visiting different rivers/venues. Our trips will take anglers to some really remote areas where local villagers have rarely, if ever, seen non-Indian travelers. The aim of these trips is to provide experience of a wide range of Himalayan rivers. Though the distances may not appear very great on a map, several journeys like Ramganga and the Jaujibi confluence are literally the ‘end of the road’ before entering military areas on the China-Tibet border. There will be camps at different venues, Two man ridge tents are carried. The trip leader and boys accompanying the party are very experienced. Excellent food is prepared almost entirely from fresh provisions purchased on route.

The most enjoyable Mahseer angling is to spin or lure fish for them. The role "big water - big fish - big tackle" applies. For the smaller rivers, a 1.5" spoon on 15-lbs line will be adequate but fishing at a large river will require 25-lbs ultra thin, transparent line with much larger spoons. Spoons predominantly silver are most successful but MEPS Spinners, 3, 4 & 5/Rappela/Giant Killers can also be used. Jointed Plugs and Snap Swivels are also used to great effect. Fish are taken on worm when the rivers are coloured but locally made flour/hempseed mixture can also be used.

 All you need is a rod and any heavy-duty reel that you are able to resist falling in rocky rivers. Modern carbon boron fibre rods are not really tough enough to resist the rough treatment they are liable to be subjected to. The best ones are undoubtedly the last generation of 10 ft. glass-fiber rods. Whether to use a fixed spool or level wind reel is largely a matter of personal preference, but a level wind provides the best control over the fish. A reel needs to hold not less than 150 yds. Hooks of at least 4x strength are essential - lighter hooks will simply be straightened out on the first run the monster will make.

The best known Fishing venues in India are :

River Cauvery in southern India (Stay in modern tents).

Jia Bhoroli river - A tributary of River Brahmaputra in Assam, (White water rafting available. Stay in Modern tents).

The junction of Nayar River and the Ganges at Vyas Ghat, Garhwal, (Stay in camping tents).

The juction of the Sarju River with the River Kali at Pancheshwar, Kumaon, (Stay in camping Tents)

The Junction of the Sarju River and Eastern Ramganga of Rameshwar, Kumaon. (Stay in camping tents).

Western Ramganga near Corbett National Park, Kumaon.(Stay in modern tents).