Saryu & Mahakali River

Fly-fishing for Mahseer is constantly evolving so techniques and styles are always changing. Unlike the Ramganga River the Saryu welcomes the salmon angler with a double-handed rod and the ability to cast a reasonable line, although much of the fishable water can also be covered with a sturdy single-handed rod. Fast sinking lines on Skagit heads with any number of sculpin or minnow patterns are considered to be the most effective.  During the day lighter tackle is used however for the early and evening sessions, opr whenever their is a realistic chance of catching a big Mahseer 30-40lb nylon leader is used with flies tied on the most robust hooks available.

 Early morning and late evening are key fishing periods with midday being best left for lunch and siestas. Fishing for Mahseer on the Saryu requires a salmon anglers perseverance with a Trout fisherman’s ingenuity. Mahseer are challenging, however when the arm wrenching run comes from a good-sized fish all else will be forgotten.   They are exceptionally powerful and line burns on fingers are commonplace!

Fishing when it is dark is more commonly done when the river is running clear as the bigger fish are spooky.   Avoiding splashy casts or unnecessary noise or use of light will all go to improving your chances  By contrast when the river is carrying quite a lot of colour you can happily fish during the main part of the day.

Anglers should not feel that fly-fishing is the sole preserve or technique practiced by guests with the Himalayan Outback. Spin fishermen with Rapala’s and similar lures are welcome and certainly, account for many of the bigger Mahseer.  The confluence where the Saryu river joins the larger Mahakali is one of the hot spots for the larger fish, feeding in the turbulent waters where the rivers meet.  We operate dedicated fly-fishing weeks and those reserved for thopse who want to primarily fish with spiunning gear or bait.

On arrival at the Saryu you will make camp at the main base camp, one mile up river of the confluence with the Mahakali River.  From here each day you will explore and fish the surrounding area by foot, vehicle and boat, within a 20 mile radius of the camp but typically closer.  The time of the year and the water conditions will dictate the daily schedule however the main fishing effort is normally centered around early morning and evening sessions which offer the best chances of catching a trophy Mahseer.   This can involve some fishing when it is dark, however there is typically a reasonable amount of ambient light from local activity to make this an exciting and supremely tranquil experience vs anything unnerving.  

Post morning session, guests return to the lodge for a full breakfast.  There is then the opportunity to fish near the camp or take a break if it had been an early start.  After lunch there is again the opportunity to fish locally however equally it is a good time for a siesta prior to the main evening session, with anglers heading off to there zone around 5pm.  Everyone is typically back at the camp around 9pm with dinner to follow  It shoud be noted that the schedule is very flexible and based around individual preferences and abilities.

This will involve floating 60 miles of the Mahakali river, the dividing boundary of India and Nepal.   The journey down-river is as adventurous and visually interesting as the actual fishing.  You will be hosted throughout in true style, attended by a seasoned staff of cooks, service personnel, housekeeping staff and of course the experienced guides.   Ideally suited to both fly and spin fishing, the coloured waters of the Mahakali working best with larger lures.   Along the way, you will make camp at a number of locations, including the Mahakali/Saryu confluence, where you will have good opportunities to fish the clear, emerald-hued waters of the Saryu River.

During your stay you will be hosted by the Himalayan Outback team who have made it their mission to know more about Mahseer fishing in Northern India than anyone else.   Head guide and host, Bobby Satpal can almost certainly claim to be the most knowledgeable Mahseer fishing guide in India (and by default the world).  His depth of knowledgege as well as passion for Mahseer fishing is formidable and seductive in equal measure.  There is no absolute guarantee that you will catch Mahseer in the river, but his enthusiasm will certainly make you think that you stand a very good chance.

That is not to say that he and the team of guides will ever profess to know everything; different techniques, flies and tactics are always welcome and always evolving, especially when it comes to fly-fishing. 

Any remote fishing lodge can confidently say that they offer an experience, however a trip to India is a step beyond most, and Mahseer fishing in the Himalayas is far more than a fishing trip. You will be immersed in the local culture and surrounded by astounding scenery and wildlife. This is a chance to see and experience remote Northern India in all its beauty. On your journey some of what you see may be shocking, all will be eye-opening and enlightening and most of all it will be a true adventure.

Getting to the Saryu River is part of the experience.  On arrival into Delhi you will be collected and overnight in Roseate Hotel, a very comfortable 4 star hotel.  The following day you will either fly or taker a train to Pantagar.  The flight is quicker but the train is very comfortable and very much part of the experience.  On arrival into Pantnagar you will be met and driven to the main Himalayan Outback camp on the banks of the Saryu.  It is quite a journey, short as the crow flies but just over 5hrs drive. Although the journey is a long one it is a visual spectacle of rural India.  The route is punctuated by bustling towns, countless small villages, views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, mountainside terracing on a biblical scale and people going about the daily toil of life, whether they are battling with livestock, their crops, antiquated vehicles or repairing the road! 

The Himalyan Outback lodge is located on a high bank overlooking the Saryu.  It consits of four suitably spacious tents with comfortable twin beds in each, each tent having air-conditioning and appropriate desks and chairs.  A private bathroom/shower adjoins each tent to the rear whilst the terrace balcony to the front provides a wonderful view up and down the river.

The main dining area is situated a little higher, again with beautiful river views.  It is a magical setting, made all the more peaceful by the sounds of the river as it bruns through then rapids below, as well as being a great vantage point top watch anyone fishing (or swimming!) during the midday siesta.  Drinks in the evening a taken around a camp fire.

You can expect outstanding food.  The chef has been with the camp almoist since it was established just over 20 years ago and his food is excellent, a mix of western and Indian food, all of the highest quality and far beyond what you might expect from a fishing camp of this nature.