India Fishing Holidays: Mahseer Fishing In The Himalayas

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The Golden Mahseer

There are a great many fish which seek the title of the world’s toughest freshwater fish and the Mahseer is without doubt one of the finalists in contention for this trophy. Although it bears a visual resemblance to the Carp and it can be equally wary, that is where the similarity ends. Heralded as the aquatic Tiger of the Asian sub-continent, it is a formidable opponent. Golden armour-plated scales line powerful flanks and bucket-shaped fins provide it with immense power both to hold its position in the fastest of currents and equally to strip line from a reel with unstoppable, finger-burning speed. Its voracious appetite and sheer strength has given it an almost mythical status, allowing it to obtain weights in excess of 100lbs. Even in the colder, faster-flowing rivers of Northern India it can obtain sizes in excess of 50lbs.

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Fishing For Golden Mahseer

Traditionally Mahseer have been caught using either bait or lures fished with heavy-duty fishing tackle. It is fair to say that these methods have unquestionably accounted for the largest Mahseer. By contrast, fly-fishing for Mahseer is a relatively new concept and techniques are still very much developing. The team at Himalayan Outback who host our Indian trips have embraced this concept with complete belief and total commitment.

It is now possible to catch Mahseer on fly with greater consistency than on spinning gear using both surface poppers and sunk flies. For those who wish to fish with conventional fishing gear the options are still totally open. Spinning for Mahseer with lures remains a very effective means of catching them. For those with a pioneering outlook, exciting possibilities await in breaking new boundaries of what is possible with the humble fly. The current record for a Mahseer caught on a fly stands at 27lbs but with each trip new techniques are being learnt and we are confident that the record will be toppled in the near future.

The Rivers

The two primary rivers fished by Himalayan Outback are the Sarayu and Western Ramyanga. They do however operate over a wide range of other rivers in Northern India and the location will be based on local conditions appropriate to the time of your trip. All the rivers have different characteristics. Sight fishing is the focus on the smaller rivers, although they contain equally large fish. Some are accessed by raft, others by foot. Each season brings different opportunities and it is hoped that for 2009 there will be the opportunity to fish in ever more interesting locations using horses and smaller rafts or coracles to access and traverse the rivers.

The Environment & Location

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.

The Camp & Staff

The emphasis during your trip is on colonial style comfort. In terms of manpower you are unlikely to find an operation with quite as many dedicated staff on hand to assist you; the current tally numbers somewhere in the region of 22 staff per trip for teams of 3-6 guests. During your stay you will typically be camping either on the riverbank or in very close proximity to it. Large safari style tents are used with sturdy wooden camp beds with mattresses, sheets and duvets.

The service starts from the moment someone knocks on your tent with tea or coffee in the morning and continues beyond your waking hours with night watchmen looking after the camp. The cooks are quite capable of turning their hand to continental cuisine on request but their speciality is a range of delicious local Indian dishes. Each guest will have an individual guide, although whether you decide to fish as a pair or individually are entirely up to you.

The Taj Mahal - Agra

Alternative Activities Whilst in India

One can hardly imagine a country with a greater diversity than that within India. Those who are not on a tight schedule are strongly encouraged to look at some of the options available to extend your stay either before or after your trip. There are some outstanding hotels in Delhi that will add a touch of undisputed luxury to any trip and provide you with the opportunity to do some local sightseeing. For any expeditions outside Delhi WWMF have teamed up with one of the best Indian tour operators, based in Delhi, who will be able to help us plan extensions to your trip on request.

Best Times to Go

The autumn Mahseer season in the Northern Himalayas follows the Monsoons and runs from Sept to mid-Nov. Skies are typically clearer and nights colder although the days remain a very pleasant temperature. During the spring the season runs from Feb-May with March-May being very warm.

Getting There

Guests fly to Delhi where they will be met on arrival by a representative from Himalayan Outback. Depending on the location you will be fishing you will either travel by overnight sleeper train to Kathgudan, charter flight from Delhi to Pithoragarth or drive directly to the Western Ramganya.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly regarding a trip to India, please contact us at the following:

United Kingdom Office:
Justin Maxwell-Stuart
Mobile: +44 (0)7711 519 857
Fax: +44 (0)20 7352 0942
justin@wherewisemenfish.com

United States Office:

US Country Code: +1
Telephone: 646 797 2945
info@wherewisemenfish.com

Or alternatively email us via our Booking Enquiries Form to request more information.

Additional Photos

Crowded streets of Old Delhi

Indian Old School Elegance-Entrance to the Imperial Hotel-Delhi