Mahseer fishing in India
Following on the ground research in 2005, Wild and Exotic can now offer their clients the opportunity to fish for mighty mahseer on the River Ganges and her tributaries where these river flow through the dramatic and beautiful landscape of the Himalayan foothills.
Himalayan mahseer are found mainly in untouched rivers with limited human contact, although specimens weighing up to 100 lbs can be seen where the fish enjoys protected status in the vicinity of Himalayan temples in Rishikesh. During the monsoon season from July onwards, golden mahseer make their way upstream through roaring rapids as they climb almost 2000 to breed in spawning rivers, before dropping back to the deeper holding pools of the main Ganges River when the monsoon ends in late summer, early autumn. Post spawning season, the rivers are teeming with life and September to November is an ideal time to target these huge predators before the onset of winter. From December to February the fish lie in deeper warmer waters and do not often show on the surface, but as the temperatures warm up towards the end of February activity increases according to the weather, with larger fish appearing if conditions are warm enough for snow fed waters to reach the main river between March and May, with the very hot months of June and July often proving to be good taking time.
Mahseer can be caught either by lures or with the fly. The largest fish tend to attack lures fished deep with specialist spinning tackle, smaller specimens inhabiting fast flowing rapids falling victim to a flashy streamer flies. Techniques include rafting downstream through grade 3 – 5 rapids, and also fishing from both banks of the river on foot, taking care not to spook this shy and reclusive predator. Mahseer fight like tigers when hooked, often using the rocks, rapids and strong currents of fast flowing mountain rivers to their advantage. Broken rods and straightened hooks are a regular feature of mahseer fishing, which is why our guides and staff carry plenty of spare equipment on these trips. Mahseer in the Himalayan rivers run up to 70lbs, and are considered to be amongst the top five fighting fish in the world.
According to our research there are few specialist companies with inexperienced guides running mahseer fishing trips, which is why Wild and Exotic have teamed up with experienced anglers Vikram and Pavan to offer the best mahseer fishing on a catch and release basis, although the occasional smaller fish may be kept for the table. There are no guarantees in mahseer fishing, and a degree of physical fitness is necessary to get the best enjoyment from the trips we organise. We can also arrange fishing for mahseer in Arunachal Pradesh North East India.
Please click on pictures to enlarge
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| 45lb Mahseer (November 2005) | Confluence of Ganges with rain fed tributary | Another big one (November 2005) |
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| Ganges Gorge | Evening cast |
During Wild and Exotic’s week long fishing expeditions guests enjoy a cooked breakfast each morning before heading off to explore the river's numerous swims, pools and rapids that offer the chance to fish with either fly or lure depending on your preference. The smaller mahseer of between 5 - 10lbs are best targeted by fly, the larger fish that inhabit deeper pools and broader river sections fall to lures fished from bait rods. We offer fishing in different river sections and terrains providing opportunities to anglers to use different skills and techniques. After each morning's fishing guests return to a beautifully appointed campsite to enjoy a refreshing swim and cold beer followed by lunch and a siesta.
Afternoons are devoted to fishing within walking distance of campsite once temperatures have begun to cool. Nights are spend at campsites located on pristine sandy beaches far from civilisation, usually overlooking a pool that is also suitable for swimming and bathing. Guests are accommodated in dome tents equipped with mattresses and sleeping bags, and are attended by a well-trained and efficient staff. Each campsite is also equipped with a mess tent, providing welcome shade beneath which delicious dishes cooked over an open fire by are served, washed down with alcoholic refreshments.
As ATOL licence holders 6445, Wild and Exotic can arrange the international flights to India from £335 + taxes subject to availability. Please contact us for further information.
Sample itinerary
Please note this itinerary is a sample only, and can be modified in both duration and content according to the wishes of our clientele.
Day 1:On arrival in Delhi guests will be met and transferred to the Claridges hotel for an overnight stay. The following morning we will depart early in four wheel drive vehicles, reaching the foothills of the Himalayas around noon. Once in the foothills the drive is steep crossing the Elephant corridor between 2 national Game parks, reaching an altitude of over 6,500 feet, before descending to the Nayar River valley at 1500 feet. Our camp is located amidst a forest on the Nayar River which is ideal for fly-fishing for 5-10 lbs mahseer and the evening is spent trying out various swims and pools around the campsite. Overnight Nayar River Camp.
Day 2: We start early before sun-up walking to various sections of the river tracking and casting for fish returning to camp as the sun becomes hot to chilled beers and cool off in the river. Afternoons are spent walking to other sections of the river to try out other swims and pool. We cover almost 5 kms of the river today. Overnight Nayar River Camp.
Day 3: This morning we will drive 7 kms to the confluence in time for morning fishing at the most famous spot for Himalayan Mahseer. Our campsite has a breathtaking view of the Ganges River and we sleep with the roar of the river tonight. We also visit the small village of Bagi, home to our guides and celebrated in many books written about Mahseer fishing. Evening spent over campfire. Overnight Nayar-Ganges Confluence, Bagi village
Day 4:Today we raft down to our river camp crossing few grade 2-3 rapids to our campsite located in the wilderness with quiet pools and swims with big mahseer splashing around. This is the secret place in the Ganges to strike big fish. Overnight Ganges River Camp 1
Day 5: Full day spent casting for the elusive big fish and relaxing in the camp beach and swimming in the river. There are long walks and river crossings on smaller rafts to reach various spots on the rivers giving opportunity to all the anglers. Evening spent around the campfire with fishing stories of the day. Overnight Ganges River Camp 1
Day 6: A final day at this magical campsite. We will appreciate this extra day for another chance at the mighty mahseer that make their home in these waters, and the serenity of the location. Overnight Ganges River Camp 1
Day 7: This morning we raft downstream, prospecting for massive mahseer en route to our last campsite, located on a picturesque white sand Ganges beach set amidst hills both sides with forests. Quiet swims and pools provide good fishing spots. Ganges River Camp 2
Day 8: This morning there will be an opportunity for a final cast or two whilst the camp staff pack up and load our rafts. We raft down to the road head where our vehicles await us for our drive back to Delhi via Rishikesh. We reach Delhi late evening and transfer to the Radisson Hotel.
Day 9: Guests will be collected from their hotel early this morning, in time to check in for their flight home. Alternatively Wild and Exotic can extend your stay in India to visit other regions within this fascinating country.
Notes:
The price for this itinerary is available on application but as a guide it starts from £1500 per person for a group of 6 guests. This is inclusive of all transfers as per the itinerary, together with all activities described, full board and lodging, and based on two people sharing, except at Delhi Hotels where the rate is bed and breakfast only. Sleeping bags, mattresses and camp equipment are included for those nights spent under canvas, as is all fishing tackle other than fly-fishing equipment. The price does not include items of a personal nature, gratuities, and visa fees. The single supplement for Delhi hotels only is £150. As ATOL licence holders 6445, Wild and Exotic can book the return international flights as per this itinerary with Air India The price is £335 plus taxes, subject to availability.
Please note that it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure they obtain the correct visa prior to travel. Wild and Exotic will assist with visa applications if instructed but cannot be held responsible for a client’s failure to obtain a visa for whatever reason
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes to airline flights. Guests must follow the guidelines and instructions given by the river and camp guides at all times. Guests must be fully insured for this holiday and will be required to sign liability release forms before the start of the expedition.
