Mahaseer Fishing India 

India

In an angling world that is growing smaller every day it is rare to do something that few have done. In the fall of 2007 a small crew from Fly Water Travel did just this and embarked on a mission to northern India to fly fish the giant freestone rivers that flow from the peaks of the Himalayas. Our quarry was the mighty Himalayan Mahaseer; a sport fish of great strength and mystery that seems part tarpon, part carp and part steelhead. Feeding on nymphs and baitfish, these exceedingly clever fish run from one to upwards of 60 pounds. Did we hit it right and catch a heap of them? Not by any means. The conditions were not with us. De we see plenty of huge fish that got the better of us? We did! Are we going to continue to pursue this fishery? Absolutely. Is this trip for everyone? Not really. This trip is only for the adventuresome who not only like downriver rafting expeditions and rugged terrain but all that challenging angling and true third world travel entails. Will the code of proper conditions, tackle and techniques soon be cracked, revealing a sophisticated trophy Mahaseer fishery? We are banking on it and intend to lead the charge.

Traveling to India is an adventure in and of itself. For this reason many anglers will choose to add extra time to their trip to take in a vast array of cultural sights including the world famous Taj Mahal. For those undaunted by the rigors of third world travel and energized by the mystery of a new fishery, this is a destination to give serious consideration.

Location:
The Grand Mahaseer Float Trip begins and ends in New Dehli, India.

Fishing Program:
Misty Dhillon of The Himalayan Outback leads all the fly-fishing trips. He has been guiding Himalayan fly fishing expeditions since 1998. Misty is a leading light in the world of mahseer fishing (both fly and conventional) and he has been responsible for the creation of some of the most effective flies and fly-fishing techniques for this amazing species. He has also written several articles on Mahaseer fishing.

On the river the rest of his team is made up of full time company guides as well as local fishing guides. All the guides are familiar with the area that you will be fishing and have detailed knowledge of the river. The full time guides speak English and meet the professional Safety and First Aid standards of the industry. The local fishing guides will be certified by the tourism department. The rest of the team is made up of cooks, drivers, and camp staff (the number depends on the size and length of the expedition), some of whom are local to the area. The bulk of the staff, including all guides, is certified in providing basic First Aid and CPR. Currently most mahaseer are caught swinging streamers down and across on rather aggressive sink tips. Spey rods are well suited to the rivers. We also anticipate that dead drift nymphing and indicator fishing will be very effective so please consider being prepared to fish both ways.

Fisheries :
The Saryu river system is one of the prime spring fed river systems that feeds into the mighty Mahakali River at Pancheshwar. The area was well known for its’ man-eating tigers in the early 1900’s and the famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbet visited this area to investigate these reports. The area takes you back in time and is close to the Indo/Nepalese border. Their lifestyles are self-sustained with people providing for themselves in this remote area. The barter system is still very prevalent. The natives grow rice, wheat, vegetables, and tend their cattle. There are plenty of tigers in the surrounding forests but being a shy animal they are seldom seen and tend to venture out only at night. Higher up, in the forests, one could come across the Himalayan Brown Bear, Barking Deer, Mountain Goats, Pine Marten, and a rich assortment of bird life.

Mahaseer fishing is often compared to fishing for Atlantic salmon and more so when pursuing the northern mahaseer. The mahaseer inhabit powerful rivers but tend to suspend themselves in deep pools making full use of the river’s current to sift for food. Its extra strong pectoral fins help it grip the rocky silty bottom and move in the current. Their head is also very strong due to the exercise they get while moving against the current. They also have very strong jaws and tails making them very formidable game fish.

Unlike the salmon, mahaseer actively feed. On examining the stomach contents of the Himalayan mahaseer, a major portion of its diet is comprised of aquatic insects and minnows. So while we do not need to be as technical as a trout fisherman in “matching the hatch”, previous expeditions have given an indication as to what flies work well.

There is still a lot to learn about fly fishing for mahaseer both in terms of tackle and techniques. Anglers will enjoy long fishing hours and catch and release is mandatory.

Accommodations and Meals:
Sleeping accommodations are large dome tents. These tents are 9’ by 9’, and are six and a half feet high in the center. They are outfitted with two large comfortable cots, with therma-rest expedition mattresses, and a sleeping bag appropriate for the climate you will be in. There is also a table and a stool in each tent. One guest will be allocated to each tent. As part of the “minimal impact policy” and in adherence to regulations of the state Forest Department, toilets are based on a “dry pit” system that is both hygienic and environmentally friendly. This toilet is located, away from the river, in a small makeshift tent with a deep hole in the ground and an English style toilet seat on top and at the end of the day is shifted to another location. A bathing enclosure is also set up if one fancies having a shower rather than a swim in the river.

A large camp awning provides a place where guests can sit and relax after a fishing session on the river. This is also where breakfast and lunch are served. Dinner is generally served “under the stars” around a bonfire.

The meals are a mixture of Indian and Continental cuisine and are freshly prepared and served buffet style. You will be surprised by the freshly baked breads, cakes and pies even in these remote locations. All fruit and vegetables on these trips are washed thoroughly in potassium permanganate to avoid any upset stomachs. Breakfast and lunch are served in camp. However, fishermen who do not want to take a break can have a lunch packed in the morning. For the evening meal our cooks organize a barbeque, which is served around a bonfire under the stars! You are welcome to try your hand at cooking should you be so inclined.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart home.
Day 2: Arrive New Dehli and overnight.
Day 3: Guided tour of New Dehli. Board overnight train.
Day 4: Arrive train station. Drive to expedition put-in.
Day 5: Fish Saryu River near put-in.
Days 6 – 12: Float and fish, moving camp each night.
Day 13: Float to takeout, board overnight train to New Dehli.
Day 14: Arrive New Dehli and overnight.
Day 15: Leave New Dehli.
Day 16: Arrive home.

Complete Trip Details