Your trip itinerary will lead you through miles of water by float and wade fishing on the Ramganga River and other remote streams in the Himalayan region in search of the great Mahseer and Goonch Catfish.

The undisputed king of the game fishes in India is the golden Mahseer. A large, powerful fish, it is the largest member of the Cypriniformes family in the world. Literally translated, Mahseer means 'Great Head', a suitable name for the muscled creature known to be the toughest fighter amongst fresh water fish.  

There are innumerable spots along the Ganges, but some of the best fishing is to found upstream of Rishikesh. However, the big fish are a bit spoon-shy due to the regular angling that goes on here since the river is very accessible and there are a number of river rafting camps on the river. However, there are a few hot spots, some of which are mentioned below. 

Phoolchatti

Located at the confluence of the Nayyar Rivulet and the Ganges, it is the winter and spring haunt of the Ganges Mahseer, however, Phoolchatti is the best place to land up for a wide spectrum of species and techniques.

The bag here can consist of Mulley (Wallago Attu), monstrous Goonch, Tengra, Butchwa, Indian Trout and a host of lesser fly-takers. Mahseer from the upper Ganges tributaries, the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda settle down in the warmer, slower waters around the foothill drainage of the Ganges for the winter until the next snowmelt. A fantastic place to fish, there are quite a few potential records lurking in the Ganges foothills.

Vyasghat

Located at the confluence of the Nayyar River and the Ganges, this places is a pilgrimage spot of sorts for the Indian angler, for it is known as a pre-monsoon breeding run for mahseer in the XL category, before they ascend the Nayyar in the rains. Traditionally, sport commences from the first week of April when the fish start lining up around the Ganges-Nayyar confluence before the waters begin to rise high enough in the rains for the bigger ones to move up. Local saying has it that the Nayyar fish are better fighters than the Ganges ones. Here’s where you find out what spring fed water does to a Mahseer, and what the mahseer will do to you and your tackle.

Thee fun of hooking a Mahaseer is a tremendously exciting one for this fish is a fierce fighter that may weight over a hundred pounds and has a matching reputation for its quicksilver litheness. Angling of the redoubtable Mahaseer requires skill, strength, practice, determination and speed. It is rightfully called the ‘tiger of the water’ and puts up a reckonable fight. The best time to angle the Mahseer is when they return after breeding to chase the shoals of minnows.

There is also the choice of attempting to angle for the crafty trout or the menacing shark in the rivers and seacoasts of India. Trout is found in two different varieties namely, the brown trout and the rainbow trout, in India. Hooking a trout requires you to be on your guard and prompt use of your wits. Fishing and angling in India now go hand in hand with conservation, and after having caught your fish, shot your picture and recorded its weight it is best to release it into the water again. The Indian Protection laws enforce that conversation of animal life should be mandatory with this adventure sport. Anglers from all over the world come for trout fishing to the fast flowing clear water streams and high altitude lakes of the upper Himalayas.

Basic equipment required for an angling and fishing adventure holiday would include rods, line, hooks, spoons, and reel. There are excellent tented accommodation facilities provided by adventure tour operators amid the beautiful Himalayan environs and riverbanks of India. Otherwise, forest rest houses or the forest bungalows also make for a good night’s stay when on an adventure holiday in India.

The fresh water lakes like the Dodital and the Ganga and Yamuna rivers with their many tributaries surrounded by the Himalayan peaks are excellent for the catch regardless of the season. For those who want to combine it with another sport, there is the option of adventure trekking, which can be clubbed with angling, and you can fish in one of many high altitude lakes that are 14,000 ft. above sea level.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh, with its rivers permanently covered with transparent bed of snow cover and their numerous tributaries is indeed an anglers paradise. While trout can be found in the river Beas and its tributaries like Tirthan, Parwati, and Gadsa in Kullu, Lambadag in Mandi and Pabbar in Shimla, mahseer fish is available in the Kangra district at Dehra, Gopipur and the Pong Dam.

License

The licenses for fishing in trout waters in Kullu can be had from the District Fisheries Officer in Kullu or Manali. For fishing in Uhl and Pabbar, licenses can be had from the respective Fisheries Officer stationed at Barot in Mandi district and Chirgaon in Shimla district For mahaseer fishing the licenses are available from the Fisheries Office at  Dehra, Dhameta, Jwali, Haripur, Dadasiba, Barbali or Assistant Director Fisheries, Palampur (all places in Kangra district).

Fishing for mahaseer is allowed with all type of baits including live baits. In case of trout only artificial baits viz Spinner fly plug etc. are allowed. No fishing is allowed during the following seasons: 

Mahseer : 1st June to 31st July

Trout water : 1st November to 31 January.

Katla, Rohu, Trout and Mahseer are the major game fishes in Himachal’s  rivers. Trout are to be found in Pabbar river in the Shimla district, Baspa river in Sangla valley and river Sainj in Kullu valley. Chirgaon has the trout hatchery while other sites are Seema, Mandil and Tikri, all within 5 km to 25 km from Rohru. Trout seeding  areas at Patnikuhl in Kullu district fill the river Beas with trout. Further down stream the Beas offer excellent opportunities for Mahseer fishing. The reservoir of the Pong Dam right upto the town of Dehra  Gopipur has good  sports. On the Giri river at Gaura, 30 km from Solan on the Rajgarh road and the Dadahu 5 km from Renuka Lake and river Yamuna at Ponta Sahib are also excellent spots for Mahseer.

Do's and don'ts

• Never fish alone; tell someone where you're heading.

• Consult the weather and tide charts before you set out.

• Dress sensibly, preferably in shorts and a T-shirt.  Wear rubberised shoes (for proper grip) and a cap. Carry a sun protection cream to prevent severe sunburn.

• Evolve detailed plans to deal with emergencies

• While rock fishing, check out your spot for 15 minutes before you start.

• Carry a flotation device that can be thrown 10-15 feet away.

• Alcohol and fishing don't mix

• Err on the side of caution - the fish will be there next weekend.

• Lost gear is just that - lost; it isn't worth risking your life for 

• If you can't swim, stay home. The gods aren't forgiving, not even in their abode.

Sources