India - Mahseer Fishing - September/October 2008

The Maha Kali River - Northern India
Situated in the mountainous foothills of the famous Himalayas and the borderline for much of its course between Nepal (along the Northern shoreline) and India (the Southern shoreline) this glacial-snow melt fed river runs through some of the most spectacular scenery on this planet, offering unrivalled, pristine, wilderness fishing for the unbelievably hard fighting mighty mahseer, which is common in the 5-15lbs range but does grow here to over 60lbs.

Griffin vultures and palisters fish eagles soar high over head working the 'thermals' with colourful kingfishers, night herons, blue jays, peacocks and langoor (black-faced) monkeys, daily sightings along the rivers sandy and rocky flood plain. Barking deer can be heard calling high up on both sides of the gorge through which the clear, blue-green waters cut a winding, ever changing path, and there is always the chance of finding pug marks of leopards in the sand. That's how remote this area is.

But the fishing is far from easy and can never be guaranteed. Moreover, these particular safaris are definitely not suited to anglers with limited experience or those who are not fairly fit and prepared to camp out in the most remote of locations and to then explore downriver by raft through rapids rated up to grade 5. Splash-jackets and dry-bags incidentally, are provided for everyone's gear. Northern India is indeed a wild and hostile environment, but one of great beauty and enormous fishing potential. On top of this the mahseer is one of the worlds most cautious and difficult of all freshwater species to catch. It feeds most aggressively at dawn, dusk and throughout the night, and often won't show the slightest interest in your fly or artificial lure until darkness looms over the valley.

Best Times for Fishing
We recommend a window immediately prior to the monsoon rains, March-through April for instance, or once the monsoons have finished and the river is starting to fall as is the case from late September through to mid November. October being the most productive month of all.

Tackle Required
While all tackle and experienced guides are provided, those wishing to use their own gear for both spoon and plug fishing will need a medium to heavy 9-9 ½ foot salmon spinning rod, coupled to a fixed spool reel or multiplier (an ABU 6500 or Shimano Calcutta or Cardiff 400 is ideal) loaded with 50lbs braid. For heavier fishing working live, or dead baits through the rapids, a Masterline JW Voyager, 9 ½ foot uptide rod coupled to either an ABU 7000-10,000 reel, or Shimano Calcutta 700 loaded with 40lbs test mono and strong size 3/0- 5/0 hooks tied direct fits the bill perfectly. This second outfit also doubles as a catfish rod when presenting dead baits on the bottom of deep, slow-moving pools for the legendary 'goonch' which grows to 100lbs plus. For these take a selection of 4/0-6/0 hooks along with 150lbs test Kevlar catfish trace material, plus strong swivels, rubber beads and a few 2-3ounce bombs.

Recommended lures for mahseer. Rapala, J13 jointed-floating plug, FM 11 Magnam Floating, CD 11 Original Countdown, Jointed Shad Rap JSR7, in firetiger, trout and blue shad colours, plus a selection of 20-40 gm Toby spoons. Fly rodding enthusiasts will require a 9-10 foot 10- weight outfit with a weight forward, fast sinking line of around 3-4 IPS, plus a selection of clouser minnow patterns tied on size 8-4 hooks. FLIES Mostly streamer flies, dressed on #10 / #8 / #6 / #4 and #2 hooks. Also several traditional Salmon and Trout Patterns. A huge assortment of flies is available.

Camping
A top quality tent (erected and packed away for you at each new campsite as we move steadily downriver) plus folding bed, mattress and sleeping bag is allotted to each angler, and the local Indian cuisine prepared by the camp staff (three times a day) is both wholesome and delicious. Bottled water and soft drinks are also provided.

What to take
Malaria is not a problem in this part of India, but daytime temperatures (a dry heat) regularly soar over 100 degrees. So a wide brimmed hat and sun block cream are imperative. Lightweight, breathable, chest high waders and felt soled boots allow access through the cold water (which comes from snow melt remember) to the tempting glides above each set of rapids where the mahseer love to hold station. For general trekking down river across the rocks of the gorge, a good pair of lightweight (trainer-type) walking boots is essential. For around camp, sandals suffice. A lightweight LED headlamp, plus small hand torch are also required, along with a fleece or heavy sweat shirt for when temperatures drop during the evenings.

ITINERARY - INDIA Sept/Oct 2008

Day 1: Fly Heathrow/New Delhi International Airport

Day 2: You will be met and escorted to a hotel, remainder of the day resting/at leisure. Evening transfer to the Delhi Railway station where you will board the overnight train to Kathgodam, departing at 2145 - first class compartments.

Day 3: Arrive in Kathgodam at 0630. The group will be taken for breakfast before beginning the drive through the base of the Himalayas to Pancheshwar (approx. 5 hr drive). The scenery through the mountains is spectacular. Packed lunch stop en-route. Afternoon arrival into Pancheshwar - settle into camp, which is set up on the banks of the river. Should you be inclined, after a cup of tea or coffee, you can set up the gear and begin fishing!

Day 4: Fish all day at Pancheshwar, which is considered the most lucrative of all the beats on this river.

Day 5: Spend day fishing some of the other beats upstream of Pancheshwar.

Day 6: Depending on how productive the fishing is, we may choose to either stay on at Pancheshwar or begin to move downstream. As we proceed further down river from Pancheshwar we will come across some more excellent swims and reach Goonch (Giant Cat fish) waters.

Day 7: Spend an extra day on one of our preferred locations to give anglers more time to concentrate on this main section of water.

Day 8: The plan is flexible, depending on the conditions/fishing.

Day 9: Choose from the many beats the river has to offer and camp accordingly.

Day 10: The expedition proceeds further down river to another interesting section, one of which is Chukka - another confluence that is considered a great location.

Day 11: Fish some other rewarding areas down river.

Day 12: The expedition rafts down to Tanakpur. This is an excellent stretch for white water rafting - the river is beautiful, passing through many gorges and is very wide in places too. The group will float through a 7- kilometer gorge, encountering a number of Class 2 and Class 3 rapids, at regular intervals. Reaching the end of the float trip begin the drive back to Kathgodam, where you board the same train back to Delhi after dinner. Overnight on board the train.

Day 13: Arrive in Delhi railway station, in the early hours of the morning. Transfer to a local hotel - remainder of the day at leisure. Late evening transfer to the airport.

Day 14: Depart Delhi approx. 0200 - day flight back to Heathrow, arriving 1700.

Cost: £2560.00 + airport tax per person for a group of 4 anglers – subject to availability

Cost includes:

• international flights
• all accommodation and transportation in India
• all meals throughout the trip
• tea/coffee and bottled mineral water
• professional guides and all tackle
• First Class train travel
• Permits and Govt. taxes are also included and subject to change.

Not included: Travel insurance (which is MANDATORY), gratuities (approx. US$100.00 per person), alcoholic beverages (take advantage of duty free shopping) and items of personal nature.

Visas: All passengers need an Indian Visa and must also have a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of travel and with at least two blank pages. Passengers checking in to travel to India who are found not to have the correct documentation will not be allowed to travel. Also, passengers who arrive in India without correct documents are sent back straight away.

Weather: More often than not it is clear and predictable weather in October, usually blue skies throughout the day. The monsoon season generally ends mid September. It could be chilly at night so pack a warm/windproof jacket

Foot wear: The most important thing, if you want to have a good time on the trip. To most anglers the Himalayan terrain is alien and it is rough terrain - loose rocks and gravel, with steep slopes. Getting to the best and most wild fishing areas is not without some physical stress. Your footwear choice is most vital. There are three shoes you all need to get:

1. Ankle high hiking boots with tough thick soles, as ankle support is most vital while fishing from the rocks and walking while fishing.
2. Wadding shoes with good ankle support and felt soles.
3. Strap on sandals to wear in camp and on the rafts.

E & O E