Fishing in India – Golden Mahseer Fishing

Witness the quite-essential “fishing in India” experience. This unique angling adventure features sight fishing for Mahseer, Goonch fishing as well as the world’s best fly fishing for Mahseer close to one of India’s richest tiger reserves.

• Enjoy angling in India & witness a wild sight-fishing opportunity for trophy Himalayan Mahseer;
• Learn the best techniques for catching these legendary game-fish with your International Game Fish Association representative and India’s only Federation of Fly Fishers certified instructor; renowned for his expertise on the Himalayan Mahseer, Misty Dhillon.
• Enjoy an enriching, India fishing adventure with top-notch service and an overnight stay in a historical sporting bungalow inside the Corbett National Park.

“Fishing in India” Snap-shot Summary:

• Airport: New Delhi
• Suggested Duration: 6 – 10-Days
• Region: Kumaon, Uttarakhand, Northern India
• Season: February through May, October & November
• River: The Western Ramganga River 
• Primary Game-fish: The Himalayan Mahseer
• Other Species: The Goonch, Indian Trout & the Kalabans.
• Wildlife Highlights: Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephants, leopards and two other species of lesser cats. Deer, the Sambar, Cheetal – the spotted deer, Kakar (hog deer) & Ghural mountain goat.
• Transportation (All inclusive packages): Guests are met in New Delhi International Airport. The Himalayan Outback will escort you by way of privately hired vehicles to the western Ramganga river lodge.
• Great for non-fishing companions: Non fishing itinerary – click here…
• Accommodation Included (All inclusive packages): 2-nights accommodation in New Delhi, accommodation in The Western Ramganga River Lodge & one night in a historical forest bungalow inside the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Hosted by Misty Dhillon
• VIEW SOME IMAGES The lodge and the region…
• VIEW SOME MORE IMAGES
• WATCH A VIDEO
• Lodge & Fishing only (per day) (per person)
• INR 9,600 (sharing) (Convert INR to US$)
• All Inclusive & Hosted Package Price (per day) (per person)
• INR 15,500 (sharing) (Convert INR to US$

The constant awareness of so many big cats, so close to you. Of course, many times, I’ve been aware of eyes upon me but never to the extent had I experienced at The Himalayan Outback camp. The crackle and anticipation you could almost reach out and touch. And, vitally, just the levels of service, friendship, generosity and hospitality. These ingredients are essential to the mix and so often overlooked in so many camps. ~ John Bailey, UK

I will say that respect and protocol of camp, the food and the overall way Himalayan Outback runs things was outstanding and worth the trip in itself. Everyone raved about the cooking, it was better then the famed restaurants we visited in Delhi. Jeff Currier and I are planning our next trip for 2010 ~ Chris Bailey, USA

Jeff Currier’s World Record IGFA Certificate …

Trip Overview:

• Discover fishing & fly fishing for Mahseer and an abundant sight-fishery & explore fishing in India, close to the legendary Jim Corbett National Park. Push the limits of freshwater fishing by pursuing the “Ramganga’s River Monster” – The Goonch. A fish of gigantic proportions, the Goonch is said to be the only catfish in the world with teeth.

• Experience a well preserved and carefully managed stretch of river along with your host Misty Dhillon; learning the exciting techniques of perusing this unique and mystical fishery.

• Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in the unique setting of a historical colonial bungalow inside the Corbett National Park and two-days fishing along with your personal & seasoned fishing guide in a wild section of western Ramganga River.

• Feel inspired and rejuvenated each day as you awaken to the energetic sounds and smells of this unique setting as you soak in you “fishing in India” experience. Witness a pristine forest and wildlife that is home to significant population of the royal Bengal tiger.

• Enjoy the option of a tailor made holiday with your non-fishing partner as he/she enjoys game-drive, hiking to see the highest snow-capped Himalayas of India, Himalayan village walking tours, culture and ancient temples.

• End each day’s Mahseer fishing enjoying familiar amenities in a remote part of the forest and feel pampered by a warm welcome by your hosts, appetizing meals, refreshing hot baths; experiencing The Himalayan Outback’s signature style of service!

VIEW THE FULL ITINERARY (Printable PDF Version)

Day by Day:

Day one (1) Welcome to India!

• Arrive in Delhi airport where you are met by The Himalayan Outback’s representative.

• You will be then chauffeured to our favorite Bed & Breakfasts where you will be meeting your warm and knowledgeable hosts, Arun and Bani. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and captivating conversation with your B&B hosts, before getting a comfortable and well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day two (2) New Delhi to Corbett Tiger Reserve

• After an early breakfast, proceed for a short sightseeing tour of Delhi and experience some historical monuments that recall the days when India was the Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire. Choose from a variety of sites including the 11th century Qutab Minar, India Gate, the Presidents house, the Red Fort, the Lotus temple, Akshardam temple and the Mahatama Gandhi Memorial.

• Enjoy a traditional Indian lunch with your attentive guide at a fine and well know Indian restaurant and continue experiencing Delhi’s walls of history.

• Return to your B&B in the evening and enjoy dinner with your hosts.

Day three (3) New Delhi to Corbett Tiger Reserve

• After feasting on a sumptuous breakfast, your Himalayan Outback guide will be accompanying you while you are beginning chauffeured to the Western Ramganga River lodge to being your international fishing experience.

• Take a break from the 7-hour drive to eat at one of the best local restaurants en-route before reaching our remote lodge overlooking the majestic western Ramganga river.

• The lodge is situated less than a 6th of a mile from the road, and while you are enjoying the opportunity to walk though a local village along with your guide; the Himalayan Outback staff carefully portage your luggage to your cottage at the lodge.

• After settling into your river-front cottage and sipping on some coffee or tea, enjoy an evening session fishing for Mahseer with your personal fishing guide close to the lodge.

• As your seasoned guide leads you to the rivers edge you will be discovering the western Ramganga’s prolific, aquatic eco-system. As light fades, you may have the opportunity off hooking a powerful and majestic Himalayan Mahseer.

• End the evening around the bonfire with appetizers and enjoy a traditional Tandoori Indian dinner in our dining thatch while your host Misty Dhillon briefs you on the following day’s fishing program.

• Finally retire to your cottage and enjoy the comfort of our classic rosewood campaign-style beds.

Day four (4) The village fishing trail & begin your India fishing Adventure…

• Rise early; feeling energized by a harmony of bird calls and a soaking-in a comfortable down-stream breeze as you sip on a hot beverage overlooking the unique setting of the outskirts of the Corbett tiger reserve and the western Ramganga valley, while you prepare to witness the quite-essential “Angling in India” experience.

• Your private cottage is complete with a teak writing table and a Havana cane chair; for, if you feel inspired to write.

• After an early breakfast you will be lead by your personal guide to the pre-historic Nagtale village from where you will begin fishing.

• Feel inspired as you meet the friendly locals while walking though this terraced mountainous village.

• As your guide walks you to your first pool, he will take a moment to carefully explain to you the fishing strategy as he rigs your lure / fly to the end of the leader.

• As you fish your way down to the lodge you will be wading through a series of undisturbed pools and beautiful runs.

• After a brief rest, post-lunch you will begin fishing down-stream from the lodge.

• While you are enjoying appetizers around the bon-fire your host, Misty Dhillon will brief you about the overnight fishing excursion the following day.

Day five (5) Hiking & fishing for Mahseer / Goonch in a remote beat (overnight in home-stay)

• Start the day early, after a good nights sleep in your comfortable cottage. Leaving your belongings in your cottage you will pack an overnight kit for the night.

• After a hot beverage your guides will walk you to the road; from where you are chauffeured a short distance, before you begin hiking for a mile via Balloli village to your beat.

• Enjoy a full-days fishing with an appetizing lunch that is served on the river and refreshing cold beverages as you pursue the mighty Himalayan Mahseer on this secluded and productive section of river.

• After a satisfying day on the river, your hosts will be accompanying you to the Balooli home-stay. Spend the evening soaking in the tranquility of this unique setting and feeling energized as you you sip on a cool beverage after a refreshing hot shower.

Day six (6) Hike & enjoy fly fishing  for Mahseer (return to The Himalayan Outback lodge)

• Awaken to the luxury of a hot cup of coffee & tea at the doorstep of your private home-say cottage.

• As your attentive guides lead to you the river, very early this morning, you may have the opportunity of encountering deer and rare birds that include the Kaleej Pheasant and the red jungle fowl.

• Make the most of the early morning’s fishing session. The first few casts may result in a fish of your dreams!

• After enjoying the day’s Goonch / Mahseer fishing and a sumptuous breakfast and packed lunch on the river; return back to the The Himalayan Outback lodge as the sun disappears behind the foothills.

• Spend a relaxing evening enjoying the company of your hosts and contemplating under the stars in this magical location.

Day seven (7) Fish the home beat

• Spend a relaxing day fly fishing for Mahseer in the home-beat from the Himalayan Outback lodge along with your seasoned guide.

• Peruse some exciting sight-fishing opportunities, learning about the sporting techniques for catching the mystical Himalayan Mahseer from your veteran host Misty Dhillon. The Mahseer is a fish that has often been rated as one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish.

• Experience the comfort of walking back to the lodge when ever you feel like; and enjoy the luxury of a flexible schedule as your private guide is standing-by, for when you wish to head back to the river.

• Pack your kit for a night’s stay inside the tiger reserve the following day and enjoy a delicious continental dinner around the bon-fine as your experienced host Misty Dhillon helps you strategize your fishing the following day.

Day eight (8) Fishing in India; Corbett Tiger Reserve – overnight in remote & Historical bungalow. (February through early June only)

• An early start after a walk to the road you will be chauffeured in a 4wd to the Durgadevi gate of the Corbett tiger reserve (15 kilometers) from the lodge.

• As your guides takes a few minutes to check-in with the forest officials while you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs before you enter the tiger reserve.

• While you are driving though the forest to the river you may have the opportunity of seeing wildlife.

• As you arrive on the river with your guide, you will be enjoying a sumptuous breakfast before you begin the day’s fishing.

• As you experience fishing in this section of river, you will feel enriched by this unique angling experience and this magical location as you sight-fish for these legendary fish.

• End the days fishing at the historical angling location of Daumunda, after which you will be chauffeured to the remote and private Lohachaur forest bungalow that was constructed during the early 19th.

• Enjoy a relaxing evening after a satisfying day’s fishing, as you experience the quintessential overnight forest bungalow experience in this exclusive location.

• Feel enriched as you soak in the tranquility of a special part of the forest, reflecting on the unique sporting experiences of the Corbett national park as you are pampered with appetizers and a delicious Indian meal by an attentive service staff.

Day nine (9) Fishing in Corbett’s Country (return to The Himalayan Outback lodge)

• An early start enjoy a drive through a beautiful mixed forest and calls of rare birds as you are chauffeured in your private 4wd to Daumunda.

• Experience another exciting day Mahseer fishing in India – the Western Ramganga river.

• Return to the western Ramganga river lodge and spend a quite evening enjoying appetizers and reflecting on a trip of a lifetime!

Day ten (10) Corbett National Park to New Delhi

• Depart from New Delhi early this morning. Arrive at your B&B by the evening and enjoy dinner with your hosts.

• Depart the following day. (check-out from the B&B is at 1200hrs)