Quest for Legendary Game-Fish: Mahseer Fishing in India

Welcome to the best Mahseer fishing expedition! Experience a 10-day journey, angling in India, floating down Kumaon’s remote north eastern frontier bordering Nepal; discovering some of the best lure fishing for Mahseer and a fly fishing for Mahseer.

While witnessing this enriching “Fishing & Fly fishing for Mahseer experience” you will be witnessing India’s ancient cultures, views of India’s celebrated Himalayas and The Himalayan Outback’s signature style of service and mobile safari-camps.

“MAHSEER FISHING EXPEDITION” SNAP-SHOT SUMMARY:

Duration: 11-Days
Region: Kumaon, Uttarakhand, Northern India
Season: October; March, April & May
River: The Saryu River
Primary Game-fish: The Golden Mahseer
Wildlife in the area: The illusive leopard, the leopard cat that is rarely seen. Deer – the Kakar hog deer & Ghural mountain goat.
Transportation: This tour begins in the New Delhi International Airport where you are met by our representative. The Himalayan Outback will escort you by way of privately hired vehicles to the Saryu River.
Accommodation during your fishing expedition: Fully outfitted Safari tents; featuring Campaign furniture that includes linen furbished tents during the float trip, a private & personal bed & breakfast in New Delhi & the hotel Te Auroha in Dhanachuli.
Price: INR 198,000 (single occupancy) - Currency Converter
Hosted by Misty Dhillon

Enjoying a quite evening after a satisfying day's Mahseer fishing... Andrew Geiger Photo

Our fly fishing group travelled over 800 kilometers by train, jeep, and raft. We stayed in a diverse array of hotels and guest houses. Considering the multi-faceted nature of the trip, which included tourism in Agra and Delhi plus remote fishing in the Himalayan foothills, Misty’s organizational skills in putting together a flawless travel and fishing program is remarkable. If there were no fish involved the cultural and eco-tourism aspect alone would have been reward enough. But there were fish; we encountered the fabled Golden Mahseer every day and some could surely be deemed trophies. As icing on the cake, the Saryu River’s jade-green pools and white water rapids were a lovely backdrop to our angling. The thrill of hooking large native fish in the shadow of the worlds tallest mountains, combined with the rich tapestry of India and its people make a journey with the Himalayan Outback one of the globe’s best, and truly unique, angling adventures. Adam Tavender, Steelhead Fishing Guide, British Columbia, Canada

“Mahseer fishing” TRIP OVERVIEW:

Discover fishing for Mahseer on one of the most active migratory-gateways of the Golden Mahseer.
Join our expert guide and host Misty Dhillon fishing & fly fishing for Mahseer in the the fascinating and contemplative land of India – a tour that captures the essence of a unique and very special part of the world.
While fishing for Mahseer on the Saryu River, you will have the opportunity to try a variety of techniques & presentations. From skating dry-flies on two-handed fly-rods, to casting shooting heads with single-handed fly-rods – from snap-jigging swim-baits to casting heavy hard-bodied lures - this is a 24-hour fishery is both diverse & consistent.
Feel pampered during your as you enjoy a private, campaign style Safari camp, fresh linen and delicious home cooked meals each day as you experience a unique fishing expedition, angling in India.

VIEW THE FILL ITINERARY (Printable PDF Version)

I had a really great time with The Himalayan Outback. I think that you are embarking on a pioneering venture to regularly catch one of the world’s great sport fish in a relatively untried new manner i.e. using fly-rods & flies. I have been lucky enough to fish all over the world & in some very exotic locations, and I can honestly say that our few days on the Saryu was one of the most enjoyable trips I have yet had the good fortune to experience. Matt Harris, UK

FLY FISHING FOR MAHSEER, THE SARYU RIVER, WITH MATT HARRIS

DAY BY DAY:

Day One (1) Welcome to New Delhi!

Arrive at New Delhi International Airport to a warm welcome by your attentive guide; you will be chauffeured to a centrally located Bed & Breakfast where you will enjoy the company of your knowledgeable hosts.

Day two (2) Experiencing Delhi

Experiencing Delhi's walls of history...

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 President’s House, 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.

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

Day three (3): New Delhi to Dhanachulli

Experiencing breathtaking views at Dhanachulli...

After an early start you will be accompanied on the 6-hour train journey to Kathgodam. As you enjoy a relaxing journey in your linen furbished first-class compartment; your attentive guide will be at hand for any assistance.

Upon arriving at 1130hrs; you will be met at the train station and driven for 3-hours to your hotel at Dhanachulli.

On a clear day you will be enjoying breathtaking views of the greater Himalayan Ranges.

Day four (4) Dhanachulli to Ghat (Being your Mahseer fishing in India Experience)

Begin driving to Ghat after a leisurely breakfast.

Fly fishing for Mahseer with your attentive guide.

As you are chauffeured to Ghat (5-hours); your guide will be pointing out to you the various snow capped peaks. On a clear day one can get a stunning view of the greater Himalayan ranges, including the famous Nanda Devi (25,645 feet), the highest peak of this region, and many other 20,000+ feet plus mountain peaks. There are plenty of great photography opportunities on this drive.

There is even a chance of encountering some wildlife on the drive, like Mountain Goat, Barking Deer, Pine Martins, Leopard, and an variety of birds.

Soon after arriving at Ghat; you will begin your fishing expedition floating down to your first camp for lunch. Begin fishing for Mahseer with your seasoned guide.

Fly fishing trips in an incredible nation - Adam Tavender Photo

Day five (5) Following the migratory gateway

An early start as your experienced guides have you cover-water on this productive stretch of the Saryu.

As you prepare to float-down; the supporting staff will wrap up camp.

Mahseer Fishing is done partly from the raft and from the banks.

Day six (6) A day with Misty Dhillon

Your personal guide for the day, Misty Dhillon will be sharing with you some of the most effective lure & fly fishing for Mahseer techniques.

Feeling inspired ...

Misty will be guiding you on some of his favorite waters, on a stretch of water that consistently produce large Himalayan Mahseer.

Day seven (7) A passion for Golden Mahseer

Today you will be continuing your fishing expedition, floating down to Pancheshwar, the confluence of the Saryu River with the Mahakali. Enjoy angling in this serene stretch of productive Himalayan Mahseer water.

Pay an inspiring visit to the ancient temple of Pancheshwar. This high energy spot makes your wishes come true!

Enjoy a refreshing hot bucket bath in your ideally located & private camp. While the service staff is pampering

Experiencing a world-class international fly fishing destination- Adam Tavender Photo

you with starters our chef prepares a mouth watering, traditional Indian dinner for you.

Day eight (8) Pancheshwar

Spend a historical day trying different fishing spots as you make your way to the confluence.

As your attentive guide has you try some of his favorite techniques in his favorite spots, you will be connecting with the Golden Goddess of the Saryu.

Feel enriched as you fish some of these legendary waters.

Floating into Pancheshwar...

Day nine (9) Pancheshwar

Enjoy another day’s epic Mahseer fishing at Pancheshwar along with your knowledgeable guides.

Take pleasure in wading in the refreshing waters of the Saryu River in the company of fellow anglers. Waders are not needed on the Saryu River!

Soaking in this high-end angling experience; you will realize what makes the Himalayan Mahseer such a special game-fish.

Your guide will explain to you the local customs and traditions; inspiring you with his stories of legend and self-sustenance of cultures that surround this unique fishery.

Angling along the temple trail...

Day ten (10) Pancheshwar to New Delhi

After a mornings fishing session, you will be saying goodbye to your fishing expedition hosts after a sumptuous breakfast, following an (8-hour) drive via Dhanachulli to Kathgodam to board the overnight train along with your guide to New Delhi.

En-route stop over to freshen-up and have dinner before boarding the train.

Day eleven (11) Depart

You are met at the Delhi railway station early this morning and chauffeured to your Bed & Breakfast.

Board flight back home in the course of the day.