How does sport fishing fit into India's travel and tourism heritage?

Freshwater game fishing in India gained its importance after the English who ruled India discovered that the "mahseer" was one of the most challenging fresh water fish most anglers had caught. The game fishing in the sub-mountainous rivers of the Himalayas was a step above and beyond of their favourite Atlantic Salmon in terms of sporting magnificence and size.

Over time the mahseer won the hearts of generations of expatriate anglers, Indian royalty and others. Over the decades the mahseer reached out to the hearts of many Indians too, a majority of them from the Indian armed forces and other well-to-do people.

Game fishing for the mahseer takes one off the beaten track, as some of the finest fishing remains to be had in the remotest locations reached only by float trips.  Thus, one gets to experience the riches of what still remains to be the "real India," in terms of cultural heritage, the warmth and attitude of the locals and the landscape. This tourism hence influences the economy of the real Indian Himalayan Outback, and that too on a highly sustainable account where in we take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Who is a typical client looking to catch mahseer?

The typical person looking for mahseer fishing in the Himalayas would like an adventurous fishing holiday pursuing a challenging fish like the mahseer. There are more males into game fishing than females. Usually two to three anglers in a group. Mostly a group of friends who go out fishing together.

One of the attractions of the Himalayas is the remoteness of the region.  What trends do you see in terms of the region's popularity?

The untouched culture and the non-commercial and the beaten track concept of being some of the first to experience some of the final fishing frontiers in the world with beautiful Himalayan rivers and rich culture.

If you could plan an ideal week-long vacation in the Himalayas, what would you do?

The Yammuna is another one of the more productive mahseer rivers. It originates and flows through the north Indian state of Uttarkhand (formerly known as Uttaranchal); along the way it is joined by various tributaries, some of which hold great promise for the Himalayan mahseer. Most spring fed tributaries of the Yammuna are not very large and run clear for most of the year. Besides the Himalayan mahseer, the river also sustains a population of Indian trout which is a species that takes flies very well.

This river is very scenic and because of its accessibility it is a very popular venue for the anglers who'd like a quick experience with the mahseer. There are several non-angling activities available if someone in your group is not a keen angler.

Anglers are driven to the starting point of a short trek which leads to these remote pools. The beautiful trek which goes along the river takes an hour and a half roughly and passed though a remote village finally leading to the camp. Time has stood still in the remote region, and the people here are very friendly.

The gear and the baggage is carried by the porters, while the anglers are given hiking sticks and carry only their cameras and water bottles.  Camp is very comfortable, with large 12' by 12' Safari style tents, and are outfitted with comfortable cots, fresh linen, a table and chairs.  Meals are had in a common dining area overlooking the river.

This remote section of river is divided by us in three beats and we have exclusive access to fish this area on a catch-and-release basis, that ensures good results on spinning and fly-fishing.

We highly recommend this river for anglers who do not have much time available and would like a good introduction to game fishing for mahseer.

Suggested Program:

Day One (01):

Arrive at starting point by 1100hrs, and begin trekking.

One needs to trek to get to the remote location, hence on arrival your luggage will be carried by our porters.  All you will need to carry is your water bottles and cameras.

A beautiful trek along the river leads you to some of the very remote sections of the river. Several pools are located here, which are seldom fished. You will be at the camp by teatime and can start fishing almost as soon as you get there.

In the evening the boys at camp organise a barbecue around the bonfire, followed by dinner.

Day Two (02):

Fish the pools through the day - there is a series of them all along, this is a stunning bit of river!

Bonfire followed by dinner in the evening. You can even fish at night if you wish.

Day Three (03):

Fish different pools through the day, moving up and down the river. Enjoy the area when not fishing.

Bonfire followed by dinner, in the evening. You can even fish after dark if you wish.

Day Four (04):

Fish different pools through the day, moving up and down the river. Enjoy the area when not fishing, swim in this pristine river and observe the monstrous fish as they swim up and down the river.

Day Five (05):

Hike up river to fish some more remote pools.

Day Six (6):

As you enjoy the last days fishing, the cooks prepare a special meal and barbecue for the evening followed by a cultural program by the village folks.

Day Seven (07):

Begin the trek rather early in the morning to back from where you started it. Drive back.