Adventure-seekers and fishing enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a unique fishing experience that combines nature’s beauty, adrenaline-pumping moments, and a touch of culture, look no further. 

The India Himalayan Mahseer Adventure is a wonderful combination of breathtaking beauty and sheer raw power – it is renowned for the fight that it puts up, which it enhances using the fast-flowing waters of the Himalayan rivers to its advantage – it is an adventure of a lifetime & definitely not for the faint hearted.

A number of books have been written about the Mahseer by anglers during the British Raj. This includes by the legendary angler/ hunter/ conservationist, Jim Corbett. The renowned author Runyard Kipling described the Mahseer as “the Angler’s Right of Passage” – in his immortal words “beside whom the Tarpon is a Herring and he who catches him can say
he is a fisherman”.

Pancheshwar

At the border of India and Nepal, in the Indian state of Uttrakhand, lies the sleepy village of Pancheshwar. The Golden Mahseer has put Pancheshwar on the world map for anglers from all over the globe who are keen to test their wits against the hard fighting Mahseer. Pancheshwar, considered the Mecca for Mahseer fishing in North India, is where the Saryu River meets the Mahakali River and this confluence has invariably rewarded anglers with trophy catches.

Photographers delight

Pancheshwar is definitely the best spot for Mahseer fishing in
India. However, there is a lot more that this quaint village has to
offer. Located on the border with Nepal, this remote village is a
well known destination for those with an interest in bird watching.

A walk to the nearby villages offers the traveller a glimpse into the
simple and unspoilt life of this area. Almost forgotten by the rest of the world. An ancient temple, located at the confluence of the mighty Mahakali River and the Saryu River, is a delight for photographers. The resident birding expert will be happy to accompany any interested guest on a walk to spot various birds.

Saryu River

The Saryu is one of 200 rivers in the country. This is whe India has been known as “the land of rivers”. The river is of cultural and spiritual significance many ancient texts refer to its importance. The Himilayan Mansarovar lake is its source, then flowing through Kapkot, Bageshwar and Seraghat cities. Below which the confluence of the Saryu and Mahakali River, at Pancheshwar. Temperate and sub tropical forests suround its banks.

Mahakali River

The Mahakali river originates in northern Uttarakhand, in the Great Himalayas on the eastern slopes of Nanda Devi massif, at an elevation of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) in the Pithoragarh district. It then flows between the Nepal and India border. Descending, it enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain at Brahmadev Mandi in Nepal, where it expands above the Sharda Barrage. From that point onward, it is known as the Sharda River. The river proceeds southeastward into India through northern Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Ghaghara River southwest of Bahraich, covering a distance of approximately 300 miles (480 km). The best spot to fish at is Pancheshwar, where the Mahakali river meets the Saryu river. The water is abundant and full of many kinds of fish, not least the Mahseer.  The confluence is 1 and a half miles down river from the camp.

Fishing, equipment and guides

Indian Himalayan Mahseer Adventure – The Mecca of Mahseer fishing tour in Uttarakhand, North India.

The Golden Mahseer puts up a fight. In a blistering run it can snap a line or strip hundreds of meters in a matter of seconds. An obligatory photography of the trophy catch before release. Besides the Golden, Pancheshwar may also yield Copper Mahseer, or the rare Red fin Mahseer.

Our team of fishing guides are well acquainted with the habits of the Mahseer. They know the river like the back of their hands. From selecting the appropriate fishing gear; taking you to the perfect spot; and, then the ultimate prize – our fishing guides are there to actually “guide” you! Maximum guests 6 anglers.

Stout tackle was the order of the day and often did
not measure up to the power and brute force exerted by the
Mahseer.

We have been conducting fishing trips for the Mahseer and Goonch (catfish) since 2004. This has enabled us to ensure that our guests go back satisfied. Repeat guests are a testimony to the quality of our trips.

Goonch Catfish

The Goonch, also known as the “giant devil catfish”, is one of the largest species of catfish in the world. It is slightly larger than the red-tail catfish. The world record specimen was 6.6 feet long, and weighed 230 lbs. It has long, sharp teeth which it uses to inflict damage on its prey. The Goonch is one of the rarest fish to catch.

Attacks on humans have been attributed to the Goonch Catfish. This bottom feeder will devour anything that comes in its path. Bait fishing is the preferred techinique. A 75+ lb Goonch definitely comes with lifelong bragging rights! “Catch and Release” policy applies.

References

Wikipedia – Mahakali River article – Sharda River – Wikipedia

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