| The north of India has the largest rivers, the ones | | | | interested in the Mahseer and Goonch (a type of |
| that flow out from the mighty Himalaya, and | | | | catfish ... more about them later.) |
| these usually get most of the attention from | | | | The Kosi River forms a section of the Eastern |
| anglers. I will therefore buck the trend and start | | | | border of the park. It holds its fair share of |
| down south. | | | | decent size Mahseer and is well worth checking |
| Down South: The Kauveri River | | | | out if in the vicinity. |
| At quick glance at an Atlas is unlikely to give you | | | | The park can be reached quite easily by private |
| much indication of the great fishing prospects to | | | | car and has lots of comfortable accommodation. |
| be had in southern India. It seems like there are a | | | | Fishing trips are best arranged through an agency |
| few artificial lakes, a few rolling hills and lots of | | | | as it is necessary to have the correct permits. |
| cities. Not the usual territory for big and exciting | | | | To the North-east: The Brahmaputra River |
| fish. The Deccan Plateau however, holds a | | | | The mighty Brahmaputra should need little |
| world-class surprise in the Kauveri River | | | | introduction. As one of the world's largest rivers, |
| (Previously more familiar as the Cauvery River). | | | | its name and general location should be familiar to |
| Stretching across the State of Karnataka and | | | | most. |
| finally exiting to the sea on the Coromandal Coast | | | | The Brahmaputra can be fished along much of its |
| the Kauveri River is home to the Humpback | | | | length in India. Mahseer are available in the upper |
| Mahseer (Tor Mussulah). These can reach 150 | | | | reaches and fast-flowing tributaries. Giant catfish |
| centimeters in length and an amazing 90 | | | | are known to exist but these are only likely to be |
| kilograms. They are renowned for the fighting | | | | taken by those with an abundance of patience |
| power and even smaller specimens can bust | | | | and skill. |
| tackle designed for deep-sea anglers. Another | | | | Choosing a section to fish along such a long river |
| species, the Deccan Mahseer (Tor Khudree), is | | | | is difficult. The section between Gauhati |
| much smaller but a full-grown adult of 50 | | | | (alternatively Guwahati) and Jorhat is relatively |
| centimeters and perhaps 3 kilograms can still put | | | | convenient and produces reliable catches. Further |
| up a good fight. | | | | north, the section beyond Pasighat is more |
| Several sections of the river are noted for their | | | | remote and would suit the truly adventurous |
| beats but the section South-west of Bangaluru | | | | angler looking for excitement and a challenge. |
| (previously Bangalore) and East of Mysuru | | | | To the North-west: The Beas River |
| (previously Mysore) would be as good as any to | | | | The Kullu Valley is a major tourist destination in |
| try for a first visit. Fishing is best in the mornings | | | | Himachal Pradesh. The Beas River and its |
| and evenings, either from the shore or from a | | | | tributaries (particularly the Tirthan River and the |
| local coracle. There are established fishing camps | | | | Baspa River in the Sangla Valley) contain a variety |
| and fishing guides to make a fishing holiday that | | | | of trout (more properly, snow trout) that give |
| more convenient. | | | | the game angler an opportunity to practice their |
| Up North: The Ramganga and Kosi Rivers | | | | sport in gorgeous mountain terrain. |
| Corbett National Park is situated to the North and | | | | Kullu has an airport which saves a long and |
| East of New Delhi. This wilderness is more famous | | | | sometimes frightening road experience. Travel |
| for its wildlife, especially its tigers, but deserves to | | | | around is best arranged in private vehicles for |
| be noted for one of Jim Corbett's other passions, | | | | convenience. There are good guesthouse options |
| fishing. | | | | in the area, some specifically catering for anglers. |
| The Ramganga River is the largest permanent | | | | You may need to book well in advance for the |
| water source in the Jim Corbett National Park and | | | | more popular ones. |
| hosts a wide range of wildlife. Anglers will be most | | | | |