North India has the largest rivers, those that flow from the mighty Himalayas, and these usually attract the most attention from fishermen. Therefore, I will buck the trend and start south.
To the south: the Kauveri River
A quick glance at an atlas is unlikely to give you much of an indication of the great fishing prospects for South India. It seems that there are some artificial lakes, some hills and many cities. Not the usual territory for big, exciting fish. However, the Deccan Plateau holds a world-class surprise in the Kauveri River (previously more familiar as the Cauvery River).
Stretching through the state of Karnataka and finally exiting the sea on the Coromandal coast, the Kauveri River is home to the hunchbacked Mahseer (Tor Mussulah). These can reach 150 centimeters in length and a surprising 90 kilograms. They are renowned for their fighting power and even the smallest specimens can bust rigs designed for deep-sea anglers. Another species, the Deccan Mahseer (Tor Khudree), is much smaller but a full grown adult of 50 centimeters and perhaps 3 kilograms can still put up a good fight.
Several sections of the river stand out for their pulsing, but the southwestern Bangaluru (formerly Bangalore) and eastern Mysuru (formerly Mysore) sections would be as good as any to attempt a first visit. Fishing is best in the morning and at night, either from the shore or from a local coracle. There are established fishing camps and fishing guides to make a fishing vacation more convenient.
To the north: the Ramganga and Kosi rivers
Corbett National Park is located to the north and east of New Delhi. This wilderness is most famous for its wildlife, especially its tigers, but it deserves to be highlighted for another of Jim Corbett’s passions: fishing.
The Ramganga River is the largest permanent water source in the Jim Corbett National Park and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Anglers will be more interested in Mahseer and Goonch (a type of catfish…more on them later).
The Kosi River forms a section of the eastern edge of the park. It has a fair amount of decent sized Mahseer and is worth checking out if you’re around.
The park can be reached quite easily by private car and has many comfortable accommodations. Fishing trips are best arranged through an agency, as it is necessary to have the correct permits.
To the northeast: the Brahmaputra river
The mighty Brahmaputra should need little introduction. As one of the largest rivers in the world, its name and general location should be familiar to most.
The Brahmaputra can be fished for much of its length in India. Mahseer are available in the upper reaches and fast-flowing tributaries. Giant catfish have been known to exist, but are likely to be taken only by those with a great deal of patience and skill.
Choosing a section to fish in such a long river is difficult. The section between Gauhati (alternatively Guwahati) and Jorhat is relatively convenient and produces reliable catches. Further north, the section beyond Pasighat is more remote and would suit the truly adventurous angler looking for a thrill and a challenge.
To the Northwest: The Beas River
Kullu Valley is a major tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The River Beas and its tributaries (particularly the River Tirthan and the River Baspa in the Sangla Valley) contain a variety of trout (more properly, snow trout) which provide the angler with the opportunity to practice their sport in beautiful mountainous terrain.
Kullu has an airport which saves a long and sometimes scary road experience. Trips are best arranged in private vehicles for convenience. There are good guest house options in the area, some specifically for fishermen. You may need to book well in advance for the most popular ones.
One More, For Catfish Fans: The Kali River
The Kali River has become infamous as the home to giant species of catfish that supposedly eat human flesh. These Goonch grow large enough to believe they can occasionally take a piece of corpse thrown into this sacred river after a traditional cremation, but I’m still not convinced they’re big enough or even inclined to take a live human bait as it says. the history. that. Whatever the truth of that matter, the Kali River is an exciting place for the catfish angler after an exotic fishing vacation abroad.
