Fishing in India

India offers some of the world's most adventurous freshwater fishing, with the mighty Golden Mahseer providing one of the great challenges in the sport. Found in the rivers of the Himalayan foothills, these magnificent fish are renowned for their strength, powerful runs and ability to make full use of the fast-flowing water in which they live.

Go Fishing Worldwide has worked for many years with Himalayan Outback, an experienced local outfitter specialising in fishing expeditions in northern India. Together, we can arrange a variety of programmes, from established riverside fishing camps to more adventurous expeditions into remote Himalayan country.

Golden Mahseer Fishing – Saryu River

Our principal fishing programme is based at Pancheshwar, in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, close to the Nepalese border. Here, the Saryu River meets the mighty Mahakali, creating one of northern India's best-known fisheries for Golden Mahseer.

The rivers offer wonderfully varied fishing, with deep pools, powerful runs, rocky stretches and quieter margins. Mahseer are formidable opponents, capable of long runs and extraordinary displays of strength, particularly when using the current to their advantage.

Fishing is undertaken with experienced local guides, using fly and lure techniques according to conditions. It can be demanding, and success is never guaranteed, but the opportunity to encounter a truly substantial mahseer in such spectacular surroundings is a compelling prospect.

Saryu and Mahakali River Expeditions

For anglers seeking a more adventurous experience, we can arrange extended expeditions exploring the Saryu and Mahakali river systems.

These trips combine fishing from established camps with journeys by raft into more remote stretches of river, allowing anglers to explore waters that receive relatively little fishing pressure. The changing scenery, secluded pools and sense of exploration make this a particularly memorable way to experience the Himalayas.

The emphasis is on the fishing, but the journey itself is very much part of the adventure.

Goonch Catfish

Alongside the Golden Mahseer, the rivers of northern India are home to the extraordinary Goonch, a powerful predatory catfish capable of growing to enormous proportions.

A very different proposition from mahseer fishing, targeting Goonch requires specialist tackle, local knowledge and considerable patience. For adventurous anglers interested in pursuing unusual freshwater species, it offers another fascinating challenge.

We can arrange dedicated Goonch fishing expeditions with experienced local guides.

Fishing Camps and Hospitality

Accommodation is generally provided in comfortable riverside camps, allowing anglers to stay close to the fishing while enjoying the remarkable Himalayan surroundings.

Despite the remoteness of the locations, considerable care is taken over the hospitality. Camps are staffed by experienced local teams, with good food, comfortable facilities and knowledgeable guides who understand the rivers and their fish.

The emphasis is on providing an enjoyable and well-organised wilderness experience rather than conventional luxury accommodation.

More Than Just Fishing

One of the great attractions of fishing in India is the opportunity to experience a fascinating part of the world.

The Himalayan foothills offer spectacular scenery, abundant birdlife, traditional villages and a rich cultural heritage. Journeys to the fishing camps pass through forested hills and remote rural communities, providing a memorable introduction to a region that relatively few international anglers visit.

For those wishing to extend their holiday, fishing can be combined with wildlife experiences, trekking or visits to some of India's historic and cultural attractions.

The Fishing Season

The principal Golden Mahseer fishing periods are in spring and autumn, before and after the summer monsoon. April and May are particularly popular, with further opportunities during October and November.

Water levels and seasonal conditions play an important part in the fishing, and the most suitable dates will depend on the particular river and programme.

Planning Your Trip

Our Indian fishing holidays are arranged on a tailor-made basis, with programmes suited to individuals and small groups.

A typical itinerary begins in Delhi before travelling north into the Himalayan foothills, where several days are spent fishing with experienced local guides. Longer expeditions can incorporate multiple fishing locations and remote river camps.

With our longstanding local relationships, we can arrange the complete itinerary, including accommodation, internal travel, transfers, fishing guides and camp arrangements.

Whether your ambition is to catch a Golden Mahseer, explore remote Himalayan rivers or pursue the extraordinary Goonch catfish, India offers a fishing adventure quite unlike anywhere else.

Please contact us to discuss your preferred dates and interests, and we would be delighted to put together a suitable itinerary.