Fishing in India with Roxtons

One of the big five on any fisherman's list, the mahseer has earned its reputation among the privileged few who have been able to fish for these hard fighting majestic creatures. Rudyard Kipling described them as "mahseer beside whom the tarpon is a herring and he who catches him can say he is a fisherman".

The eco friendly tented camps are comfortable with very attentive staff and guides that will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

There are two very different circuits available depending on your appetite for adventure, you can either fish in the shadow of the Himalayas in the North West of the country or explore the jungle region of the North East. Both tours offer a magical experience boating down some of the most picturesque rivers in the whole world. Some tours require the use of elephants to get to the fishing grounds.

Mahseer are a very special fish that can be caught with almost any method including fly fishing, spinning and bait fishing. This means that whatever the river conditions there is always a method of fishing that could produce the fish of your dreams.

Mahseer live in the fast white water rapids section of the rivers and in doing so are a very fit and feisty fish. They are ferocious predators and will readily take a spoon or a fly fished down and across in a classic salmon fishing style. Dead drifting nymphs is also an effective way of enticing these wily fish.

Even the smaller fish fight with a dogged intensity, often hauling an angler along the bank as they watch the line explode from the reel with astronomical speed.

The rivers of the Uttaranchal region are much like the large salmon rivers of Scotland with wide gentle glides, slow meandering pools and fast raging rapids, you will never know what is round the next bend.

The rivers in the Assam region of the North East are slightly smaller, but flow through amazing jungle and alongside abandoned Mogul forts. This all adds to the magic of the fishing and really enhabces the feeling of adventure.

The mobilised camps consist of tented accommodation. Each guest has their own private tent which is modern and very comfortable.

The dining area is usually a covered area of beach on the river bank and this is where all of your main meals are served. Lunch and refreshments are usually taken on the river and the guides have a knack of finding the most picturesque spots imaginable.

Meals generally consist of food from the local region cooked in the traditional way. The cooks however are very adept at altering the spice levels to suit your individual tastes.

After a day's fishing or trekking in the hills or jungle you will be met at the camp with cool drinks and freshly prepared snacks, served by the river bank.

Shower and toilet facilities are of the highest standard for a mobile camp.

Rods
A 9ft 8 weight is the ideal rod to fly fish for mahseer. Because you will be mainly fishing in the white water for mahseer a rod with a stiff action is best. It will allow you to cope with the fast current and also the dogged fight of the mahseer.

Lines
Tropical fresh water lines with multi tip options such as the Rio Tropical Multi. The water temperature can be akin to that of the Caribbean therefore a standard line might become 'tacky' and not flow through your rod rings properly.

If you do not have a multi tip line it is worth bringing intermediate and sink tip leaders with you, although most of your fishing will be done on a floating line.

Flies
Because fly fishing for mahseer is still a relatively new discipline much is being learnt every day about the best flies to use and how to present them. Below is a list of flies that we found worked well for mahseer.

• Woolly Bugger
• Viva
• Montana
• Green Stone Fly nymph
• Muddler Minnow
• Yellowstone X (riffle hitched)

This list is here as a guide only and we suggest that you bring your own fly box and experiment during the trip.

Other Items

• Trekking boots
• Slip on sandals for use around camp whilst washing / showering
• Binoculars
• Torch
• Seal tight waterproof bags
• Sun Hat
• Sun Screen
• Wading boots
• Other items of a personnel nature

Alternative activities for the non-fishing guest are as varied as the fishing itself, from trekking in the jungle or the Himalayan foothills to taking part in Hindu temple rituals.

There is also the option to add wildlife tours to the fishing trip as well as seeing historical sights through our sister company Bailey Robinson.

Season
Spring season March until the end of April
Winter season September until the end of December

Time Difference from GMT
+ 5 hours

Electricity
In Delhi and major towns the supply is 110v two pinned plugs. So travellers from the UK will require adaptors.

Currency
The Rupee is the official currency. The Rupee is a closed currency so therefore cannot be taken into or out of India.

Tips
Tipping in India is always greatly appreciated. However in most hotels and restaurants a large service charge is applied. Tipping whilst at the camps is discretionary but we recommend the following:

Guides / Boat men R3000 per rod
Driver R2000 per rod
Other Camp Staff R1500 per rod

Visa Requirements
A visa is required by UK passport holders as well as having six months validity left on your current passport

Medical Requirements
Depending on the region you visit the requirements will vary. Please consult your doctor before arranging your trip

Insects
In the North West region there are no real problems with insects. On some of the Jungle tours there might be some biting insects so we advise that you take good repellent with you.