I would like to thank Wild World India for the great support, perfect organization and best guides during our tiger-shooting safari in India. Daisy Gilardini, Switzerland
Region: 40 km upstream of Vanghat in Kumaon region Duration: 06 Nights/07 Days Route: Marchula – Jainal - Delhi Season: All year round
Highlights: Goonch fishing with live & dead bait, average size of 20 lbs and larger specimens well over 100 lbs, riverside temples, stay in ashrams and camps on the river
Goonch, a giant catfish that grows well over 100 pounds, is the biggest fish on the Ramganga. This species is widespread throughout Asia, but the largest specimens are usually reported from India. Though very little is known about the elusive giant, our years of experience on the river, expert gillies and local expertise have led to several successful Goonch expeditions. The Jainal area, 40 km upstream from the Corbett tiger reserve in the upper section of the Ramganga, is one of the best stretches for the Goonch.
This giant catfish can grow to a length of over six feet and can run to 250 lb, though the biggest that has been caught on rod & line in recent time was one hundred and sixty-four pounds (Awala Row near Marchula) caught by an American angler in January 2001. The relatively unexplored Jainal area is known for really big catches as well.
Jainal has several Hindu shrines, some dating back to over 1000 years. Temples forbid killing of the wild ones, perhaps that’s the reason why such large specimens of Mahseer and Goonch can be found in spite of villages in the vicinity. A few kilometres downstream is the scenic confluence of the Gagas with the Ramganga. There’s good fishing near Kedar and Jainal and we stay in clean temple rest houses located on the river.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Palari Row
Arrive at Jainal Ashram. A peep down from the vantage point into the clear waters of the Ramganga reveal unusually large sized Mahseer and the dark shadow of the Goonch on the river floor. Unpack on arrival and after a snack we fish in Palari Row dominated by a massive rock in the middle of the river. Overnight at Jainal Ashram
Day 2 - Bhumia & Bhainsy Row
Early tea and head straight for the river. This session we’ll fish the massive Bhumia Row over the river curve; there is a large rock face along the river and a goat trail that runs along. Massive Mahseer and Goonch have been caught in this pool. For the evening session we cross the river and fish the deep Bhainsy Row downstream a rapid. Overnight at Jainal Ashram
Day 3 - Triveni & Amuyia Row
We take a short drive for Triveni Row. Before fishing we’ll take a look on the pool below Kedar suspension bridge to get an idea of the richness of the pool. If you wish hot meals can be served at the spot. Later in the day we’ll head a little downstream and fish the azure pool of Amuyia Row. Local fishermen once caught a monster Goonch with nothing more than a hook and a line. Overnight at Jainal Ashram
Day 4 - Aitrow & Gothiya Row
Today we’ll fish at Aitrow Row across an old mango orchard, a deep rocky pool and home to several Mahseer and Goonch. In the evening session we’ll fish about a kilometre downstream in the deep pool known as Gothiya Row. Overnight at Jainal Ashram
Day 5 - Amroli & Shisha Row
Early start and we drive for another deep pool called Amroli Row near Naula Village about 4 km downstream. For the evening session we may decide to drive for a little over a kilometre on the Dhighat road and fish at the rocky pool of Shisha Row. Overnight at Jainal Ashram
Day 6 - Onward destination
The few hours that we have today we’ll fish in the deep pools near our temple home. After a hearty meal and something for the way we’ll head for onward destination.
