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 of Uttaranchal Duration: 06 Nights/07 Days Route: Marchula – Nagtaley - Delhi Season: All year round
Highlights: Fishing in absolute seclusion, massive catches of Mahseer & Goonch, unexplored habitat of Upper Ramganga, views of Himalayan peaks, no seasonal restrictions or wildlife zone curbs like night fishing, added attraction of rafting in monsoon months
The area above Nagtaley till about 40 km is a remote stretch few anglers have explored. This entire stretch has no road access, which is perhaps the reason for its raw untamed beauty. Most of the beats are accessible only by walk but if you are not up to it, horses can move you around. Scattered villages, terraced fields, ancient riverside temples, the occasional wildlife and large elusive fish are what characterize this angling tour.
The nearest road head is about 8 km away at Harda that also has panoramic views of the Icy Himalayas. We stay in camping tents on the river and have ponies to ferry our belongings. Rafting is another excellent way to fish this stretch of the Ramganga. However it is possible only in the monsoon months from July till October when the water level is high.
Since this area doesn’t come in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, there are fewer restrictions. Another advantage is that fishing at Nagtaley and around is possible all year round, though at any point of time you are likely to be the only fishing party with pool after pool waiting to be fished.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Anari Upstream
Drive from Marchula to Harda and load stuff on awaiting ponies as we begin our steep walk downhill to Anari a journey of about 2 hours. Our campsite here is across an ashram by the river. We’ll be fishing in the pools and rapids upstream of Anari today.
Day 2 - Anari Downstream
Today we’ll be fishing downstream on the Ramganga. From vantage points you can literally see massive Mahseer in the several deep pools of this beat. Due to its remoteness this area is visited by anglers for only a couple of times in a year. Mahseer weighing till 90 lb have been caught in this beat.
Day 3 - Deona Pul
We’ll be camping near the suspension bridge of Deona near a pool called Patharia Row. Fishing today will be in the several pools and rapids of the area.
Day 4 - Deona Pul
Fishing today will be downstream of Deona. Another promising day for both Mahseer and Goonch.
Day 5 - Uniyal Gaon
Upstream of Uniyal Gaon there are small pools with rapids. However below our camp site there are several deep pools with good fishing in the Bhadai area.
Day 6 - Onward destination After morning session of fishing we depart for road head an uphill walk of about 6 km to onward destination.
