Region: Ramganga Valley, Corbett
Duration: 08 Days/07 Nights
Season: 15 September to 15 June
Route: Delhi - Corbett - Delhi

Highlights: Spinning and fly-fishing for Golden Mahseer (catches up to 60 lbs), Indian Trout, Kalabasu, riverside wilderness lodge, exclusive beats

Angling in the Ramganga Valley is replete with scenes of fish eagles hovering in the air, alarm calls echoing in the valley and the occasional tiger pugmark on the riverbed. After all, this is the land that inspired Jim Corbett to pen his classic tale ‘Fish of my Dreams’. The exclusive fishing beat starts below the Baluli village, characterized by pools after pools of glorious water. Regular sport-fishermen on the Ramganga vouch for the fact that is one of the best fishing beat in India amidst untouched wilderness. The beat runs rich with the spectacular Golden Mahseer and catches of up to 68 pounds have been recorded in the recent past. A cult fish for anglers the thrill of landing the Mahseer in wild terrain is indescribable as it is a legendary fighter, a trait that has earned it the nickname ‘Tiger of the Water’. Other common fishes caught here are Kalabasu, Goonch, and the Indian Trout.

Being far away from the road head, the fishing beats lies in total seclusion in an area rich with wildlife. The approach, exclusivity and wilderness only add to the spectacular angling prospects.

Angling is mainly double bank with bank fishing in the immediate location of the lodge as well as at other allocated beats and pools further downstream and up the river. We encourage not more than 4 anglers on our stretch, but in case of a larger group or more time at hand, you can base yourself at the lodge and fish other beats on the Ramganga. The undercurrent is mild hence wading across the gravel and sand bottom is easy but rocks, especially in winter months are slippery. With the crack of dawn till dusk you are may choose to stay on the river and fish for as long as you feel while hot meals and cool refreshments would be served to you directly from the lodge’s kitchen. You can camp under the shade of a sacred Ficus or at scenic locales on the river close to your fishing spot. Advantages of being located on the river are evident as prime fishing time is not wasted travelling.

The 24 km of exclusive fishing beat that flows in the jurisdiction of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is recommended to fish for over a week to 10 days. The fishing season opens on the 15th of September and extends till June 15. The best time to fish is from mid September till mid November, at the onset of winters and again after the cold season, from February all the way till the monsoons arrive in June. In the cold season from Mid November till about end of January bites are far less. The Indian summers are suited to only the hardy angler, who is rewarded by frequent catches.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Delhi to Marchula
Depart Delhi by surface for Corbett. Arrive at Ramganga River and meet your Gillie. Unpack rods and other gear. After unpacking your gear discuss the next few days of fishing with your Gillie over drinks and barbeque by the fire. Overnight at the Lodge

Day 2 - Bargad Beat
Today we fish around Rani & Amdai row the upstream section of our beat and time permitting Panbhara Row. By evening return to Lodge. In the evening while sipping a drink and savouring hot snacks and B-b-q discuss your next day’s strategy. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3 - Bargad Beat
After an early cup of tea we head downstream and ford across the Ramganga twice casting as we go. Today we’ll be fishing in the Charidhunga Raw an A1 pool where numerous big catches close to 70 lb have been reported. Breakfast and refreshments can be served here if you wish. In the later half of the day fish Gauchi Raw. Just along the bend is a dense patch of Jamun where Tiger pugmarks are often found. Evening by the fire followed by drinks and dinner. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 4 - Marchula Beat
Today we fish the upstream beat at Marchula once the most popular fishing spot. This massive pool is home to massive Mahseer and Goonch two years back one of our guests had hooked a shocked Terrapin. Meals and a camping mattress will be provided. Later in the day we’ll fish the pool below Baluli another promising pool. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5 - Domunda Beat
About 8 km downstream of Vanghat on the confluence of Ramganga and Mandal deep in the Corbett Tiger Reserve has always been a favourite with fishermen. Besides Mahseer, Indian Trout has been caught here. A wooden bridge is erected on the confluence after the Monsoons usually by Christmas. If so we’ll stay in the Lohachaur Forest Bungalow located deep in the woods above the Mandal. After a wholesome vegetarian meal we’ll retire for the night at Lohachaur Bungalow.

Day 6 - Domunda Beat
Full day fishing at Domunda. Large Mahseer are seen dashing upstream under the wooden bridge. Otters and Lesser fish eagle are regularly sighted here. During one of our earlier fishing trips after finding fresh drag marks and following the trail, we stumbled upon a freshly killed Sambhar Deer and a Tigers roar. Bonus of fishing in tiger country! Overnight at Lohachaur

Day 7 - Bargad Beat
Best for the last! Start early with packed meals and head to Jamun, 3 km downstream of Bargad and heading upstream fishing as we go. A kilometre ahead we’ll fish at Govind Row (our Paradise pool). Large Mahseer and the elusive Goonch abound in this great pool. We can have a little siesta in the sandy beach and head upstream. Last evening is celebration time with bonfire, B-B-Q and snacks of choice. Retire to a night resounding with alarm calls of deer.

Day 8 - Marchula to Delhi
Fishing at pools or the numerous rapids that we may have missed all these days. After bidding goodbye to Gillies and lodge staff, depart for onward journey with packed meal and juice.

If you have more days we can take you further upstream for a more extensive fishing experience in absolute wilderness. Two extensions of 5 days each are possible on the Ramganga at Jainal and above Nagtaley. The first extension suits everyone and the other is recommended to the serious outdoors persons only. Fishing in this area is possible throughout the year.