Fishing & Angling in Corbett

Sustainable angling, as opposed to intensive fishing, benefits conservation of prized fishes like mahseer. Angling is allowed in certain areas in the buffer region of Corbett after taking permits from the Forest Department.

One of the fascinating narration's of Jim Corbett in his book "Man Eaters of Kumaon" is about his fishing holidays for Mahseer (barbus tour), in a river that flowed through a beautiful wooded valley. When Corbett was fishing, the air was filled with the fragrance of flora and songs of a multitude of birds. Corbett opined that angling in such an atmosphere is a sport fit for kings. After catching a 50 lb. mahseer, he concluded that the sublime surroundings in which he had caught the fish will not be forgotten, and will draw him back to this valley, which to date still unspoiled by the hand of man. His descriptions fit well with the Ramganga valley.

The Mahseer is a fresh water scaly fish, which can attain a huge size, and shows more sport for its size than a Salmon and therefore is considered the best sport fish in the world. Mahseer quite avidly takes to bait such as spoon, plug, fly and live fish, are omnivorous in feeding habits - eating snails, crabs and weeds like algae, etc. Etymology of Mahseer suggests the word could mean a fish with "lion's gameness" and "fish par excellence".

Experts have identified about six species in India, but no detailed information on the present status and distribution of these species is available. Though fisherman consider consider the Golden or Himalayan Mahseer (tor putitora) as the main species available on the Ramganga / Kosi rivers, besides the Silver and Black Mahseer. Goonch (bagaraus bagarius), a fresh water scavenger is also another species that thrives in these rivers.

The challenge and thrill of an encounter with the Mahseer attracts anglers from all over the world. It offers a holiday with a fish, which not only rules the Indian waters like the tiger does the jungle, but also fights the way, no one can.

Best Time :- October /November & April - June is the best season to venture out for fishing in the Himalayan region. However, there is ample scope for angling that can be enjoyed even throughout the year in India.

The Process :- The time to angle the big Mahseer is when they return after breeding to chase the shoals of minnows. Angling the Mahseer is a virtual battle of strength, tact and speed. On overcast days the fish tend not to bite in the regular places, therefore try out new places. Use 'hing' in your bait made of paste. Let the bait lie in a deep pool next to a big rapid and remember, patience is the virtue of the angler when fishing with ground bait. With fly you can land upto 50 pounds fly fish in the calmer areas around the rapids.