Locations - Ramganga

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Think of two worlds- a preserved jungle river where an alarm call means tiger and a screaming reel an enraged mahseer. The other, a part where mahseer perilously coexist with humans. The challenge of catching a mahseer is equal. For the non-angler, the Corbett Tiger Reserve offers ample opportunities for watching tigers and other wildlife
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The Western Ramganga, half a day or an overnight from Delhi, is a springfed river offering some very technical and challenging fishing. The crystal clear waters help the fish as much as gratifying the angler by the sight of fish but our guides will make sure yu have no blank days. The added charm of fishing downriver into the Park is a must for the more adventurous among us. Mahseer of upto 60lbs have been caught recently from the four buffer-zone beats. Lots of mahseer, bigger ones in bigger pools and also some huge goonch catfish for those who like to see big numbers on the scales.
The Ramganga is one of the most beautiful springfed mahseer river and deserves to be fished over a long period of time. Standard issue Ramganga mahseer are 4-20lbs. It is possible to chance upon a 50+ lb fish and spend the rest of your days trying to catch it.

Flyfishers will find the Ramganga to be a delight, especially if one gets into a 10+lb fish.

Weather/climate
Summer mornings in Corbett area are 17-22 Celsius, day temperature reaches 40+. Winter mornings are around 2-10 Celsius, day temperature around 25.

Clothing
For summers, t-shirts are good enough and combi-pants useful. Woollens are necessary in the winters but not thermal underwear. Wading shoes necessary for winter/spring fishing, not necessary after the rains.

Tackle
Rod: Medium pike spinning rod or lightweight carp rods do well here. A general purpose Ramganga rod would be around 6-9' long, casting weight 1/2 to 1.5ozs, line rating upto 15lbs. A lighter rod does good duty for the baitfish to be caught.

Reel: Big reel- fixed spool, 5000 or 6000 size, to carry 250mts of 15lb line. Multipliers to carry same line. Small reel- fixed spool, to carry 200mts of 8lb line.

Line: Always monofilament. Berkeley Trilene Big Game is a tried and tested make. Wire leaders are essential when after goonch, heavy mono leaders for mahseer.

Bait: Livebait is supplied. Best game happens on plugs and spoons, the more natural ones are best. Plugs in firetiger, rainbow trout, brown trout, baby bass and black/silver patterns are good, all in 2-4" size. Bring floating divers for fishing rapids, deep divers for pools.
Spoons: Abu Toby and similar are old killers in full chrome, hammered brass and hammered copper colours. Other good makes are Luhr Jensen Krocodile, Gibbs Koho, Raider, Sniper and Abu Pike, weights from 1/2 oz-2ozs.

Flyfishing
Rod: A robust rod to withstand hits from a miscast flyspoon will do good duty as a flyfishing weapon, especially if built in fiberglass or e-glass. Since flyspoons are a reasonably good and prescribed way for fishing for mahseer, at least one rod for flyspoons, 9 weight line, 200mts of 15lb mono backing.
Reel: to carry 200yds of 15 lb mono backing under 9 weight floating line for rapids, sinking line for pools. A spare spool is a good idea.
Flies: Goldbead nymphs in assorted colors, muddler minnows and similar baitfish patterns are good. All big salmon flies work. Tube flies and brassbottles are good. We've had good success using the Temple Dog variations but the best flies are tied by us. These are the Raj-era Alexandra and Coachman triple hook flies. When fur and feathers fail, just ask your gillies to rig up some flyspoons. If the Victorians considered it fair game for mahseer, so do we.

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