Golden Mahseer At Corbett-Ramganga

The State Government of Uttaranchal has taken the unprecedented step of issuing management rights to fishing associations to patrol and manage beats on the Ramganga. With the help of local angling associations, a stretch of almost 24 km of the Ramganga upstream of the park is maintained exclusively for sportfishing. The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in both the size and quantity of fish and riverine eco-system. There is all year round access to 4 km of the beat from at least one side of the bank, but the lower half of the beat is accessible from February onwards from the lodge by foot, until the start of the Monsoon (June). Elephant safaris are available for the length of the beat. In addition, the lower half of the beat can be accessed via a road connection and a short walk, but this is a somewhat roundabout journey, taking approximately 2.5 hours.

Golden Mahseer (Barbus Tor Putitora)– Apex species and similar to the Humpback found on the Cauvery River. The largest fish caught within the beat has been approximately eighty pounds.

Trout – Not found in the immediate proximity of the lodge itself, due to the presence of the Mahseer, but reasonably prevalent further downstream.

Goonch – Large bottom feeder, growing up to 200lbs.

Golden Mahseer At Corbett-Ramganga - The nearest railhead is situated at a town called Ramnagar, situated in the Kosi River Valley and the river forms the boundary for the Corbett National Park. This is also the nearest town for supplies. Ramnagar can be reached by overnight train from Delhi, via Old Delhi Station. The journey takes approximately 6½ hours, leaving Delhi at 10.30pm and arriving at Ramnagar Station at 4.45am. The journey from Ramnagar town to Chimtakhal Gate (year round access to Vanghat) is approximately 1¼ hours by jeep.

Arrangements can be made to pick up our guests directly at the Delhi International Airport, (or their Delhi Hotel) and escort them via train or by car, which would take approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on conditions. Guests are, of course, free to make their own way to Ramnagar at their own choice, and can be met at a variety of locations in the area.

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 four 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. The whole stretch offers a wide variety of fishing and provides excellent chances for both the experienced and the novice angler. There are three main species that are considered as game fish within the area of the beat.

There are five separate cottages for guest accommodation, constructed from locally sourced materials, and each cottage has an attached bathroom and twin beds. Electricity is available at the lodge, but we prefer hurricane lamps for lighting. Washing facilities are simple – hot water is provided as required – but cold running water and flushing toilets are en suite. The Lodge has responsibility for issuing all fishing licenses for approximately 8 kilometres of river, although the local community fish with hand nets in specific areas.

September to December
The Ramganga is high and the current fast, so access to the lodge is a four kilometre walk from Chimtakhal Gate through the forest along a jungle trail, and down into the valley and lodge. This route is reasonable going, but requires a degree of fitness and surefootedness, depending on the time of year. This year, we are aiming to hire an elephant to investigate the viability of embarking near the Suspension Bridge, and entering via the river course.

December to February
The Ramganga is fordable near the lodge and a local, temporary bridge is constructed each year, (which is washed away each Monsoon) so access can be gained via the pedestrian suspension bridge, followed by a 2.5km walk through Baluli Village, and on to the river crossing and lodge. This is a far easier route than the one from Chimtakhal Gate.

February to June
A 4WD Jeep criss-crosses the river easily from the Suspension Bridge Roadhead to the lodge. This journey takes approximately 15 minutes and the ride is both rigorous and exciting…

June to September - Fishing is closed
The arrival of the Monsoon means that access to the lodge is via the game track from Chimtakhal Gate.  The walk through the forest is an excellent introduction to the valley, and can prove to be the most personally satisfying way of reaching the Lodge.

Booking subject to availability and advance payment.