MAHSEERS as a World-famous game fish

Mahseer is acclaimed as a world famous outstanding game and food fish of India. As a sport fish, it provides unparalleled recreation to anglers from all over the world, better than salmon. It is known as tiger in waters, because of the fight it musters to wriggle off the hook. Anglers come to the Cauvery River in southern India in search of these mighty mahseer.

In Northern Europe, you have the leaping salmon. In Russia and Mongolia, you have the ferocious taimen. In North America, the inscrutable muskellunge. And in South America, the humongous arapaima. These are some of the biggest and most challenging river fish you can find and international anglers are willing to pay big money to pit wits with them. In parts of South and South-East Asia, there is a large-scaled fish that can match or even surpass the strength and stamina of these fish.

For some, this fish has no equal. Half carp and half barbell, it thrives in the fast currents of rocky rivers, and can shoot up tall rapids and even small waterfalls. When hooked by an angler, it can fight for hours before it succumbs – if the angler is lucky enough not to have his line broken or hook straightened out!

In the past, mahseer formed a substantial natural fishery in the major riverine and lacustrine ecosystems of India. In commercial fisheries it occupies an important position for its good quality. For the fishermen mahseer is of considerable importance because of its large size. As a food fish, it is highly esteemed and fetches the high market price. The mahseer (tor tambroides’ and ‘tor Douronensis), known in Malaysia as ikan kelah - Red Finned Mahseer, Ikan Kelah Merah/ Merah Bara from Pahang/Terengganu and Ikan Kelah Merah Rebung from Kelantan, Semah/ Empurau from Sarawak, Pelian from Sabah, Kelah Hijau/ Kejor/Tengas - Malaysian, Semah/ Garing from Sumatra Indonesia, Blue Thai Mahseer from Thailand, Golden Burmese from Burma. In the Mekong basin lives the Chinese Mahseer (Tor sinensis). 

In India and Myanmar, you have the Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora and Tor tor)are large cyprinids inhabiting the clear, pristine and fast flowing waters of Asia, from the cool waters of Himalayan streams to the tropical rivers of South East Asian jungles. Rapid development in the watersheds within the natural range of many Tor species habitats, particularly the spawning grounds, is increasing pressure and threatening their survival. This has resulted in depletion of natural stocks and consequently some species have become rare, threatened and/or endangered. In view of their conservation value and the aquaculture potential, there are concerted efforts amongst researchers, developers, planners and conservationists and governments all across Asia to enhance the natural populations in rivers and natural water bodies.

Day (1878) believed that mahseer constituted only one species. Hora (1940) confirmed the validity of six different species. A recent critical study on the subject by Menon (1992) confirmed 6 valid species. He has, however, described a new species from the Darna River (Godavari drainage) at Deolali, Nashik District of Maharashtra, and named it Tor kulkarnii, which he describes as a dwarf cognate of Tor khudree. Preserntly seven valid species are recognized for India:

Scientific Name ....................... Common Name

Tor putitora (Ham.) -------------- Golden or putitora mahseer

Tor tor (Ham.) ------------------- Turiya or tor mahseer

Tor khudree (Sykes) -------------- Deccan or khudree mahseer

Tor mussullah (Sykes) ------------ Humpback or mussullah mahseer

Tor kulkarnii ---------------------- Dwarf mahseer

Tor progeneius (McClelland) ------- Jungha of the Assamese

Tor mosal (Sykes) ---------------- Copper or mosal mahseer

In addition to the above, three sub-species, viz., Tor mosal mahanadicus, Tor khudree malabaricus and Tor khudree longispinis are considered by Desai (2002) as valid species, with some reservations. Different species of mahseer occupy different ecosystems ranging from tropical waters where summer temperatures reach 35°C, to sub-Himalayan regions, where the temperatures fall to 6°C. Similarly, they occur in streams hardly above sea level and are also found at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level. Jhingran and Sehgal (1978) remarked that the occurrence and distribution of mahseer is controlled by the prevailing water temperature of the streams and not by the altitude.

Mahseers were considered as carnivorous and slow growing and thus unsuitable for fish culture. However, a careful study of the feeding habits of mahseer indicating that it is omnivorous has dispelled the notion that mahseer are carnivorous. Studies on the anatomical adaptations of the alimentary canal system also confirm that mahseer are omnivorous. 

Tripathi (1995) suggested the inclusion of mahseer in polyculture, cage culture and for river ranching and has stated that mahseer would not compete with mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) and the common carp. The importance of mahseers as a World-famous game fish is well known. The group comes in a spectrum of colours from deep burnt copper, through gold, silver, dark black, and inhabit different rivers through out the length and breadth of India, Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh Srilanka, and even Thailand, (Thomas, 1897). Among the seven different recorded species (viz. Tor putitora, T. mussulah, T.khudree, T mosal, T. progeneius, T. tor and Acrossocheilus hexangonolepis). Tor putitora or golden mahseer is one of the most-sought after species providing the main fishery in the uplands all along the Himalayan belt extending from Kashmir in the north-west to Sadiya in the north-east. 

The fish is also known as Greyhound or the thick-lipped mahseer and has been observed to attain the weight of 70-80 kg. (Misra, 1962). Anglers regard golden mahseer as one of the finest sport-fish and it is a source of recreation to innumerable sportsmen both Indian & Foreigner Thomas, 1897 in his famous book " The Rod in India" stated that pound for pound mahseer is far superior to ‘lordly salmon’ in sporting qualities. To the local fishermen too, mahseers have been of considerable importance because of their large size, hardy texture, high commercial value and longer shelf life.

Best Fishing Rivers in India

The north of India has the largest rivers, the ones that flow out from the mighty Himalaya, and these usually get most of the attention from anglers. I will therefore buck the trend and start down south.

Down South: The Kauveri River

At quick glance at an Atlas is unlikely to give you much indication of the great fishing prospects to be had in southern India. It seems like there are a few artificial lakes, a few rolling hills and lots of cities. Not the usual territory for big and exciting fish. The Deccan Plateau however, holds a world-class surprise in the Kauveri River (Previously more familiar as the Cauvery River).

Stretching across the State of Karnataka and finally exiting to the sea on the Coromandal Coast the Kauveri River is home to the Humpback Mahseer (Tor Mussulah). These can reach 150 centimeters in length and an amazing 90 kilograms. They are renowned for the fighting power and even smaller specimens can bust tackle designed for deep-sea anglers. Another species, the Deccan Mahseer (Tor Khudree), is much smaller but a full-grown adult of 50 centimeters and perhaps 3 kilograms can still put up a good fight.

Several sections of the river are noted for their beats but the section South-west of Bangaluru (previously Bangalore) and East of Mysuru (previously Mysore) would be as good as any to try for a first visit. Fishing is best in the mornings and evenings, either from the shore or from a local coracle. There are established fishing camps and fishing guides to make a fishing holiday that more convenient.

Up North: The Ramganga and Kosi Rivers

Corbett National Park is situated to the North and East of New Delhi. This wilderness is more famous for its wildlife, especially its tigers, but deserves to be noted for one of Jim Corbett's other passions, fishing.

The Ramganga River is the largest permanent water source in the Jim Corbett National Park and hosts a wide range of wildlife. Anglers will be most interested in the Mahseer and Goonch (a type of catfish ... more about them later.)

The Kosi River forms a section of the Eastern border of the park. It holds its fair share of decent size Mahseer and is well worth checking out if in the vicinity.

The park can be reached quite easily by private car and has lots of comfortable accommodation. Fishing trips are best arranged through an agency as it is necessary to have the correct permits.

To the North-east: The Brahmaputra River

The mighty Brahmaputra should need little introduction. As one of the world's largest rivers, its name and general location should be familiar to most.

The Brahmaputra can be fished along much of its length in India. Mahseer are available in the upper reaches and fast-flowing tributaries. Giant catfish are known to exist but these are only likely to be taken by those with an abundance of patience and skill.

Choosing a section to fish along such a long river is difficult. The section between Gauhati (alternatively Guwahati) and Jorhat is relatively convenient and produces reliable catches. Further north, the section beyond Pasighat is more remote and would suit the truly adventurous angler looking for excitement and a challenge.

To the North-west: The Beas River

The Kullu Valley is a major tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. The Beas River and its tributaries (particularly the Tirthan River and the Baspa River in the Sangla Valley) contain a variety of trout (more properly, snow trout) that give the game angler an opportunity to practice their sport in gorgeous mountain terrain.

Kullu has an airport which saves a long and sometimes frightening road experience. Travel around is best arranged in private vehicles for convenience. There are good guesthouse options in the area, some specifically catering for anglers. You may need to book well in advance for the more popular ones.

One more, for the Catfish fanatics: The Kali River

The Kali River has become infamous as the home of giant species of catfish that has allegedly taken to eating human flesh. These Goonch grow large enough to believe that they may occasionally take a piece of corpse cast into this holy river after a traditional cremation - but I am still not convinced that they are big enough or even inclined to take live human bait as the one story has it. Whatever the truth of that matter, the Kali River is an exciting venue for the catfish angler after an exotic fishing holiday abroad.

Angling in Himachal Pradesh

Angling is a fast developing sport in India, and the northern state of Himachal Pradesh at the foothills of the Himalayas, is fast emerging as the prime angling destination in the country.

Angling is a form of fishing which is often used synonymously with terms like ‘sport fishing’ and ‘recreational fishing’. Angling in Himachal Pradesh can be nothing short of superb!

The streams of Himachal Pradesh can be categorized as General-Water streams and Trout-Water streams. The main fishes that are available in these streams include Trout and Mahseer, besides some other varieties like Nemacheilus spp, Barilus sp, Schizothoracids Crossocheilus sp, Glyptothorax spp. Etc.

Angling in Himachal Pradesh

One of the major activities, which is favorite among the visitors, is the angling in Himachal Pradesh. Over the years, angling has become a fast developing sport in India, particularly in the northern states of India. Himachal Pradesh is one of the prime angling destinations in India. It is basically a kind of fishing, more of a recreational fishing or sport fishing.

There are numerous small streams and lake that provide superb venue for angling in Himachal Pradesh. These streams can be categorized under General-Water streams and Trout-Water streams, based on the types of fishes found on the stream. The various types of fishes, which are available on the streams for angling, include trout, mahseer, nemacheilus, barilus, schizothoracids crossocheilus and glyptothorax. Brown and Rainblw trouts are the major fishes on the streams.

The state of Himachal Pradesh with numerous streams is a paradise for the anglers.

The streams of Himachal Pradesh teem with numerous fishes, which make it ideal for the anglers to try out their favorite sport. There are various resorts in Himachal Pradesh, which are ideally suitable for angling. The strategic spots for angling, Himachal Pradesh are Rohru, Chirgaon, Tattapani, Katrain, Largi, Banjar and Kasol for trout fishing. For the angling of Mahasheer, the favorite spots are Dehra, Nadaun, Pong Dam and Barot.

For a remarkable and memorable angling experience, you can reach up to the upper streams of Beas and Kullu Valley. Sarvari, Parbati, Sainj, Hurla and Tirthan offers excellent prospect for the angling lovers. There are reservoirs, which offer opportunities for angling in Himachal Pradesh. The major streams of the Himachal Pradesh state , which offers several angling opportunities are Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Tirthan, Sainj, Uhl, Baspa, Pabar, Lambadug, Giri, Rana, Nugal Gai, Baner and Bata.

For angling in Himachal Pradesh, you need to pay a nominal amount. The best season for trout angling is between 31 March to 31 October. If you are in to Mahaseer angling, the best time for it are January, February, March, April, September, October, November and December.

You will definitely enjoy angling in Himachal Pradesh as there are numerous options for it. Next time, when you visit Himachal Pradesh make sure to try out angling in the streams. Other then angling, you can have various other things to do in Himachal Pradesh.