Kali River Catfishing
Last Updated
11th Jan, 2009
The ultimate catfishing challenge. A very wild place; some very big fish
7 night/8 day holiday fishing in India for Goonch
Goonch are a species of Catfish native to south and southeast Asia. They can reach 2 metres in length and weigh up to 200 kilograms. That's a lot of catfish!
In the past, sportsmen in search of Mahseer have seen the Goonch as an ugly pest. The catfishing devotee will disagree and see the duel challenge of hooking and landing a big catfish as sport worthy of extreme measures. Catfishing requires the handling of smelly baits and unglamorous waits - but perhaps also more satisfaction at the end of the day.
Our fishing holiday takes you to the exciting Kali River (sometimes known as the Sharda River) where Goonch have gained a reputation for the unspeakable; eating human flesh. We hope you will use other baits, but you should certainly get to see what all the fuss is about. Catfish of this size are bound to attract some 'monster' stories.
Please note: This fishing holiday starts in Delhi. Through our agents in India we can provide you with all the assistance you need to get there from your other international portal, including any domestic flights, trains, transfers or accommodation.
If you would like to extend your holiday with other services in India then we can provide a free quotation on request.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi
You will be met at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and transferred to your hotel.
We have an early start tomorrow morning so the main purpose of today is to gather the anglers together for the night. There will be no activities other than a dinner for everyone to get to know each other.
Meals: Dinner at a restaurant
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Delhi - Abbott Mount
We take an early train to Bareilly. From there we drive on up into the mountains to Abbott Mount. This will be our base during the catfishing section.
This historic hamlet of Abbot Mount is situated at an altitude of about 7,000 ft above sea level in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills near the small town of Lohaghat in Champavat District. Abbott Mount was founded by and named after Mr. John Harold Abbott of Jhansi. An English businessman who wanted to start a hill station for the European community at the turn of the 19th century. Unlike many Indian hill stations Abbott Mount has changed little since its inception. There are only thirteen secluded cottages spread over this private hill. There is a picturesque church set amidst the forest and a ancient cricket pitch with an unsurpassed view of the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast box for the train, lunch as appropriate and dinner at our guesthouse
Drive: 150 Km, five hours
Train: 300 Km, seven hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 3 to Day 6: Fishing the Kali and Saryu Rivers
Head off each morning to the chosen beat. You need to be willing to walk to get to the better catfishing spots. No doubt you relish the challenge.
Big Goonch are wily old sods and you will need a lot of skill and patience in order to get one hooked. You can then expect a true battle on your hands as these are, like all catfish, quite capable of smashing your tackle. We're sure you have no intention of letting that happen.
Local guides will help you to choose the right locations, bait and tackle - and to land any Goonch that you do catch.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner at the guesthouse. You will take a packed lunch with you to the fishing beats
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Day 7: Abbott Mount - Delhi
We have a leisurely breakfast before the drive back down to Bareilly. Our train leaves in the late afternoon so there is no need to rush. We will arrive in Delhi just before midnight so we stay near the airport for the convenience of those with onward flights in the morning.
Meals: Breakfast at the guesthouse, lunch as appropriate. Dinner on the train
Drive: 150 Km, five hours
Train: 300 Km, seven hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8: Depart for home
For many, there will be a transfer to airport for an international flight home.
You can always extend your stay in India with us. Just give us a rough idea of what you would like to do.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel