Camp Forktail Creek

What to expect

Mahseer is the common name for several species of large scaled barbels. The T. putitora is elusive, finicky,

moody and arguably the most beautiful fish in India. The Yellowfin lives in big, fast water, grows bigger and

takes with unmatched aggression when it does. Most Yellowfins tend to run downriver than up, making

good running shoes a necessity. It's possible to hook a record size Mahseer in some of the waters, but

landing them could be just as hard.

Goonch is the heaviest fish to swim the freshwaters of India. A good Goonch is anything over 20kgs but

there are locations which have been throwing up good 50+kg fish. It is a prized catch because of its rarity

and is known to sulk and hide beneath rocks once it’s snagged, making it a challenge to land.

Other fish species here include the Mulley (Wallago attu), Rohu and Trout in certain sections. The lower

Ramganga River, once it enters the Tiger Reserve also has a very healthy population of the rare and

endemic fish eating Gharial and Muggers (fresh water crocodile).

Otters of three kinds find home here and can often be seen on some of the secluded beats of the river.

The river host a variety of turtles including soft shells, river terrapins and the giant soft shell which

sometimes take the bait set for Goonch.

Fresh water crabs and shrimps, river eels and smaller bait fish abound. Winged attractions include Pallas’s

and Lesser Fish Eagles, Ospreys, Tawny and Brown Fish Owls, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Herons, Wagtails,

Redstarts and more...

When to do it

Angling on the Ramganga dates back to the British era and mentions are found in all the old foresters’ logs

and manuals. Today, however, angling on the lower portion of the Western Ramganga River is permitted on

a restricted section of the river before it enters the Tiger Reserve (one is not permitted to fish inside the

Tiger Reserve). Further, angling is only permitted from October to June. The best months would be from

Oct to May barring the coldest period from mid-Dec to mid-Jan.

The fishing beat (a 16 kilometer stretch of the river where angling is by permission only) has been divided

into 4 beats. Normally we restrict ourselves to a beat a day. Fishing is on a catch and release basis only.

Equipment needed

For Fly Fishing, bring a 7wt fly rod (and aim for smaller fish only). From Oct to March, the preferred flies are

nymphs and streamers. Dry flies are best for summer months (April- June).

For Spinning, bring an 8-10 ft rod rated for up to 20 pound line (remember, you could reach a record of 65

pounds or more!) Spinners can be used in still water and deep pools, mepps aglia 4 or 5 are good. For clear

water you might even try a few plugs like Rapalas, Count Down minnows and shallow diving Shad Raps. If

you have a spare heavy action rod you might fancy your chances with the Goonch for which you can use

live or dead bait.

For bait, spoons between 1-3 inches; silvered spoons work the best (Toby, Golden Little Cloe as well as

the Golden Cast Master). Also any spoon which is plain on one side and shiny on the other could have some

very interesting possibilities.

Special Angling Trips

Using Camp Forktail Creek as the base, guests can opt for multi-day fishing trips on various sections of the

Ramganga River. Escorted by some of the finest fishing guides in this area, these trips involve overnight

camping by the river on its upper stretches, and stay at Camp while angling on the lower section.

The upper section of the river is picturesque with valleys and terraced fields. The mountains are dotted

with tiny Kumaoni hamlets and ancient riverside temples, with magnificent snow capped Himalayan peaks as

a backdrop.

The Ramganga here supports a different lot of wildlife (alas mostly homo sapiens!), but certain sections still

carry fish, thanks to some temples and ashrams who diligently keep vigil and protect the river. Camp

Forktail Creek can organize a stay in one such ashram from where one of the best pools is a two minute

walk. Fishing restrictions are minimal here and one can fish into fading light.

Browse the downloadable tour plans listed here for an idea on what’s on offer.

Some pictures of our Guests