Goonch Catfish Adventure

Fishing for Goonch Catfish in India
The goonch catfish (Bagarius yarrelli), is one of the largest predatory fish found in the rivers of the Indian subcontinent. It has a broad, flattened head, a wide mouth lined with sharp teeth, prominent barbels and a long, muscular body built for life in powerful current. Large goonch can exceed 100 lb, with exceptional fish growing considerably larger. Their mottled brown and olive colouring provides excellent camouflage against the rocks and boulders of the riverbed.

Unlike many large catfish associated with slow or muddy water, goonch inhabit fast-flowing, highly oxygenated rivers. They favour deep pools, rocky gorges, current breaks and sections of heavy water where they can hold close to the bottom without expending unnecessary energy. The Western Ramganga provides exactly this type of habitat, with deeper pools separated by runs, rapids and rocky sections throughout the river. Goonch spend much of the day holding in these deeper areas and become more active after dark.

Goonch are opportunistic predators, feeding on fish, crustaceans and other aquatic prey moving through the river. Their combination of size, strength and habitat is what makes them such a serious angling target. A hooked fish has both its own weight and the force of the Ramganga behind it, with rocks and heavy current adding to the challenge of keeping a large goonch under control.

Accommodation on the trip is split between a 5-star hotel in New Delhi and dedicated fishing camps along the Western Ramganga River. On arrival in India, anglers stay at Roseate House in Aerocity, around 2 miles from New Delhi International Airport. The same hotel, or a similar 5-star property, is used again on the final night before departure.

On the river, accommodation is in Himalayan fishing camps at Bhikiasen, Tharar and Marchula. These are simple, comfortable camps positioned close to the fishing rather than luxury lodges, allowing anglers to move with the itinerary and fish several different sections of the Western Ramganga. The Marchula camp sits directly on the river opposite the buffer zone of the national park.

All meals are included during the river section of the trip. The first night in Delhi is room-only, while meals are included again on the return to Delhi, with breakfast provided before departure on Day 10.

The trip takes place in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand in northern India, in the Himalayan foothills. Fishing is on the Western Ramganga, a tributary of the Ganges that flows through a landscape of forested hills, rocky valleys and increasingly rugged river country before eventually reaching the plains. The goonch program works several sections of the river, with fishing camps positioned close to productive pools and fast-water habitat. The trip reaches a maximum altitude of around 600 metres, so this is lower Himalayan river country rather than a high-altitude mountain expedition.

How to Get There:
International anglers fly into New Delhi, where the trip begins with a night at a hotel near the airport. The following morning, anglers travel with a representative for approximately 6.5 hours by road to the Western Ramganga and the first fishing camp. From there, the trip moves downstream between different fishing areas and camps as the week progresses. At the end of the river section, the detailed itinerary specifies a roughly 6.5-hour road transfer back to Delhi for a final hotel night before flying home the following day.

Day 1: Arrive in New Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to Roseate House or a similar hotel near the airport. The remainder of the day is free to rest before travelling north the following morning.

Day 2: New Delhi to the Western Ramganga River
Travel approximately 6.5 hours by road with a Himalayan Outback representative to Bhikiasen in Uttarakhand. The fishing camp sits on the banks of the Western Ramganga River.

Days 3-4: Goonch Fishing at Bhikiasen
Spend two full days fishing the Western Ramganga around Bhikiasen. Goonch are targeted mainly with bait, with much of the fishing taking place after dark. There are also opportunities to fish for golden mahseer.

Day 5: Bhikiasen to Tharar
After lunch, drive approximately two hours to Tharar, another section of the Western Ramganga known for producing large goonch. The evening and night are spent fishing for goonch.

Day 6: Tharar to Marchula
After breakfast, travel to the fishing camp at Marchula on the Western Ramganga. Settle into camp and prepare for the final section of the fishing program.

Days 7-8: Goonch Fishing at Marchula
Spend two days fishing the Marchula section of the Western Ramganga, exploring another productive stretch of river before the return journey to Delhi.

Day 9: Marchula to New Delhi
Travel approximately 6.5 hours by road back to New Delhi. On arrival, transfer to Roseate House or a similar hotel close to the international airport.

Day 10: Departure from India
Transfer from the hotel to New Delhi International Airport for your onward flight.

Rates per angler:
Starting from US$5,250 per angler

What’s Included:

• 9 nights of accommodation in New Delhi hotels and riverside fishing camps
• Meals during the river portion of the trip
• All scheduled ground transportation and airport transfers
• Professional guided fishing on the Western Ramganga River
• Fishing permits

What’s Not Included:

• International or domestic flights
• Fishing tackle (available to rent)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Travel insurance

Limited availability. Rates and dates are subject to confirmation.

When is the best time to fish for goonch on the Western Ramganga?
The trip operates from April 15 to May 30 and again from October 1 to October 30, when river conditions are suitable for targeting goonch.

How are goonch targeted on this trip?
Goonch are targeted mainly using bait fished in deeper pools and productive sections of the river. Much of the dedicated goonch fishing takes place during the evening and at night.

How many days of fishing are included?
The 10-day itinerary includes five dedicated fishing days and nights spread across Bhikiasen, Tharar and Marchula on the Western Ramganga River.

What other fish can be caught?
Golden mahseer are the main secondary species and provide opportunities for additional fishing during the trip, particularly during daylight hours.