Lure fishing for Mahseer
Mahseer become more and more predatory as they get larger; they need the extra food to maintain and increase their bulk. This makes them susceptible to artifical lures but, as always, the key to hooking into one of these powerful fish is knowing just which lures will work and which to leave in the tackle box.
The patterns
Mahseer will take spoons, spinners, plugs/crankbaits and even straemer flies - so you will not be limited in the choice of pattern.
Mahseer tend to prefer to stay deep so heavy lures that will stay deep of their own accord are going to be first choice - but the rule begs for exceptions and there are times that Mahseer will be taken in mid-levels or even close to the surface.
Sizes
Plugs of between 3" - 5" will be the largest lures to see regular action.
Spinners and spoons should be smaller than this, though you need not count and hackles, streamers or other additions when considering the size.
Colours
The proven colours for Mahseer are Gold, Silver and Black - or combinations of these.
Black works well on overcast days. Gold works well at sunset. Flashes of silver work best in bright light. Some guides swear that a Gold/Silver combination is best as this most closely mimics the local baitfish.
Lurid artificial colours do not get many takes but it is always having a few alternatives to cast out when nothing else is working.
Where to fish
Mahseer love fast-flowing rivers but prefer to hang out close to obstacles where the flow is less. Try casting upstream beyond an obstacle and retrieve your lure back down to the slack water below.
Local guides know where to fish best but it is always worth using your angler's instinct to locate other spots.
There are reports that ground-baiting can have a positive effect. You don't need to throw in lots of prepared bait, you could just use a stick or your feet to disturb rocks upstream of the beat and release some of the natural food. As with other species, attracting some small fish often arouses interest from something bigger.
When to fish
The best months for Mahseer fishing are October, November and December (the exact dates depend upon the location) just after the monsoons have cleared and the big fish have returned from their spawning upriver.
Mahseer fishing is at its best before nine in the morning and after four in the afternoon.
Special considerations
Mahseer are renowned for their powerful runs; that's probably why you want to catch one. This does create a few special issues for the visiting angler:
Safety
Many an angler has been caught out by the first run of a big Mahseer. Make sure that you fish from a solid platform, well in balance. You should never be too far away from support, either another angler or a local fishing guide. Apart from being useful when it comes to landing a fish and ensuring its record and swift release these can always keep an eye out for you when your attention becomes focussed (fixated) on the the battle in hand.
Equipment: strength and replacements
Big Mahseer have been known to straighten hooks. Many local guides insist that foreign hooks are not strong enough and that only local replacements will do. Be prepared with plenty of split rings and strong hooks so that you can change yours over if you do lose a fish. You certainly wouldn't want to lose any more than that.
Big reels loaded with plenty of strong, abrasion-resistant line will give you an opportunity to play a big fish. Take replacement main line as you will probably need to change this after a big battle.
Catch & Release
Support local conservation measures by giving your Mahseer a fighting chance. Lures should have no more than two sets of hooks, and use strong single hooks rather than big trebles.
For more tips, please read our Responsible Fishing guidelines.