Last February 2010 I was invited to fish a stretch the River Cauvery in southern India. This is not one of the well known commercial beats that are (in my opinion) so heavily bait fished and thus makes fly fishing very difficult. The owner has asked me not to give the exact location except  this place is not far from Mysore and the fishing is responsibly controlled and therefore not over fished or spoiled by heavy ground baiting. Although I went with the intention of pursuing the mighty Mahseer with a fly rod. I did try bait fishing and got a nice 10-12lb fish which gave a hell a scrap and gave me some idea how these lovely fish can fight. Lure fishing is allowed and can be very productive as the host proved when he latched onto a good 30 plus pounder from the cortical. This was particularly hard week on the Cauvery and the bigger fish were a bit shy. However I did persist with the fly rod and tied up some nymphs and bait fish patterns at the camp which caught me fish daily. No monsters but fish up to 3lb including some lovely Rohu. A similar looking fish which can grow upwards of 20lbs. The fishing camp is situated right on the the bank so very easy access to the river. There is some cracking fly water along this river so waders, flats boots or even none-slip water sandals are a must to go exploring. The camp accommodation is basic but adequate and has great food. It only sleeps up to 4 anglers:myself of course plus 3 guests. The camp owner is a great host and also a very keen angler and guide with excellent boat and coracle skills. The best of the fly fishing is throughout February. Anyone seriously interested in a trip for 2011 the cost of the fishing, accommodation and meals will be around £130 per day depending on the exchange rates of the day. Please use my website contact form for enquiries.

Tight lines Howie     

ps check out www.youtube.com/flyfishingsussex   for a bit of action from my last trip 

tight lines Howie