Though fishing has been a huge industry in India for centuries, angling or sport fishing became a serious pastime only in the mid-19th century. British anglers of the Raj came in pursuit of the Trout and Salmon but found a creature that far surpassed other fish as a fighter - the Mahseer or The Large Headed One. It spawned an entire clan of adventurers (including the legendary Jim Corbett), who would travel to far-flung areas of the country just to battle with the mighty Mahseer. In South India, as the Cauvery River flows out of the Western Ghats to Tamil Nadu plains, it cuts deep gorges and creates vast rapids, many pools and thus holding areas for the huge Mahseer. JLR has exclusive rights to vast stretches of the Cauvery. Four different kinds of Mahseer are found in these waters – Silver, Gold, balck and Pink. However, in light of decreasing sizes and numbers of good specimens, 'Catch-and-Release' has become a necessary practice. Other fish often found are carp , catfish and many small ones useful as bait. JLR’s Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp is a perfect base for anglers in pursuit of the Mighty one. The fishing season here is during the months of November, December, January and February. Guests are provided with a local guide or ‘gillie’ for every two visitors. Gillies help anglers with their knowledge of the waters and are experienced fishermen themselves. They also are adept at using the coracle boats (native, circular boats made out of buffalo hide) and can move guests from place to place in the waters. JLR provides the coracles to cross the river and also to help with the landing of fish Fishing is done during the morning, which lasts from first light until midday and then again from 4 o'clock until nightfall. Also, only a maximum of 10 rods are allowed to be in the water during a single session. Fishing techniques that are possible on these waters are Bait fishing, Fly fishing and Spinning. Bait is also provided – baked Ragi (millets) paste, freshwater crabs, chilva and sometimes figs are the main ones used. |
Rivers 
