The goal of this expedition is to show Bhutan as a legitimate off-the-grid fishery through photos and film so it can soon be available through Yellow Dog Flyfishing to all physically able and adventurous fly fishers. As a blessed angler that has seen most destinations, including many of the best mahseer rivers in the Himalayas, I can honestly say that this trip will likely be the most incredible offered of all. But regardless of being here at primetime and how adept an angler you may be, catching mahseer is never a guarantee.
Bryant Dunn, founder of Himalayan Flyfishing and Jim Klug, founder of Yellow Dog, have worked countless hours for nearly a year getting permits for fishing, floating, filming, drones, VISAS and etc. in order to accomplish our goal. Chris Patterson, our film maker has been planning for months how to organize cameras, lenses, batteries, charging capabilities and more for an extended float and camping trip in the middle of nowhere. And despite these guys having us 100% prepared, things can go wrong fast on a Himalaya river, be it weather, equipment failure, injury or unexpected mishap.
We are thrilled to say – after a successful day one filming numerous chocolate mahseer then topping it off with a hefty golden – all is going fantastic! This morning everyone bounced from bed. The good sleep was only part of the reason. The sky was rich and blue and we were comfortably camped at the mouth of one of the top tributaries of our entire float.
There are five anglers being filmed this trip, Bryant, Jim, Bobby, Jigme and myself. Due to my fortunate catch of the big golden yesterday, I hung back in hopes that everyone gets to experience one. I worked on my blog and recorded notes while enjoying a cup of coffee sitting in one of the planets most exceptional places.
The confluence pool didn’t pan out as expected. Bobby made the first pass through the mix of tributary and main river only to pick up one small golden. It was a beautiful fish and the catch had us all feeling good about the fish being around. Chris added to his already great footage and we clicked some photo’s.
Next, Bryant made his way to the great looking piece of water. Bryant hit the stretch from every angle, switched flies and even walked up the tributary itself. He fished hard for over an hour without a single strike.
By then Jigme and Jim entered the scene. I packed up my laptop before munching some eggs and sausage. The guys also have rice, beans and bread to go with. Then I entered the water with hopes that a lingering mahseer was finally ready to take the fly. But to no avail. Five anglers pounded the water for hours and other then Bobby’s early golden, the fish weren’t cooperating at all.
It was a mere two mile float today. Bryant planned for fishing hard around the confluence most of the morning. He also built in hardcore fishing at tonight’s camp as well because there’s another smaller entering creek. Today my fishing partner was Bobby and guide Tinley. We drifted out of camp at around 11 AM with a plan to fish every nook and cranny all the way down.
Despite our more than slow morning around camp, the main river float provided superb action. Bobby and I tore into the chocolate mahseer. This species of mahseer acts completely different than their larger cousins. Chocolates are aggressive eaters. Literally the second your fly hits they pulverize it. They prefer fast water close to deep rocky edges. If you can make the cast and set a hook, you can rack up some more than productive numbers.
Due to the fast moving grade of our river we arrived at camp sooner than we would have liked. When we first spotted our new home however, we were in a huge back eddy where Tinley could row us around in circles forever. Bobby and I had him do just that and we methodically fished every inch of water. It paid off and I lucked into a new personal best of a chocolate mahseer. I fought him right to camp where a happy Chris Patterson and Jim Klug awaited with their cameras.
To say we’re at another spectacular camp is an understatement. The Himalayan Foothills are one of the most gorgeous pieces of real estate the earth offers. My opinion of course. But here is special. For me the steep hills, the greenery, the birds, the sounds and naturally the presence of extremely large freshwater fish is exciting to comprehend.
I relaxed for most of the afternoon while watching the guys work the new confluence pool. It looks great but once again the mixing of waters isn’t producing. We all have visions of the Kings water we witnessed from a far yesterday but our tributaries aren’t panning out.
The weather has changed. While we awoke to clear skies, we’re now feeling the occasional raindrop around the campfire. We had another great meal. A few Druks. It’s been another successful day. Time for my tent before a downpour starts!
Upon return from this wonderful journey, this trip will be available at Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures!
You live right.
I thought mahseer were hard to catch ha ha. Way to go!
Ha! Yeah I try my best and sometimes it works out. So far so good this trip.
Sounds like a dream trip! I hope the rest of it goes well for you.
Thank you John. Perhaps after this one is completely in the books you should head over to the Yellow Dog office and visit with Jim. We can get you there!