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The river Jia Bhoroli, Kapili and Manas are
the best places for Golden Mahseer angling since the days of the British.
The Jia Bhoroli of Assam has a long and glorious
history of Mahseer angling. The Jia-Bhoroli is a magnificent snow fed
sparkling river that rumbles and swirls done the rugged mountain valleys
of Arunachal
Pradesh , and then through the dense green Balipara Reserve Forest,
forming gorges and fiery rapids to join the mighty
Brahmaputra.
Brahmaputra is one of the
most fascinating rivers - full of joy and life - which leaves the
adventure loving tourists, anglers and naturalists in utter awe. It is
also the home of the Golden Mahseer known as the "Tiger of Indian
rivers" and the "dread of every angler".
The
Seasonal Fishing Camp
The fishing seasonal camp at Potasah is easily accessible, and is only an
hour's drive from the town of Tezpur, about two hours drive from the
Kaziranga
National Park and about 220-km from Guwahati.
However, anglers have the choice of other base camps too like the Tourist
Bungalow of the Government of Assam at the
picturesque hilly township of Bhalukpong, on the banks of the Jia Bhoroli
River or the tourist lodge at Tezpur town.
The main highway leading to Bomdila and Tawang in
Arunachal
Pradesh runs miles along the way.
The Rubber Dinghy Rafting
Still, the best way of fishing throughout the length of the river from
Bhalukpong to Potasali, about 26-km of water stretch, is by using an
inflatable rubber dinghy. In fact, a rubber dinghy ride has become so
popular that the 'Inflatable Rubber Dinghy Rafting Competition' has been
introduced by the Assam (Bhoreli) Anglers
Association in 1992 along with the angling competition held regularly
since 1981 in the early part of November every year.
The angling season with rod and line in the Bhoroli River starts from
early October and continues upto late April. Yet, one can venture out for
sports fishing even during the middle of the monsoon season. But, it is
not advisable to be on the river during the breeding season, and when the
river is in full spate.
Angling For The Mahseer
The main attraction of the river for the keen angler is the Golden
Mahseer (Tor Puti-Tora). With its flair for a fight on the line, it can be
a heart - throbbing experience for any angler. The other sporting fishes
are Bokar (Aerossocheilus Hexag Onolipts) commonly known as the Chocolate
Mahseer, Sal, (Murrel), Goonch (Bagarius Bagarius) and of course, the
Indian Trout (Raimas Bola).
It is always pleasant and thrilling to raft down the Jia Bhoroli River in
a rubber dinghy amidst the vibrant green, and serene surroundings. This
gives the angler ample scope to try his luck with rod and line, and the
choice of several splitting channels of the river, which meet downstream
forming some of the excellent spots for casting the line in a school of
fish.
Where To Go Fishing?
The most favoured fishing spots in the Jia Bhoroli river are the
confluences of the hill streams - the Digi, the Nameria and the Upor Dikri
and several small creeks rushing down to meet the main river forming pools
and lagoons for the enthusiasts to thrill with the screeching run of the
reel. At the end of the day, one might land up with a prized Mahseer.