Unlike most people, avid anglers have a field day when it pours cats and dogs. With the swelling waters and shoals of trout to catch, what more can they ask for? But mind you, angling in the Indian monsoons can be both treacherous as well as rewarding.

However, for anglers specifically interested in the ‘fighting Indian mahseer’ ? one of the finest game fish in the world ? this is not the time for an ideal catch. “Monsoon being the breeding season, anglers are not allowed to catch the mahseer fish,” says Somnath Mukherjee, a city based angler and captain of the South Sinthee Angler’s Association.

But you can always settle for the elusive wily trout. There’s every chance that you’ll enjoy chasing the evasive mermaid. The best season to go trout fishing in India is between April and September. “You can head for trout fishing in the full rivers of south India to get a different feel,” says Mukherjee.

Major trout pools

The rivers of south India are all rain fed. So they have enough water during the monsoons to attract trout pools. The Cauvery, Krishna and the innumerable tributaries and streams feeding the rivers are ideal spots for trout fishing. The other trout pool deep down south are streams around the hills of Munnar, the Elephant Lake and the rain fed rivers of Kerala, God’s own country.

Kerala is particularly wet during the monsoons, but Munnar attracts a lot of anglers for its picturesque locales and highly rated infrastructural facilities. Another paradise for trout fishing in India is the Kashmir valley. In Kashmir, trout fishing is cheaper than in other parts of the world.

Fruits of labour

Trout fishing in both full rivers and snow-fed streams is a real challenge especially because the angler has to be at his skilled best to lure a clever trout ? both brown and rainbow. “But the excitement of hooking a rainbow trout is more rewarding as this fish is a rare catch,” says Ankit Seth, who frequents the trout pools of the Cauvery during the rains.

The trout, however, is not indigenous to Indian waters. In 1895, some fingerlings imported to India were successfully bred in the hatcheries of Kashmir and later introduced to its streams and a few chosen lakes.

The brown trout acclimatised under natural conditions while the rainbow cross bred with the brown trout and could not successfully adapt itself.

Today the hardy brown trout is considered a local fish and the rainbow is found in select belts. “Trouts are wily creatures. They will happily sit and watch you throw flies their way all day and not strike at your offering. They are elusive and getting a big catch can be agonising, So you need to be very patient,” says Mukherjee.

A good haul

If you are heading down south, don’t worry about finding the right accommodation. You can settle for a forest bungalow or a high-tech waterproof tent. The lodges around Munnar match any angler’s needs.

Kashmir too has innumerable lodging facilities. An ideal fishing permit in Kashmir obtained from the local government will allow you to fish exclusively within a distance of 2 km. The use of spoons and spinners to catch brown trout is permitted in the alpine lakes that abound in Kashmir. The Larji valley of Manali and the Baspa river are other ideal beats replete with trout but not encouraging for anglers in the monsoon as the areas become inaccessible.

Accessories needed

There are some things you must carry along if you are in search of a good haul. Rods, lines, hooks, spoons, reel and line are the basic fishing accessories. For clothing, a waterproof item is a must, along with slip-ons or loafer shoes to protect your feet.

Safety measures

Collect permits from the fisheries department of the respective states well in advance and complete all necessary paper work. Permits are needed primarily for angling in restricted areas. Also, check the weather conditions before heading out ? rains are welcome but heavy showers can leave you stranded. You should dress accordingly, carry umbrellas and waterproof tents along with adequate provisions to sustain you in case you are stranded.

Where to go

Cauvery Fishing Camp in Bheemashwari which is 100 km from Bangalore and 85 km from Mysore. You could contact Shrungar Shopping Centre, MG Road, Bangalore.

• Munnar in Kerala is a few hours drive from Kochi. Contact Coorg Wildlife Association, Madikeri, Kerala High Range Angling Association or Karnataka Wildlife Association, Bangalore for details.

• Private operators like Eco India (info@ecoindia.com) also help anglers with tours and accommodation.

• Closer home, contact the West Bengal Angler’s Association based in Subhash Sarovar for more details.