Fishing in Jammu and Kashmir

Fishing in Jammu and Kashmir

Kashmir has been rightly called angler's paradise, with a network of rivers and streams as well as hhigh altitude lakes all abounding in trout both brown and rainbow.Trout fishing in Kashmir is far,far cheaper than it is in ant other part of the world.And most importantly,the Department of Fisheries,which controls angling in the valley,works hard to ensure that there is no depletion of stock by indiscriminate fishing whcih means that you can revel in angling in ideal conditions.

Kashmir' fabled natural beauty needs no introduction here.Crisscrossing the state are the well-known Sind and Lidder rivers,their tributaries and a silvery network of smaller rivers and streams.The geographical variation along the course of each river is immense,affording endless possibilities for the angler.Nearer the source of each river,the gradient is steeper and the waters faster flowing.The landscape is generally hilly,with dark brooding pines towering all round.As the river runs its course,the gradient evens out and the flow of water loses its torrential force.You are now in open countryside where the horizon is wide and sweeping and where trees are willow poplar and walnut. Do not be deceived into thinking that fishing in Kashmir is the somewhat somnolent sport that it is elsewhere for the trout is a crafty fish and you will have to practise all your skill to get him to bite. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times for fishing and in these quiet hours,the illusion that the world is yours will be heightened.If using one type of fly does not meet with success,you will have to experiment with another type.And cast and recast repeatedly.To increase your chances of sucess you might like to shift to another spot after all,your permit allows you to wish at any point in one beat which measures two kilometres.And it ensures that nobody else is allowed the use of that beat for the days alloted to you.But in case you need information or assistance you are not alone.Our beat guards-there are two per beat-are familiar with the habits of the fish and are there to advise you,should you wish. Rivers and streams are divided into approximately 100 beats,most of which are within a two hour drive from Srinagar.Most beats have nearby a Department of Fisheries or a J & K Tourism hut,at which you can stay overnight.You require a permit to fish and not more than one permit is given on any beat.One permit allows you to catch six fish.And as experience has shown reels and flies are all that are needed.Spoons and spinners are not allowed. Six days a week permits are issued only to tourists.Residents of Kashmir are allowed to fish only on sundays.And to ensure that nature's bounty remains plentiful always,the Department of Fisheries has collaborated with a danish firm for large scale trout breeding.This ambitious project at Kokernag will eventually result in the induction of fish into the streams;meanwhile it is being used for the supply of table fish. If you are more adventurous,you can fish in one of many high altitude lakes(14,000 ft.above sea level)which are reached by a trek.One trek in particular starts from Sonamrg and goes on to Vishansar,Kishansar,Satsar,Gadsar and Gangabal all alpine lakes.The trek alone takes eight days-you will need a tent, waterproof coat,ground sheet,trekking boots and provisions for as many days as you intend to trek as no food is available on the way.But you will be rewarded by the spectacularly lovely lakes,each wiyh their own character cradled by snow clad mountains.When their surface is frozen over during the winter,the fish(mainly brown trout) keep close to the bottom of the lake,rising nearer the surface as the ice melts. In these lakes,the use of spoons and spinners is allowed. The trekking season is from July to October while the fishing season extends from March to October.

At the Tourist Reception Centre,Srinagar is the fishing counter.Inforamtion on equipment,location of beats,transport and nearby accommodation can be had here.Also in the Tourist Reception Centre on the first floor is the department of Fisheries.Permits are to be obtained from here on payment of a small fee and as most of the officials are keen anglers themselves,you can get the most detailed information from them.Accomodation for overnight stay too can be booked from here.Should you require a rod,reel or flies,there are shops in Srinagar where these can be had on hire and the Department of Fisheries will be happy to give you their name and addresses.