Overview

As anyone who’s ever picked up a fishing rod knows, fishing is a wonderful sport to do. Jammu and Kashmir are known for its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural and historical heritage, But there is much more to explore in this exotic state that its beautiful locations and breathtaking sights. Blessed with several streams crisscrossing the state and beautiful lakes, Jammu and Kashmir are known as much for its trout fishing and angling. One can enjoy this leisure filled rejuvenative activity of fishing and angling in Kashmir. A major highlight of the fishing tour in Jammu and Kashmir is Pahalgam.

Kashmir is the best place for Trout fishing. The Rainbow or brown trout of the Kashmir water is a good fighter like the Salmon. With repeated leaps from the water, it makes flashing runs and interspersed. Through spring and summer, fishing is a big business in Kashmir. It is to be noted that fishing and angling are not allowed without the permit from Jammu & Kashmir Directorate of Fisheries. Also, it is to be kept in mind that only fly fishing is permitted in Kashmir, other methods or live or dead baits are strictly restricted. Only artificial flies are allowed and to keep six fish a day none being shorter than 7.5 cm, each license entitles the angler.

For fishing & angling, 61 beats are open in Kashmir during the season. Except for Vishansar and Gangabal lakes, each beat is about 3 to 4 km long and is connected with a motorable road, as one has to trek to reach these destinations. Water bodies of all types and sizes in the region are well-stocked with Rainbow trout and German brown trout. Kashmir offers great scope for sport fisheries. That is the reason why a lot of Anglers from all over the world come over here every year to enjoy the thrill of angling in the snow-fed streams and lakes of this valley. Kashmir is often dubbed as the angler’s paradise. The snow-fed streams and glacial offers a great option for fishing in Kashmir. The best time for fishing in Jammu and Kashmir is between April and October. However, the duration for fishing and angling can be shortened or extended by the Directorate of Fisheries, J & K Government on the basis of suitable conditions prevailing from time to time.

Major streams for trout fishing in Jammu and Kashmir is Wangath, Lidder, Nowbugh, Ferozpur, Gurez, Lam, Hamal, Sukhnag, Sindh, Kishenganga, Erin, Doodhganga, Bringi, Hirpora, Aharbal, Kokernag, Madhumati, Naristan, and Dachigam.