The Fishing Season
The season runs from April to October. Only artificial flies are allowed and each licence entitles the angler to keep six fish a day, none being shorter than 7.5 cm. Beats may be reserved for a day or a week at a time in one of the three basic types of streams.

Larger rivers like Sindh or Liddar are full with snow, melting from May to July, with an occasional pool under boulders. Spinning is allowed here, but the wet fly and weighted cast tests the skill of the angler and will produce good results. In April, August and September these rivers are quieter, and the bigger fish are said to lie in the stiller waters.

Tributaries and water channels near these mainstream beats provide another type of fishing throughout the season. These are the smaller streams where only flies are allowed, with wet fly fishing good all season. The third type are the small spring fed streams and high altitude lakes suitable for both dry and wet fly tackle.

If you are more adventurous, you can fish in one of many high altitude lakes(14,000 ft.a bove 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 with 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. Information on equipment, location of beats, transport and nearby accommodation can be had here.

Equipments
A light two to three metre Rod (fishing rods cannot be carried as hand luggage on aircraft for security reasons) with an eight cm reel will suffice. Common flies in use in Kashmir include Peacock, March Brown, Butcher, Jinger Quill, Coachman, Woodcock & Green and Watson's Fancy.

There are 61 beats open for reservation throughout the season, ranging from the turbulence of the Sindh and Wangat Rivers to the tranquility of the high altitude lakes Krishanshar, Vishanshar, Gangabal and Nunkhol.

Trout Fishing (5 Nights 6 days)

Day 1 : Arrive and transfer to super deluxe houseboat. Afternoon trip to Mughal Gardens enroute visiting carpet weaving. Overnight at the houseboats.

Day 2 : Morning leave for trout fishing in upper Lidder valley. Full day trout fishing. Overnight at Pahalgam (hotel Pine n Peaks).

Day 3 : Full day trout fishing in lower Lidder valley. Return in the evening back to super deluxe houseboat. Overnight at the houseboat.

Day 4 : Morning leave for trout fishing in upper Sindh valley. Full day trout fishing. Overnight at Sonamarg (tented camp or hotel Glacier).

Day 5 : Full day trout fishing in lower Sindh valley. Return in the evening back to super deluxe houseboat. Overnight at the houseboat.

Day 6 : Morning Shikara tour on Dal Lake then departure to airport.