Fishing is big business in Kashmir through spring and summer. The British introduced the brown and rainbow trout to the streams of Kashmir, where they have thrived. At the same time they introduced the system of anglers reserving ' beats' on their favorite river. Reservations for beats should be made before one arrives in Kashmir, through an Indian Government Tourist Office or directly to the Tourist Reception Centre in Srinagar .

Though one requires a permit to go fishing, the experience can be a once in a lifetime experience. This region is aptly known as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. The streams and lakes have plenty of brown and rainbow trout.

Fishing on the high altitude lakes can be a learning experience. Fishing on the Dal Lake is an interesting activity. In fact local guides accompany amateur fishing enthusiasts on Shikaras and teach them how to net fishes. Fishing on the Jhelum River is also a popular activity.

Fishing in the Lidder Valley The Lidder Valley is a fisherman's dream - pure mountain air, serene tranquility and bountifully populated waters. The Lidder River feeds the entire region of lush meadows and magnificent clear lakes with a series of tributaries and streams, all of which teem with rainbow and brown trout. The best time for fishing stretches from April to September, and the best spots are recorded by locals, so we always know where to head to find the best fishing beets.

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.

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.

Tour ends.