Fishing in Kashmir
Kashmir is world renowned for angling and trout fishing, thanks to its snow fed streams and pristine high altitude lakes. Brown and rainbow trout, introduced by the British in the 19th century, have flourished in the region’s cold, oxygen-rich waters.
The fishing season in Kashmir runs from April to October, with prime spots including the Lidder River in Pahalgam, the Sindh Valley and several alpine lakes and streams. Anglers must obtain the necessary fishing permits and most prefer using artificial flies to catch trout. To protect fish populations, daily catch limits and gear restrictions are enforced making the experience sustainable while ensuring anglers enjoy some of the finest trout fishing in the world.
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About Fishing and Angling in Kashmir
Kashmir, often referred to as the “Paradise on Earth,” is a beautiful place with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Apart from the famous lush green meadows, Lakes, Gardens, Cable car, Houseboats, and shikara ride in dal lake, Kashmir is also renowned for its trout fishing in Kashmir including rainbow and brown trout. This makes Kashmir one of the favorite places for fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing in Kashmir is not just a hobby but is a big business for local people. Kashmir is also called Anglers paradise because the Fresh and clear water bodies of Kashmir including the Lidder River, Sindh River, Jhelum River, and Dal Lake, provide the perfect habitat for various fish species such as Brown trout, Rainbow trout, and Mahseer, among others. The famous streams for trout fish in Kashmir are Gurez, Lidder, Lam, Sindh, Ferozpor, Bringi, Aharbal, Dachigam, Kokernag, Hirpora, madhumati, sukhnag, Doodhganga, and Nowbug. All these streams are divided into a number of trout beats by the department of fisheries. Every year anglers from all over the world came here to enjoy the thrill of angling in the snow-fed streams of the valley.
In the Kashmir division, there are approximately 61 beats designated for fishing and angling, ranging from sindh and wangat rivers to the high-altitude lakes Krishanshar, Vishanshar, Gangabal, and Nunkhol, with each beat covering a distance of around 2 to 3 kilometers.
Here are some of the popular fishes in Kashmir trout fish in Kashmir, Brown trout fish in Kashmir, Rainbow trout in Kashmir, Mahseer fish in Kashmir.
Fishing in Alpine Lakes
If you’re adventure enthusiast and eager to fish in high-altitude lakes like Vishansar, Kishansar, Satsar, Gadsar, and Gangabal all alpine lakes. Then you have to trek to reach these lakes. The trek usually takes around eight days so it’s important to be well prepared. You will require a tent, waterproof boots and jackets, and food. Although the journey can be challenging, the stunning lakes at the end of it make it all worth it. All of these lakes are renowned for their Brown trout.
Best time for fishing and angling in Kashmir
The fishing season in Kashmir starts from April to October, but the best time for fishing in Kashmir is when the rivers and streams are at their full flow. The warm weather, clear skies and beautiful surrounding will make your fishing experience in Kashmir an unforgettable one. The fishing and angling duration can be extended or shortened by the fisheries department, based on the prevailing conditions.
Permit for fishing and angling
You have to get a permit from the Jammu & Kashmir Directorate of Fisheries to do fishing in Kashmir. The fishing license is valid for one day only and it allows you to catch a maximum of six fish. Only artificial fly fishing is allowed. If you’re a foreign angler, you will be charged Rs. 2000/- per day, and if you’re a local angler, you will be charged Rs. 1000/- per day as angling fee, which can be paid online on a per-day basis. Online permit for fishing in Kashmir click here.
Essential Tips for Trout Fishing in Kashmir
Fishing equipment can be easily hired in Srinagar, with several shops located on Polo View Lane near the Bund. Anglers often prefer traditional local flies such as the Peacock, March Brown and Butcher, which are considered especially effective for trout fishing in Kashmiri waters. To make the most of the experience, hiring an experienced local guide, known as a “gillie,” is highly recommended. These guides not only assist with selecting the right flies and identifying the best fishing beats but also share their deep knowledge of the rivers and lakes, making your fishing trip both successful and memorable.
Also Consider booking through an established tour company like Travel My Kashmir that specializes in fishing trips to handle licensing and logistics.
Top fishing destinations in Kashmir
Pahalgam – The Angler’s Paradise
Pahalgam is one of the most popular destinations for trout fishing in Kashmir, thanks to the Lidder River, which flows with strong currents over large boulders, creating excellent fishing beats for both brown and rainbow trout. The nearby Aru Valley offers a more secluded experience in the river’s tributaries, while adventurous anglers can trek to the high-altitude Sheshnag Lake for a challenging fishing excursion.
Sonamarg – Sindh River and Alpine Lakes
Sonamarg is another prime fishing destination. The Sindh River and its tributaries are excellent for fly fishing, with popular beats at Kullan, Gund and Mammar. For those seeking alpine adventure, trekking to high altitude lakes such as Vishansar, Krishansar and Gangabal provides both scenic beauty and rewarding trout fishing opportunities.
Kokernag – Famous Trout Hatchery and Springs
Situated in the Anantnag district, Kokernag is renowned for its natural springs and houses one of Asia’s largest trout hatcheries. The surrounding streams and tributaries are rich with trout, making it a favorite spot for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Srinagar – Traditional and Modern Fishing
While most trout fishing takes place outside the city, Srinagar offers a glimpse of traditional fishing on Dal Lake. The city also serves as a hub for fishing tours, with equipment rental and purchase available at shops near the Bund.
Other Notable Fishing Beats
The Fisheries Department of Kashmir has established numerous designated trout beats across streams such as Erin, Ferozpur, Doodh Ganga and Dachigam, ensuring that anglers have plenty of well managed options to explore.
Rules and regulations for fishing in Kashmir
To preserve trout populations and ensure sustainable angling, all fishing activities in Kashmir are regulated by the Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of Fisheries. Anglers must follow these rules:
Permit Requirement:
A license is mandatory for all anglers. Permits can be applied for online at the Directorate of Fisheries website
Fees:
Fishing fees are charged per day per rod, with different rates for local and foreign anglers (updated for 2025).
Duration and Fishing Beats:
Licenses are usually valid for one day and cover a specific fishing beat, typically measuring about 2 km in length.
Allowed Methods:
Only artificial flies may be used for trout fishing. The use of natural baits (dead or alive) is strictly prohibited.
Catch Limit:
Each angler is allowed a daily bag limit of six fish.
If you desire an unforgettable fishing experience in Kashmir! Travel My Kashmir boasts ten years of expertise arranging exhilarating fishing tours and securing permits to the most stunning locations within Kashmir region. Be it high altitude lakes or low laying water streams. The Guides who lead our trips possess a genuine passion for catching fish, thus are well suited to help you snag your desired trout or mahseer species while enjoying every moment on scenic waters like Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Manasbal Lakeriver systems such as Sindh River,Lidder River,and JehlumRiver.Our diverse collection of packages is geared toward all skill levels; developed with interests ranging from fly-fishing to angling kept firmly in mind. All suitable licenses include certification obtained only via governmental fisheries departments necessary for legality during activity.
The required equipment will be provided just before getting tips & tricks that can make one’s ability more proficient. Accommodations may also be arranged by us along with photography services so customers could capture memories at their leisure. Local cuisine shall also play its part during excursion. Peaceful co-existence between humans & nature constitute priority hence special charter provisions have been integrated into regulations governing catch-and-release methods which comply fully conservation laws targeting wildlife preservation. If You want Fishing permit don’t worry we would take care right form application till renewal. Soak up local customs surrounding this ancient sport whilst exploring breathtaking landscapes exclusive To Kashmir . For Kashmir tour packages and Kashmir taxi package you can contact 9796466052.
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Kashmir the true heaven for fishing enthusiast
Get ready to enjoy the unique and thrilling angling experience in clear crystal streams of Kashmir.
