Trout
Fish in Pakistan
Introduced in Gilgit from Europe by political officers in 1916. It has large scales, thickly spotted dark and red spots on the sides. The body is short but stout, suitable altitude for its culture is about 1 000 m above sea level. The fish becomes adult after two years and breeds in natural waters. Trout is a fresh water fish, found in the northern part and waters of Azad Kashmir, though this fish occasionally migrates to sea. Trout is a beautiful creature having distinctive coloration varying from species to species and environment to environment. Trout also displays distinctive markings like spots and stripes on its shiny scales.
Trout
fishing in Pakistan
Swat, Narran Kaghan, Neelum and Gilgit Baltistan provide visitors and fishers, trout fish in Pakistan. Naran and Kaghan valleys have lakes in their vicinity (Lake Saif-ul-malook, DudipatsarLake, LulusarLake) harboring trout species. Numerous brown trout can be found there Neelum Valley also happens to have hatcheries and fish farms for Trout fish in Kutton and Jagran. Apart from that there is a relatively small valley in the close proximity of Neelum valley, known as Shounter Valley which has two lakes named Shounter Lake and Chitta Katha Lake; these two lakes also have an affluent supply of the tasty Trout.
Swat, Narran Kaghan, Neelum and Gilgit Baltistan provide visitors and fishers, trout fish in Pakistan. Naran and Kaghan valleys have lakes in their vicinity (Lake Saif-ul-malook, DudipatsarLake, LulusarLake) harboring trout species. Numerous brown trout can be found there Neelum Valley also happens to have hatcheries and fish farms for Trout fish in Kutton and Jagran. Apart from that there is a relatively small valley in the close proximity of Neelum valley, known as Shounter Valley which has two lakes named Shounter Lake and Chitta Katha Lake; these two lakes also have an affluent supply of the tasty Trout.
Mahodand; the lake of fish is near Kalam valley, Swat, like the name depicts, this lake has affluent supply of plenty of species of different fish, including trout. This beautiful lake has tall coniferous trees around it making it beautiful spot to visit too.
Trout in Gilgit Baltistan:
In
GB Upper Kachura should be stocked with
brown trout and wardens should be appointed to ensure the lake is protected
from both greedy recreational anglers and local food fishermen. All commercial
fishing should be completely banned. If only rainbow is stocked then yearly stocking
is needed as caught fish will not replenish themselves as brown trout will.
There
are no rivers flowing into Upper Kachura and trout is therefore denied ideal
breeding habitat. However, numerous beaches and gravel shores are available and
a local boatman confirmed that in September fish do come into these shoreline
areas and try to lay eggs. Trout has been known to breed in lakes where gravel
is available and wind and wave action provide enough water movement for eggs to
hatch.
Phandar
and Handrap lakes situated in Gilgit also serve as
perfect spots to fish trout. Lakes at Skardu and Baltistan are
filled with plenty of trout. Deosai and Chitral valley are also famous for well-stocked
trout.
Since, trout is one of the delicacies and is very delicious fish; people
tend to get this game not only to enjoy the fishing but also to get a yummy
treat for themselves. For that reason, one is supposed to get permission from
the Fishing Department, which is quite easy to attain. So just throw your line
in the lake and wait for the freshly hooked glistering trout to reel in so you
may enjoy a scrumptious supper.
There are some myths elaborating that trout fishing is best in spring
season, but the reality is quite opposite and the best season to get your fish
hooked is tend to be autumn, under dim moonlight.
Price
One can
enjoy the tasty treat of trout already cooked in certain restaurants or can buy
the raw fish to cook by themselves if they are not in a mood to catch it
personally. The prices range from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 2500/ Kg from Naran Kaghan
and Neelum Valleys and Gilgit Baltistan
respectively.