7.3.5 Sport fisheries potentials in Himalayan regions

7.3.5 Sport fisheries potentials in Himalayan regions

From the information available on physiography, biological characteristics, productivity status of main coldwater ecosystems in this region, it has been revealed that in Himalayan uplands, there are ample potentials to develop sport fishery of both exotic trouts and native mahseer species.

In India, the sport or recreational fishing for mahseer, trout and snow-trout indulged in by a section of relatively well to do families who are fond of sports and outdoor thrills and by the tourists visiting India for adventure and enjoyment. Great potentials lie in the streams and rivers of Himalayan for sport fishing. Most of the glacial rivers in their upper reaches and all snow-fed streams can be the abode for exotic trouts, especially the brown trout, however if they are managed properly with utmost care while stocking of fingerlings and yearlings. The important trout waters in country include most of the snow-fed streams including Lidder, Simal, Erin, Madhmati, Tricker, Kokernag, Berinag (J&K), upper reaches of Beas & Sutlej (HP), Ashiganga, Birehi, Pinder, Bhagirathi (Uttaranchal) besides a few upland lakes/streams in North-East region.

The lower stretches of these upland streams/rivers meandering in lesser or outer Himalayas are good resource of golden mahseer and catches of sizeable mahseers by angler's in the previous decades strengthen the views to develop them as mahseer waters for game purposes. Among the himalayan streams/rivers, Beas and its tributaries in the foot hill region and rivers, Giri (HP), Yamuna between Tajwala (Haryana) to DhakPathar (Uttaranchal), Ganga between Rishikesh to Tehri and its tributaries, the Kali, Saryu, East & Western Ramganga, East &Western Nayar, Song, Kosi (All in Uttaranchal), Chenab and its tributaries, Tawi, Ikhnee Nala and Anji (J&K), and Rivers Jia-bhoreli, Diwang, Subansini and Manas (NEH Region) are important as mahseer fishery in concern. Apart from these, the lakes of Kumaon (Bhimtal, Khurpatal, Naukuchiatal, Nal-Damyantital and Sattal do contribute substantially to Mahseer fishery and provide ample scope for fish sport. Most of these waters are not only fished by anglers or sports loving people but many of them are known for angling competition.

Last modified: Friday, 18 November 2011, 9:44 AM