TROUT 105

Srinagar, just beyond the Shalimar garden, and at the outlet of the Dachigam—a perfect trout stream —the valley of which is preserved for the Maharaja’s shooting.

From these stock ponds a trout weighing twelve and a half pounds was taken on Lord Minto’s visit in 1908. The Dachigam stream itself is now well stocked, and affords some excellent fish- ing to those who have obtained His Highness’ permission. In addition yearling trout have been sent to other streams in Kashmir—to the Achibal, Beoru, Wangat, Vishu, Kishenganga at Badwan, the Liddar at Aru and Tannin, Marwar, Erin. Yearlings have also been let out in the Burzil stream, the Gorai (on the north side of the Tragbal Pass), in the Gangarbal Lake, and in the Punch River. . :

It has been proved satisfactorily that when the snow-water has run off, the biggest trout will take a fly put to them at the right moment, though when the snow-water is coming down there are few flies rising and the fish do not take <A constant enemy of the trout is the poacher. English trout are, unfortunately, becoming very popular among the Kashmirs, and it is difficult to protect the fishing.