The year 2002 saw the destruction of a monument in kashmir.the landmark 50 year old tourist reception centre in srinagar was attacked and burnt down by terrorists.the angling fraternity suffered a huge loss as the dept. of fisheries was located on the first floor and all the records were lost except a few.the archives in that building housed photos of record trout caught in various beats/streams of priceless history.(in black and white of course).one of the most beautiful and reserved only for v.i.p.'s stream is the bringhi in south kashmir.it has witnessed chief ministers,governars, chief justice, and similar ranks flying down there in helicopters to fish.
I have had the privilege to fish EVERY stream in kashmir.its something i cherish very deeply.my bond with the kashmir waters is inseperable.i know every beat and stream and high altitude lake like the back of my hand.
over the past 25 years i have seen many a person trying to get a permit to a beat.without prejudice most have been a cheap tourist type trying to be a wannabe.in my experience angling in kashmir is almost surreal.
i generally like to revisit certain beats every year.bringhi upper is right there in my top ten.its like an ode to be here.this time of the year the waters are perfect.the level,clarity,swiftness,and no rain are just right factors.
started casting a little late at 10 am.my old trusted gillie bashir assisting.used a dt4 flyline with a 5wt rod.flies uesd were invicta on the main and beadhead stonefly on the dropper.
over the years bringhi has fished very well with average size pounders and above.i was dismayed at the average size this year.half pounders and below.disappointed i asked bashir wats wrong.apparently too many cheap tourist type wannabes have been issued licence for the same.its a pity that the dept. to generate some revenue has closed its eyes.its not the case with bringhi alone.all the streams are being looted by the tourist and the hanji houseboat owners.these archtypal had no access to a sport reserved for the upperclass.i hope the dept. rectifies the same soon.
more reports to follow from kashmir..................
my angling lodge.
a nice rainbow trout for the grill.
the bringhi stream.
nearby mountains.
me and my gillie bashir
the catch. all browns.
TO BE CONTINUED..............