Fishing the Valley of Stars - Karakoram range Skardu | Pakistan
Northern Areas of Pakistan are famous for Brown Trout fishing. There are many rivers, streams and lakes scattered all around northern areas however in this article I would only discuss some of the most famous fishing spots around Skardu and the fishing techniques applied there.
Skardu is a beautiful town and is also capital of Baltistan. Skardu is situated at an altitude of nearly 2,500 m (8,200 feet); the town is surrounded by grey-brown colored mountains, which hide the 8,000 meter peaks of the nearby Karakoram range.
Skardu is located in the 10 km wide by 40km long Skardu Valley, at the bank of the River Indus. It is accessible by two methods, by road or by air. The normal road route into Skardu is via the Karakorum Highway and a link road enters into the Skardu Valley. It takes roughly around 26 hours to reach Skardu from Islamabad by road and the road conditions are very bad.
However, the Air route is quite safe and its only 40 to 45 minutes flight from Islamabad to Skardu. Flights are operated all around the year yet dependent upon the weather and Skardu weather keeps changing every hour. There is only one PIA flight daily between Skardu Airport and Islamabad. Best season for fishing is June to August and rest of the months there is almost snow every where.
The climate of Skardu during the summer is moderated by its mountain setting and the intense heat of lowland Pakistan does not reach here. The mountains also block out the summer monsoon and summer rainfall is thus quite low. However, these mountains result in very severe winter weather. During the April to October tourist season, temperatures vary between a maximum of 27°C and a minimum (in October) 8°C. However, temperatures can drop to below -10°C in the December-to-January midwinter period. The lowest temperature of the year can reach -25°C.
The climate can have adverse affects on transport in and out of the Skardu Valley, as Skardu becomes snowbound during the winter months. Often the roads in and out of Skardu (and other Northern Areas locations) can be blocked for weeks at a time depending on conditions (though two to five days is more normal), sometimes leaving air travel as the only feasible alternative. However, air travel in winter is also subject to disruption due to the unreliable Skardu weather and flights can occasionally be delayed by several days.
There are three famous and beautiful lakes in the vicinity of Skardu. In local Balti-Tibetan language, a lake is a thso or tso.
The Two Kachura Lakes
There are two Kachura lakes; the famous “Lower Kachura” and not so famous “Upper Kachura”. The lower Kachura lake 18 KM from Skardu and it is hardly a 30 minutes drive from Skardu to reach there. All the way you will see the Sakardu bazar and than the high rise different color mountain on the left and the muddy scattered River Indus on the right.
Lower Kachura Lake
Lower Kachura Lake better known as Shangrila Lake, fishing is not allowed there but you can see the trout in clear waters. Lower Katchura lake is home to the Shangrila Resort hotel complex (possibly the reason for the lake's alternative name), built in a Chinese style and a popular destination for tourists in Pakistan. The resort has a unique style of restaurant, set up inside the fuselage of an aircraft that crashed nearby. You can hire a car and reach at the Lower Kachura Lake.
Upper Kachura Lake
Before entering Lower Kachura Lake on the left side there is a jeep track which will lead you to less well known Upper Kachura lake but best known for trout fishing, it is a beautiful lake surround by high colorful mountains. Upper Kachura Lake is famous for its deep clear blue waters. This lake is located at a descent, you will have to park you jeep up and will have to reach there by foot. On the way you will see the beautiful gardens and small streams. On the way down there is a small chappar resturant, where you can enjoy snack and drinks, and if you catch fish you can have it cooked there. Some time trout is also available there and if you don’t catch you can buy and have it cooked and enjoy the fresh trout.
Satpara Lake
Satpara Thso Lake or Sadpara Lake is Skardu Valley's main lake, reputedly one of the most picturesque lakes in Pakistan and famous for trout fishing. This lake is only 8 KM away from Skardu and it’s hardly takes 20 minutes to reach at the lake. You can try your luck sitting at the bank at any suitable place around the lake or hire a boat and go to the island for best results. Boatman only takes Rs.300.00 for a round trip to the island and Rs.1000.00 for a complete round of the lake. Luckily we met with Mr. Iqbal, the owner of the small restaurant there; he not only owns a motor boat but is a good angler as well. While fishing at that point he guided us a lot. For 2-3 hours stay, he not only took us to the island, but gave us a round of the lake for 2 hours as we were spinning. A dam is being constructed there and unfortunately the beautiful Ireland will be no more there once the dam construction is completed as the water level of dam will be quite high.
Deosai National Park
Same road which takes you to Sadpara lake leads you up towards the Deosai Plains, that are among the highest plateaus in the world with an average height of 4,114 meters above the sea level, covering an area of about 3,000 square kilometers. It takes around 3 hours from Skardu to reach there at the top. Just reaching at the top you will be amazed to see the plains covered with flowers and the mountains covered with snow. For just over half the year - between November and May - Deosai is snow-bound. In the summer months when the snow clears up, Deosai is accessible from Skardu in the north and the Astore Valley in the west. It is a 4x4 jeep track. It is well known for its spring season when it is covered by a carpet of millions of flowers and a wide variety of butterflies. These plains are famous for wild life and its streams are full of trout fishing. Although fishing is not allowed in Deosai National Park but if you request the authorities that you will “Catch and Release” the fish they will certainly allow you to fish there. There are many crystal clear water streams and you can catch small trout with your long handle landing net. There is a tent hotel at Bara Pani and you can refresh yourself there. Bara Pani area is very victorious
Mantokha Fall & Mehdi Abad Streams
Around two hours drive from Skardu on the Kargil road you will reach Mehdiabad. Just after crossing Mehdiabad if you turn right you will see is a Stream which is well knows for trout fishing. There is a beautiful water fall as well. This stream is full of beautiful trout fish. The color of fish is silver white and it has colorful spots. You will see locals catching fish.
Fishing Techniques
Fly fishing is the best technique in the surroundings of Skardu as different colors of artificial flies are still not much exposed to trout there.
2# golden or silver spinners with red or black spots are also best if you wish to catch by spinning.
Best technique applied is to use wheat flour balls making a fry fish imitation on small hook. No need to use any sinker or weight or any swivel. Cast the rod and just slowly pull the line.
In streams it is advisable to use insects (black in color) which you can find under the stones in the stream water. Insert the hook tip from the back of the insect and cover the whole hook. You can use two to three insects on one small hook. No need to use any sinker and swivel.
Best of luck for trout fishing in Skardu!