Fishing at Shergarh (Punjab)
Total distance to Shergarh from Islamabad is around 265 KM. The best route is Motorway (M-2) up to Kalar Kahar. Take exit from Kalar Kahar, drive on Katha-Khushab road and from Khushab main crossing turn towards Joharabad and from Joharabad take left turn and you will be on Joharabad-Muzaffargarh road. Shergarh is around 45 KM from Joharabad. You can also take Bhera Interchange exit but you will have to travel around 60 KM extra and it would be waste of time and money.
If I say a fishing Trip from Islamabad to Shergarh is like a picnic trip it would not be wrong at all. It is very scenic all the way until you reach the fishing spot. First you will enjoy smooth135 KM driving on the motorway up to Kalar Kahar and to be at the Kalar Kahar seems like you are at a perfect picnic spot. You would like to have a little stop over there.
Lying 30 miles southwest of Chakwal on the Chakwal-Sargodha road, Kallar Kahar is known for peacocks, freshwater lake, and for the Takht-e-Babri, a flat stage built of stone by Mughal emperor Babar to address his army while coming down from Kabul in the quest of the crown of Delhi. During his stay at Kallar Kahar, Babar also planted a garden, which still exists, called the Bagh-e-Safa. In his memoirs, the Tuzke Babri, Babar described Kallar Kahar as a "charming place with good air" and natural beauty.
As soon as you start your journey again you will enter into Soon Valley. The 'Soon Valley' is one of the famous valleys of Pakistan situated in the central Punjab province. The Valley is situated in the north west of Khushab. The Valley starts from Padhrar village and end to Sakeser that is the highest peak of Salt range. The length of Soon Valley is 35 miles and average width is 9 miles. The area of Soon Valley is 300 square mile. Although not as cold as the valleys up north, Soon valley consists of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, jungles, natural pools and ponds. Soon valley is also blessed with ancient civilization, natural resources, and fertile farms. There are some special features of this valley that distinguish it from other areas. Without knowing about them it is very hard to understand its importance. Sabhral, Khoora, Naushera, Kufri, Anga, Ugali, Uchali and Bagh Shams-ud-Din are important towns in soon valley. Kanhatti Garden, Sodhi Garden, Da'ep and Sakesar are resorts to visit.
As soon as you descend the mountains of soon valley you will enter into the plain area. Khushab and Joharabad are adjoining and we can call them twin cities. Have some rest at chapper hotel alongside road, have your meal and take along some if you need and don't forget to fill your water cooler as you will hardly find food and water at your fishing spots which are at the deserted areas.
There are many good fishing spots e.g. Bank of Upper Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal, Shergarh- Front of Canal, Tetri & Legari.
Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal
As soon as you cross the C.J. Link Canal immediately turn to your left and again left which will take to the bank of Canal. Choose a suitable place there. The best place is just under the high tension electric lines and your direction of the casting should be the same as the direction of overhead lines. Many anglers come from the far flung areas e.g. Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Rawalpinid/Islamabad. You need to check the water flow, muddy and weed conditions before you plan to set up your camp. If the flow is low and water is not much muddy and weed is not floating you will have your best chances to catch good sized fish.
Some of the catches at Chashma – Jhelum Link Canal
Front of Canal
Reaching up to this point is to drive on the upper sandy track for about ten minutes just turning left from the main road and crossing the bridge. You will reach to the village Tetri-Legari. You need to park the vehicle up in the village. Go down and take a boat which will cost you Rs. 400 to 500 for return trip. Don't forget to take food and water as there will be no chance of having any kind of eating stuff there at your spot and you will hardly find any boat. Best is to have the mobile number of the boat man. You will have to see the water condition, level of water and ask the boat man the best fishing spot at that particular time. You can sit just across the river where Canal falls.
If the river is flowing smoothly and water is not muddy you can enjoy fishing at that spot having excellent results but it would be your lucky day to get a spot there. This area is formed like a Tee. Chashma- Jhelum Link Canal is just falling in to the River Jhelum which brings lot of food and fresh water for the fish.
Tetri Legari
There are some good and peaceful fishing spots at Tetri Legari. Your boatman will take you to a perfect spot as they know the best fishing spots at that particular time.
Some of the catch at Tetri-Legari
Species
Common Carp (China), Carp Catla, Carp Mrigal(Narain), Carp Rohu, Cat Fish (Singara), Snake Heads, Desi Khaga, Fauji Khaga, Wallago (Malli) etc.
Tips
The best bait is worm and ludia/puthia. Worms are not available locally so you need to carry as much as you need during your stay for fishing. You can find good amount of bait fish from shallow waters. Charai is very important and looking at the flow of the water you need to have heavy sinkers. It is important to have fix sinkers instead of loose which are usually used for stationary waters. Use 3 to 4, 3 # hooks on your line and your lines should not be less than 8-10 pounds keeping in view the flow of the water.
Mostly locals use small pieces of Roti on 2# hooks which is good bait for catching Common Carp.
You can catch big Goonch, Desi Khaga and Fauji Khaga using bait fish where the water flow is at fast pace.
Enjoy your trip to Shergarh