Fishing season takes off
As soon as winter begins the fishing season almost ends particularly in the waters of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Upper Punjab, N.W.F.P and in the areas of Gilgit-Biltistan. As you know the main causes of this dead season is lowering of temperature from 0 to -26 degree which freezes the water in lakes and low rains that results in low water in the streams and rivers and so the reservoirs of waters shrink to dead levels.
As slowly and gradually the winter passes and the spring steps in, light snow at the hilly areas starts melting in the AJK area and temperature steadily rises on the high mountains of Northern Area the glaciers start melting and the water starts flowing in full swing in the rivers and streams. So the gray time for anglers ends and they start thinking of multiple options of fishing at different spots all over Punjab, NWFP and at Gilgit & Biltistan.
In extreme winter the lakes in the Northern areas of Pakistan are covered with the slice of ice, however, by the end of March and early April inclement weather almost clears ups on the high mountains, roads are open for traveling and regular flights start operating for the areas which are known for Brown trout fishing.
More water in the upper rivers like Indus and Jhelum more chances of catching Mahsheer, more water in the upper lakes and streams more chances of catching Brown Trout. More water in the reservoirs like Mangla and Terbella more chances of catching Grass Carp, Common Carps, Rohu, Cat fish, Eel and Wallago etc. More water spilled from rivers and reservoirs more chance of catching Snake Heads. Water means Business.
Water level at the famous and biggest lakes Mangla and Terbella, that are best reservoirs for fishing, start rising by the mid of March so one can enjoy fishing at Mangla and Terbella lakes. Rawal Dam is the most famous fishing spot near twin cities – Rawalpindi & Islamabad and mostly by the mid of March fishing season start there. Rohu and Common Carp are the two famous breeds of Rawal Lake.
As the weather get hotter and humid that is the sign of peak season for fishing every where and as soon as monsoon begins the rain water fills the small reservoir and dams all around Punjab and that creates more opportunities for fishing in even small reservoirs.
Water level at different barrages remains the same throughout the y
ear. In the main reservoir if the gates are closed and the water is clean and static one can have a very good chance of catching fish there. One can catch big fish from the canals nearby the barrages even if the water is flowing using heavy weights and heavy lines. Fish usually come with the flow of water from the main reservoir of the barrages.
For more information on this topic you can review the PGFA link http://www.pgfa.org/fishing_chart.asp