In frames | Hook, line, and ice

The Hindu’s News in Frames | Hook, line, and ice

Kashmir is known for its waterbodies such as the Dal lake, Wular lake, Anchar lake, and the Jhelum and Sindh rivers that provide a natural habitat for a variety of fish, including trout, carp, and some indigenous species.

As settlements grew around these water bodies, fishing became both a means of livelihood as well as a traditional occupation in this part of the world.

Catching fish in Kashmir is by both traditional and modern methods, using nets, traps, and small boats in lakes and slow-moving waters. Angling is popular in streams and rivers, particularly for trout.

For locals, fishing remains a well-loved hobby as many often spend patient hours around the waterbodies. Commercial fishing practices follow seasonal patterns to protect fish during breeding periods.

Freshly caught fish are brought early to local markets, where they are sold directly to consumers or vendors. In cities such as Srinagar, the markets are busy and vibrant, with buyers seeking fresh, locally sourced fish. Some of the catch is also supplied to hotels and restaurants, contributing to the local food economy and tourism sector.

Women take up the selling of fish in the markets and men are engaged in catching the fish in the early hours of the morning and, at times, in the late evening.