In a bid to promote the sport of fly fishing, the Tourism Department in collaboration with Department of Fisheries and Kashmir Anglers Federation organised a Fly Fishing competition on 16th and 17th September, 2022 in the waters of river Lidder at Pahalgam.
Various veterans of the sport besides the young anglers participated in the event.
Director Tourism Kashmir, Fazl ul Haseeb was the chief guest on the occasion while CEO Pahalgam Development Authority and Joint Director Fisheries Dept were the special invitees.
Speaking at the event, the Director said that Fly Fishing has a great potential and will attract adventure lovers to the valley. He said that this sport will also attract global fishing enthusiasts as our streams are par excellence and are of the level of international standards.
Sameer Baktoo convener Kashmir Anglers Federation thanked the Department of Tourism for organising the said event and department of Fisheries for extending their support for the successful conduct of the event.
He said that such events will surely attract adventure tourism to the valley, especially the angling enthusiasts globally, who travel different countries every year to participate in such competitions and to enjoy the sport of Fly Fishing.
The competition was purely held on catch and release basis and Aslam Ahmad Baktoo secured 1st position, Masood Ahmad Goroo secured 2nd and Manzoor Ahmad Pakthoon bagged 3rd Position in the biggest catching category.
Manveer Singh won the quickest catch category; Nahoo won the maximum catch category while Unis Ameen Nagoo won the longest cast category.
Among others, Mr Mussarat CEO Pahalgam Dev Authority and Mr. Tak JD Fisheries Dept. were present on the occasion.