European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Madhu Sharma, Pardeep Sharma

Abstract
Himachal Pradesh is a great destination to fulfil fishing fantasies of every fisher and is prime destination for anglers in India. The origin of angling in Himachal Pradesh can be traced back to colonial era. Angling became favourite pursuit of the Britishers during ninetieth century and it was mainly for this reason that exotic species viz. brown and rainbow trout were transplanted in Indian rivers and streams. The introduced species of trout not only soon established in Indian waters but also bred and propagated fastly in view of rich oxygenated waters and ideal ecological condition of these rivers. Along with endemic mahseer (Tor putitora) the exotic trout (Salmo trutta fario and Salmo gairdneri) started offering excellent fishing to the European anglers. The literature is replete with records that Himachal Pradesh Rivers and streams provided exciting fishing to large number of sport lovers/ anglers and fishermen. Thomas (1897) brought a book “Rod in India” which incorporated his experiences of mahseer fishing in Northern Rivers. Later with more and more people getting interested in mahseer sport in view of unparalleled thrill it provides.