10 Things You Never Knew About Snowtrout

This article looks at the species that are commonly known as Snowtrout and points out some interesting facts for anglers who would like to catch something a little exotic. Most species will succumb to the fly-fisher's art and, for those anglers who love their surroundings as much as their catches, fishing for these little beauties can be a wonderful experience.

1. There are fifteen species of Snow trout (or Snowtrout).

2. It is not worth listing them all here but it is worth noting that they all belong to the Family Cyprinidae, which means they are classified by ichthyologists as Minnow/Carps not Salmonidae, the family that contains true Salmons and Trouts.

3. The species of Snow trout that grows the largest is Diptychus maculatus, also known as the Scaly Osman. These can reach 70 centimetres in length. Scaly Osman are a recognised gamefish and, though they feed mostly on the plants that attach themselves to rocks in fast-flowing rivers and streams, they supplement this diet with the invertebrates that inhabit this same environment. This means that nymphing is a great option.

4. In all, four of the species of Snowtrout are recognised as gamefish. Apart from the Scaly Osman above there are also the Dinnawah Snowtrout (Schizothorax progastus), the Snow Trout (Schizothorax richardsonii ), the Chirruh Snowtrout (Schizopyge esocinus).

5. Snow trout is a term used exclusively for species found in the high-altitude rivers and streams of the mountain ranges known collectively as the Himalaya. Almost all of the species are found in some part of India, but the range includes Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Bhutan, Sikkim, China (Tibet) and Uzbekistan.

6. Most species of Snowtrout are herbivorous. Several species have developed special apparatus for scraping algae and other vegetation away from stones. Only the Dinnawah Snowtrout is recognised as a fully-fledged carnivore.

7. Both the Dinnawah Snowtrout and the Snow Trout are noted as good for eating. This may not be the major factor in the decision to head off to the Himalaya in search of exotic species but it is worth noting. It would be a pity to catch some and not have a taste. Is there anything better than fish freshly caught by yourself?

8. Two of the species, the Snow Trout and the Sattar Snowtrout (Schizopyge curvifrons) can be found in commercial fisheries in the UK. A pity that the Dinnawah Snowtrout has not been brought over as well. Perhaps there is a good reason for this.

9. Most species of Snowtrout are rated as of moderate vulnerability. Those species that do not grow to any great size are usually rated of low vulnerability and, not surprisingly, those that are recognised as gamefish are rated as more vulnerable. That is an issue that should concern anglers.

10. Lastly, all Snowtrout species are harmless to humans. That's nice to know.

By Ian Ford

Ian has lived and travelled extensively in Asia over the last seven years. He has been a passionate fisherman from school-days and is now combining the two fields by offering exciting and affordable fishing holidays abroad for individuals and groups.

Himalayan Trout Adventure takes you to the Tirthan and Sangla Valleys where various species of Snow Trout will be the order of the day.

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Catching Fish - 3 Powerful Tips For Catching Fish

In this article I'm going to reveal 3 powerful tips for catching fish. These tips have been proven through more than 55 years of combined fishing experience. These tips have been proven to be successful through real world fishing experience, and aren't just theory or conjecture. You will be able to use one or all of them to start catching fish on your next fishing excursion.

Before I get down to the tips themselves I think it's worth mentioning that there are no "magic formulas" as far as fishing is concerned. There is nothing on this earth that will help you in the pursuit of catching fish like spending time on the water practicing your craft. The more time that you can spend on the water, the more fish you will catch, it's as simple as that. Don't buy into the hype that this or that "new bait" or device will help you catch a ton more fish. The only thing that can really accomplish this task is spending time on the water fishing.

That being said, shall we get down to the tips for catching fish?

* Clean Your Hands - No matter what species of fish you like to target, freeing your hands of unnatural scents is of the utmost importance. Any unnatural scents that are on your hands will transfer to your bait or lure and cost you bites. This is especially true with larger, more experienced fish. I've personally tested this tip and it is absolutely true. Clean your hands of unnatural scents and you will catch more fish. This can be easily accomplished by using odor neutralizing soap or by rubbing your hands in a handful of dirt or grass before baiting up.

* Be Efficient - What do I mean by being efficient? Simply this; The more efficient you are (which means having everything you need organized and readily available while fishing) the more time you get to spend with your line in the water where the fish are, rather than out of the water while you bait up, re-bait, or search for a needed object. To be truly efficient in the pursuit of catching fish items such as bait bags, fishing vests, tackle bags, retractors, and hemostats need to be employed. Always make sure your heavily used items such as your favorite lures, hemostats for hook removal, extra hooks and bait, and nets are within easy reach while fishing.

Use Gang Hooks - Granted this tip is for catching fish. Gang hooks are simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem, which enable bait to be presented in a natural and realistic manner (especially in the case of worms). Honestly, if you fish with worms (either live or synthetic) gang hooks are a phenomenal fishing tip for catching fish.

Use one or all of these powerful tips for catching fish sooner, rather than later and find out for yourself just hoe effective they are. They have all been helping me catch more fish for many years and I know they will do the same for you.

By Trevor Kugler

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country...Montana!

Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

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Want to Catch More Fish? Read on to Find Some Advice on What Bait to Use!

Choosing which bait to use is a hard task when you are fishing. Below is a list of common baits for you to use when fishing and how to fix them on to your hook.

You should always try to match the bait you are using to what the fish you are chasing are eating. If you think the fish you are chasing are eating shrimp, try using shrimp as your preferred bait. If shrimp on your hook doesn't work, try using another form of bait.

If using shrimp as bait, always place the bait on your hook from the tail end first. This will ensure the bait sticks to the hook rather than floating away in the water. Shrimp is my favorite kind of bait. It is cheap, versatile and many species of fish will hold onto it for dear life.

Any small fish can also be used as bait for larger fish. A gang hook (a series of hooks next to eat other) is best for attaching a fish too. This will ensure your whole fish will not fall of your hook. A whole small fish is best for catching larger fish such as trout and dolphin fish.

Any local species can also be used as bait. If mussels are growing on a pier, consider pulling them off and using them as bait. Always try using the wildlife that you can find around the fish that you are chasing.

A final option of bait is to try using whatever you have. Salami, ham, corn kernals, bunions from toes and plastic straws are just some of the items that have been substituted for bait. Have a go and see what the fish are attracted to. Use your imagination and you might just land the catch of the day.

Have a go and remember, fish may be attracted to one form of bait one day, and another form of bait the next. Keep an open mind and have a go today.

By James Fletcher

James Fletcher is a boating and fishing enthusiast. His website is a great source of boating and fishing knowledge. Find more useful boating and fishing tips at:

http://www.freeboatingtips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Fletcher

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