Sattar Snowtrout

The sattar snowtrout (Schizopyge curvifrons) is not a true trout or even a member of the Salmonidae (trout and salmon) family but found in the Cyprinidae family that includes the carps - in short, sort of like mahseer, but trout-like. The species is popular among sports anglers and also an important commercial fish in areas in which they are abundant. Long-bodied, with a large mouth at the front, and the body covered in shiny silvery scales, with those on the back being darker in colour, they do resemble trout in appearance. The mouth is armed with many smallish, but sharp, teeth and the eyes are large. The sattar snowtrout can attain 56 cm (22 in.) with a maximum mass of 1.3 kg. (2.9 lbs.). Their food consists principally of plants (algae), insects and their larvae, but also includes small fish. Some snowtrout are territorial and will chase smaller fish from “their” area. The species has an extended spawning season, but mostly within May to August, and spawning takes place, like trout, in shallow stream headwaters. There is sexual dimorphism, but males and females look very similar. However, males mature at about 27 cm. (10.6 in.) and females at 33 cm. (13 in.).

Sattar snowtrout have many attributes similar to trout and hence the same fishing methods may be used to catch them, depending more on the preferences of the angler than the habits of the fish. The species is not as aggressive when feeding, and usually targets smaller prey than trout, but they live in the same kind of areas. Sattar snowtrout fight well and have a reputation of being tasty. Light to medium trout tackle should suffice and the fly needs to be small. Local subsistence anglers usually catch them on various local natural baits such as worms, insects or even bits of vegetation. Fly fishing is the most popular sport fishing method. Look for sattar snowtrout in shallowish, moving waters with rocky substrates. To save energy, they often lie behind boulders or other obstructions and pick off insects that drift past. Spinning, using very small lures, can work well, particularly in slower running water or in dams, while bait fishing is best suited to deeper water in large pools or dams. The species is well known in its areas and the capture of a reasonably sized sattar snowtrout should give the angler a feeling of accomplishment and an excellent meal.