10 Things You Never Knew About Snowtrout

By Ian Ford

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.

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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