As the annual winter fishing event heats up at the Chagan Lake in northeast China's Jilin Province, fishermen on Monday welcomed the season's first "red net", which means a haul exceeding 50,000 kilograms in a single net.
The highest recorded "red net" at the Chagan Lake reached an impressive 250,000 kilograms. The implementation of scientific fishing techniques has led to an increase in fish density in the lake, consequently raising the frequency of these remarkable "red nets" each year.
The Chagan Lake is one of China's largest freshwater lakes with abundant fishery resources. Locals living by the Chagan Lake have kept alive the tradition of ice fishing by hand-drilling holes through the thick ice and casting nets into the icy waters to catch fish. The time-honored winter fishing at the Chagan Lake has been listed in the national intangible cultural heritage, and has become a signature tourism attraction in the city.
During the frigid winter season, the lake's surface is completely frozen over. Before dawn, fishermen harness their horse-drawn carriages and head towards the center of the lake, casting a kilometer-long net to encircle the schools of fish. The entire fishing process takes approximately eight hours. Powered by a horse-driven winch, the skilled fishermen collectively pull out around 60 meters in what is known as "one pull." It takes 16 pulls to completely retrieve the 2,000-meter net from the icy waters. This technique was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage item in 2008.
"I'm truly amazed. Just heard the lead fisherman mention that the fish they pulled up each weigh over 15 kilograms. I saw one this long with my own eyes - I was so excited, I might not even be able to lift it by myself," said a tourist.
The lively winter fishing event has attracted a myriad of tourists. Jilin Province is striving to develop a "Winter Fishing Economic Belt" to further enhance its winter fishing economy.
"This is my first time here, and it's truly spectacular. We thought they would be small, but they turned out to be so huge," said a Malaysian tourist.
"There must be at least 50,000 kilograms in the net. It's exceptional, with a lot of big fish," said Bi Zhongbao, a fisherman at the Chagan Lake.
The freshly caught fish will then be transported to the "Ice Yard," a dedicated place for storing and flash-freezing the catch. After sorting and packaging, visitors can not only purchase fish directly on-site but also have the delicious fish shipped nationwide through a well-established logistics network.
"[Before casting the nets, we meticulously layered ice, pouring seven to eight layers of ice on the ground. The fish freeze quickly on the ice due to the low temperature, ensuring their freshness and taste," said Zhang Wenping, head of the "Ice Yard" at the Chagan Lake.
During the winter fishing season, a large quantity of fresh fish is brought to market. Apart from experiencing the winter fishing process, tourists can engage in various ice and snow entertainment activities, savor traditional fisherman's feasts and purchase unique agricultural products, leading to rapid development of local catering and accommodation industries. Winter fishing activities have now become a highlight of ice and snow tourism.
Fishermen celebrate bumper winter harvest at China's Chagan Lake
