In the bitter cold of Northeast China, there lies a lake known as the "Pearl of Northern China" – Chagan Lake in Songyuan, Jilin. Every winter, it hosts a millennia-old ice and snow spectacle: the Winter Fishing. As winds of -20 to -30°C sweep across the frozen surface, thousands of fishermen work in unison. A kilometer-long net emerges from beneath the ice, bringing with it thousands of fresh fish leaping from the icy lake, creating the breathtaking scene of "fish leaping from the ice lake." This is not merely a fishing activity; it is a visual feast that blends nature, culture, and folk traditions. If you haven't witnessed Chagan Lake Winter Fishing with your own eyes, this article will take you into this awe-inspiring winter celebration.

I. The Historical Origins of Chagan Lake Winter Fishing

1. Chagan Lake Winter Fishing originated during the Liao and Jin dynasties, boasting a history of nearly a thousand years. As one of China's last fishing tribes, the fishermen of Chagan Lake have passed down ancient fishing methods through generations, preserving complete traditional rituals and skills.

2. Before the winter fishing begins each year, a grand ceremony of "Worshipping the Lake and Awakening the Net" is held. Dressed in traditional attire, fishermen light bonfires on the ice, recite prayers, and offer blessings to the lake god, praying for favorable weather and a bountiful catch in the coming year. This ritual has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

   

3. Winter fishing is not just a productive activity; it is a continuation of culture. It embodies the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and carries the spiritual beliefs and way of life of the fishing and hunting peoples of Northeast China.

II. Unveiling the Entire Process of Winter Fishing

1. Ice Drilling and Net Setting

   Winter fishing typically takes place from late December to January. First, fishermen survey the location on snowmobiles. Then, using specialized ice chisels, they drill hundreds of holes in the ice, which can be up to half a meter thick. These holes are arranged in a straight line, spaced about 8 meters apart, to guide the massive net underwater.

   

2. The Kilometer-Long Net Enters the Lake

   The fishing net used at Chagan Lake is a kilometer long, made of high-strength polyethylene. The mesh size strictly adheres to ecological fishing standards, ensuring that young fish can escape. Fishermen feed one end of the net into the lake through the holes, then use poles and hooks to guide the entire net to spread out slowly across the lake bottom, forming a huge "enclosure."

   

3. Winching in the Net

   This is the most thrilling part of the winter fishing process. As the winch machine roars, fishermen work together to pull the giant net slowly from under the ice. Due to the extremely low temperatures, the fish instantly freeze upon exposure to the air, covered in a thin layer of frost, shimmering like silver ice sculptures.

   

4. The Spectacle of Fish Leaping from the Ice Lake

   When the net is fully pulled out of the water, thousands of bighead carp, carp, and silver carp tumble and jump within the net. Water splashes and ice shards fly, creating a magnificent scene. Spectators marvel at this natural wonder, eagerly taking photos and videos to capture the rare sight.

   

III. The Ecological Wisdom Behind Winter Fishing

1. Sustainable Fishing Philosophy

   Chagan Lake Winter Fishing does not practice exhaustive fishing but follows the principle of "keeping the large and releasing the small." After each haul, workers sort the catch on-site. Fish meeting the size standard are loaded and sent to market, while young fish are released back into the lake, ensuring the lake's ecological balance.

2. Advantages of Fishing During the Frozen Period

   In winter, the lake surface is frozen, water temperature is stable, and fish activity slows down, concentrating in deeper areas, making centralized fishing easier. Furthermore, the low temperatures provide excellent natural preservation for the fish, allowing them to be stored for long periods without refrigeration, greatly enhancing transport efficiency and quality.

3. Combining Ecological Protection with Tourism

   In recent years, while developing winter fishing tourism, the Chagan Lake scenic area has strengthened monitoring and protection of the lake's water quality and fish resources. Through scientific management, it has achieved a win-win situation for both ecological conservation and economic development.

IV. How Tourists Can Participate in the Winter Fishing Experience

• Best Viewing Time: The peak period for winter fishing is from late December to mid-January each year. Especially around New Year's Day, the scenic area holds a grand Winter Fishing Festival, including the lake worship ceremony, the first fish auction, ice and snow entertainment, and other activities, making it an ideal time for visitors to experience.

• Booking Your Trip: You can book your Chagan Lake Winter Fishing tour through us. We recommend choosing a one-day or two-day package tour. Alternatively, opt for a 4-day combo package that includes both the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival and Chagan Lake Winter Fishing (4-day Harbin Ice Festival & Chagan Lake Winter Fishing Tour). Chagan Lake is about a 2-hour drive from Changchun and a 3-hour drive from Harbin.