Discovering Honglian Reservoir: My First Fishing Trip in Harbin
When I first heard about Honglian Reservoir from a local angler in Harbin, I was skeptical. I’d tried several fishing spots around the city, but most felt overcrowded or lacked the peaceful vibe I craved. But this friend insisted: “You have to check out Honglian—big water, great fish, and no chaos.” So on a crisp Saturday morning, I packed my rod, lures, and a thermos of hot tea, and set off for the reservoir.
Location & How to Get There
Honglian Reservoir is in Shangzhi City, about an hour’s drive from downtown Harbin (depending on traffic). The exact spot? 1 kilometer west of Honglian Village in Zhiguang Township. If you’re using Google Maps, just search “Honglian Reservoir Fishing Spot” and the directions are spot-on. The road from Harbin is well-paved, and there’s plenty of parking near the entrance—no fighting for a spot here, which was a huge plus.
Cost & Facilities
First things first: the fee is 80 yuan per day. That’s pretty standard for Harbin fishing spots, but what surprised me was how worth it it felt. There are clean portable toilets near the main fishing areas, and a small snack stand selling hot dogs, noodles, and cold drinks. I didn’t see any rental equipment, so make sure to bring your own rod, reel, and tackle—though locals said you can sometimes borrow gear from the stand if you ask nicely.
Fishing Experience & What to Expect
The reservoir is massive—way bigger than I imagined. There are several designated fishing zones, so you don’t have to crowd next to other anglers. I set up near the northern shore, where the water was calm and shaded by willow trees. Within 20 minutes, I caught a 1.2kg carp—my first big catch in months! The water is clear, and you can sometimes see fish jumping near the surface, which is super exciting.
Locals told me the reservoir is stocked with carp, crucian carp, and even some catfish. They recommended using corn or worms as bait—something I’ll definitely try next time. The only thing to watch out for? The wind can pick up in the afternoon, so bring a hat and maybe a windbreaker if it’s cool out.
Why Honglian Reservoir Stands Out
- Space: No elbow-to-elbow fishing here—you can spread out and enjoy the quiet.
- Scenery: The surrounding hills and trees make it feel like a nature retreat, not just a fishing spot.
- Value: 80 yuan for a full day of fishing is a steal, especially compared to some of the pricier spots in the city.
Final Thoughts: Would I Come Back?
Absolutely. I left Honglian Reservoir with a full bucket of fish, a sun-kissed face, and a new favorite spot in Harbin. If you’re tired of the busy city and want to unwind with some fishing, this is the place to go. Just remember to clean up after yourself—locals take pride in keeping the reservoir clean, and it’s only fair to respect that.
Next time, I’m planning to bring a friend and spend the whole day—maybe even try night fishing, which some locals swear by. If you’ve been to Honglian Reservoir, drop a comment below about your favorite catch. Until then, tight lines!
