My Unforgettable Day at Juwan Laoqiao Restaurant Fishing Ground
First Impressions & Location Breakdown
When a fellow angler told me about a low-key fishing spot tucked away in Xiangyang, I knew I had to check it out. Juwan Laoqiao Restaurant Fishing Ground is located in Group 3, Qinglong Village, Juwan Town, Zaoyang City— a quiet, rural spot that feels worlds away from the city hustle. As I pulled up, I was relieved to see plenty of paved parking space; no squeezing into muddy ditches or hiking a mile with my gear here.
What to Expect from the Fishing Experience
This isn’t some tiny pond where you cast twice and call it a day. The fishing ground is a 22-acre pond with a consistent 8-foot depth, which means the fish have plenty of room to grow and thrive. I spent six hours here last weekend, and here’s what I noticed right away:
- The water is clear and well-maintained, a good sign that the fish are healthy
- There’s a great mix of species, including big crucian carp, bream, common carp, and grass carp
- The crucian carp here are no joke—most of the ones I reeled in were over 1 pound, far bigger than what you’ll catch at city parks
The pricing is straightforward too: 9 yuan per pound of fish you catch. No hidden fees, no daily access charges—you only pay for what you take home. I left with 12 pounds of fresh, plump fish, and the cost was totally reasonable for the quality and fun I had.
Beyond Fishing: The On-Site Farm & Restaurant
What sets this spot apart from every other fishing ground I’ve visited is the attached farm and restaurant. After I’d worked up an appetite casting lines, I wandered over to the restaurant, and I’m so glad I did:
- The restaurant serves food sourced directly from their own farm: free-range chickens, geese, and fresh veggies picked that morning
- I ordered a braised free-range chicken and a plate of stir-fried greens, and everything tasted like it was straight from a family kitchen—no processed ingredients, just pure, fresh flavor
- The seating is casual and comfortable, perfect for cooling off with a cold drink after a long morning of fishing
The owners are warm and welcoming too—they even gave me a few tips on the best spots to cast for grass carp while I waited for my meal.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning a trip here, keep these pointers in mind to make the most of your day:
- Bring a medium-heavy fishing rod— the bigger carp put up a solid fight, and you don’t want to risk losing them with a flimsy setup
- Arrive early (before 8 AM) to beat the midday heat and claim the best fishing spots near the pond’s shaded edges
- Leave some time after fishing to try the restaurant’s food— it’s a great way to cap off a relaxing day outdoors
Honestly, I’ve already told three of my fishing buddies about this spot. It’s not the most well-known place in Xiangyang, but that’s part of its charm. You won’t find crowds of people jostling for space, just quiet, great fishing, and some of the freshest food you’ll ever eat. If you’re looking to escape the city and spend a day reeling in quality fish, this is the place to go.