Discover Duanshiqiao Reservoir: Your Go-To Free Fishing Spot in Nanchong
Last weekend, I packed my fishing gear and headed to Duanshiqiao Reservoir, a spot I’d heard whispers about from local anglers in Nanchong. Tucked away in Gaoping District’s Yanjia Township, this reservoir isn’t just a fishing destination-it’s a little slice of tranquility that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle. What first caught my eye? The big “free fishing” sign-no hidden fees, no membership required. That’s a rare find in China’s popular angling spots, so I knew I had to check it out.
Location & How to Get There
Duanshiqiao Reservoir sits in Sifangpo Village, Yanjia Township, Nanchong. Getting there is surprisingly easy, even if you’re not from the area:
- If driving: Plug “Duanshiqiao Reservoir Nanchong” into your GPS-most navigation apps have the spot marked clearly. The roads are well-paved until the final kilometer, where you’ll take a small country road (wide enough for two cars, so no stress).
- If taking public transport: Catch a bus from Nanchong’s main bus station to Yanjia Township. From the township, you can hire a local motorbike taxi (costs around 10-1 yuan) or walk 200 meters-just follow the signs for the reservoir.
The drive in is half the fun, too. You’ll pass rolling green hills and small villages, with the reservoir peeking through the trees long before you arrive. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you slow down and breathe deep.
Why Anglers Love Duanshiqiao Reservoir
Let’s get to the good stuff-what makes this spot worth your time? For starters, the water is clean and clear, which means the fish are healthy and active. I set up my rod near the western shore (a local tip I got from a fisherman named Lao Wang) and within 20 minutes, I had a 1.2-pound crucian carp on the line. Other anglers nearby were pulling in grass carp and even a few small mandarin fish-proof the reservoir has a diverse stock.
Then there’s the vibe. Unlike crowded commercial fishing spots, Duanshiqiao is quiet. You’ll hear the sound of water lapping the shore, birds chirping in the surrounding trees, and the occasional laugh from a fellow angler. Lao Wang, who’s been fishing here for 5 years, told me: “No one rushes here. It’s not about catching the most fish-it’s about enjoying the day.”
Amenities & Tips for Your Visit
While Duanshiqiao is free, it’s still well-equipped for a comfortable day out:
- Basic facilities: There are clean public toilets near the main parking area, and a small snack stall selling bottled water, instant noodles, and local snacks (perfect for a mid-day break).
- Best fishing times: Local anglers swear by early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM) when the fish are most active. Avoid midday in summer-sun is strong, and fish tend to hide deeper.
- Bring essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent (the trees have a few mosquitoes), and a folding chair (there are no benches in all spots). If you’re staying late, bring a flashlight-cell service is spotty after dark, so it’s easy to get turned around.
My Personal Experience
I spent 6 hours at Duanshiqiao, and it’s easily one of my favorite fishing trips this year. I caught 3 crucian carp and 2 grass carp, all of which I released (I prefer catch-and-release, but many anglers take their catch home-no rules against it). What stuck with me most was the peace. I didn’t check my phone once, didn’t stress about work-just focused on the water and the quiet. On my way out, I stopped at the snack stall and had a bowl of local noodles with Lao Wang. He even gave me a tip for next time: try using corn bait in autumn, when the fish go crazy for it.
Before you leave, make sure to take a walk around the reservoir’s southern shore. There’s a small wooden bridge that offers great views of the water and the surrounding hills-perfect for a quick photo op.
