My Unexpected Gem: Fishing at Wangjia Reservoir in Jiujiang
Last weekend, I was craving a quiet fishing trip away from the crowded city lakes, so I asked a local friend in Jiujiang for a secret spot. He immediately mentioned Wangjia Reservoir—“a tiny, underrated place where locals sneak off to fish.” Intrigued, I packed my rod, some bait, and a thermos of tea, then hit the road to Xingzi County. What I found there turned out to be one of my favorite fishing experiences this year.
Where Exactly Is Wangjia Reservoir?
Wangjia Reservoir sits in Hualin Town, Xingzi County, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. The exact location? About 2000 meters northwest of Hengshan Gong Village. Don’t worry about getting lost—even though it’s a bit off the main road, the directions from locals are straightforward, and once you see the small, sparkling body of water surrounded by green hills, you’ll know you’re there.
The Best Part: It’s 100% Free!
Let’s cut to the chase—this spot is completely free. No entry fees, no per-fish charges, no hidden costs. As someone who’s tired of paying exorbitant prices at commercial fishing ponds, this was a huge relief. I set up my gear by the shore, and within 10 minutes, I felt a tiny tug on my line. Turns out, the reservoir is teeming with small fish—think crucian carp and minnows. They kept me busy for the first hour, which was perfect for getting into the rhythm of fishing.
What’s the Fishing Like Here?
The reservoir is small, but don’t let that fool you. The water is surprisingly deep, which means there are bigger fish hiding below the surface. Around mid-morning, I felt a much stronger pull—after a 5-minute struggle, I reeled in a 2-pound grass carp! The locals nearby cheered, saying “You got lucky—those big ones don’t bite often, but when they do, it’s a fight.” Even if you don’t catch a monster, the constant nibbles from small fish keep you engaged, so you’ll never feel bored.
Bonus Perks: Parking & Scenery
One thing I hate about remote fishing spots is struggling to park, but Wangjia Reservoir has a small, flat area right by the shore where you can pull over your car easily. No need to hike with heavy gear—just unload and start fishing.
The scenery is another highlight. The reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and dense trees, so the air smells like pine and fresh water. I sat there, listening to birds chirp and watching the sunlight dance on the water, and forgot all about my work stress. It’s not just a fishing spot—it’s a little slice of nature to unwind.
Tips for Your Trip
- Bring small bait (like worms or corn) for the tiny fish, and bigger bait (like dough balls) if you’re targeting larger ones.
- Wear non-slip shoes—the shore can be muddy after rain.
- Pack snacks and water—there are no shops nearby, so come prepared.
- Go early (around 7-8 AM) for the best chance at big fish—they’re more active in the cool morning air.
On my way back, I met an old local who’s been fishing at Wangjia Reservoir for 10 years. He said, “This place hasn’t changed much—still quiet, still free, still full of fish.” That’s exactly why I loved it. It’s not a fancy resort, just a simple, honest fishing spot where you can relax and enjoy the moment. If you’re in Jiujiang and want to escape the hustle, Wangjia Reservoir is the place to go. I’m already planning my next trip—maybe I’ll catch an even bigger fish next time!
