A Day at Shangzhuang Reservoir: Catching a Big Batch of Fish Amidst Record-Breaking Heat

Let me tell you, last year’s Dragon Boat Festival was no joke. Beijing hit 40°C (that’s 104°F for my US pals) for two straight days—June 23rd and 24th. I’m talking “feels like you’re melting” hot, like the sun decided to turn up the thermostat and take a coffee break. My original plan was night fishing, but life had other ideas, so I had to pivot to daytime. Ugh, I knew this was risky—when it’s that hot, the river water barely cools down at night, right? Fish just don’t bite as well. So I crossed my fingers and bet on the “early bite” window. If you’ve ever swum in wild spots, you know: deep water (over 2 meters) with weeds and current stays way cooler than the surface. That’s where the fish would be hiding.

Setting Up Shop: Rods, Depths, and the Struggle with Current

First, I grabbed my 6.3-meter rod—no half measures here. The water there was 2.6 to 2.7 meters deep, perfect for the cool bottom layer. My setup? 1.2-pound main line, 0.8-pound leader, a 3-gram float. I went with “level float, two eyes” (for non-anglers: that means adjusting the float so it sits level with the water, then setting the hook to catch at two “eyes” of the float—super simple for beginners). Now, Shangzhuang Reservoir has a little current—first west to east, then east to west later in the day. Add wind, and the float’s bobbing around like a toy in a wave pool. Trying to read bites? Impossible. That’s why this simple setup was a lifesaver.

Testing the Theory: Short Rod vs. Long Rod

I wanted to confirm my “deep water = more fish” hunch, so I set up a second rod: 4.5 meters, only 2 meters deep (shallow, risky for weeds). For that, I used 1.5-pound main, 0.8-pound leader, 2-gram float—same “level float, two eyes” setup. Let’s just say the long rod won… big time.

Day 1 (June 23rd): 6am to 930am – Non-Stop Action (Sort Of)

Got there at 6am, and man, the bite started right on cue. By 7am, it was a frenzy—dropped the bait, got a bite immediately. I ended up with 28 crucian carp in the basin by 930am, and while I was sorting them, I landed 5-6 more. Almost all of those came from the long rod—my hunch was 100% right! But wait, the downside? I ran two rods, and the long one was a “big cast” (throwing it far). I’d cast, prop it on the rod holder, then check the short rod… and that’s when I lost fish. Like, 30+ fish got away! That’s crazy—same number as I caught. Total bummer, but I was too hyped from the action to care too much.

Oh, and that one big crucian? The “board” (as we call ’em) that felt amazing? I didn’t use the net, just reeled it in slow… and right at my feet, it flipped and bolted. Ugh, still stings thinking about it. But hey, the rest of the catch was solid, and the local guys at nearby spots had similar hauls—so it wasn’t just me.

Day 2 (June 24th): A Bit Slower, But Still Fun

Next day, same time—6am. The bite started right at 6am again, but died earlier: by 830am, it was basically over. I ended up with 21 crucian carp. Why the drop? It was way muggier—you could feel the humidity choking you. Fish were definitely floating up (not staying at the bottom anymore). I thought about switching to “3 eyes, 3 eyes” (adjusting the float to sit 3 eyes above water, hook 3 eyes down) or using “fly lead” (moving the weight up to find the fish layer), but it was so hot and sticky I just couldn’t be bothered. Packed up and headed home—no shame in that.

The Bait That Worked (Even in 40°C Heat)

Both days, I used the same mix—super simple, no fancy stuff:

• Blue Crucian Carp (sweet fishy scent)
• Strawberry Crucian Carp (adds a fruity twist)
• Musk Rice (attracts fish with scent)
• A little silk powder (to make the bait stick together)
• Plus fruit acid (key for hot days—cuts through the heat stress)

I also threw a handful of red worm pellets to make a “bait spot” (where fish hang out). At first, I was nervous—40°C is unheard of, I thought I’d catch nothing. But once I saw bubbles (fish feeding signs) popping up, and started getting small “runs” (multiple bites in a row) at 7am? My confidence shot through the roof. The sweet bait didn’t attract tiny fish (no “nuisance bites”), which made fishing way more relaxing. Win-win.

The “Oops” Moment: Hooked Myself (Twice!)

Let’s get real—fishing isn’t all glory. When I was cleaning my gear after day 2? I hooked myself. Not a big hook, but enough to make me yelp. And guess what? I did the same thing the day before, but didn’t take a pic. Dumb, I know, but that tiny crucian in the pic? So cute, right? Worth the hook poke.

All Fish Go Back (Except a Few for the Turtle)

Here’s the thing: I released every crucian carp. No exceptions. A few whitebaits? I took those home to feed my turtle—he’s got a big appetite, so that’s a win for him. And honestly? I’m sticking to night fishing from now on. Daytime in 40°C? No thanks. I’m not a lizard, even if the sun thinks I am.

So that’s my Dragon Boat Festival fishing story—record heat, lost fish, hooked myself, but still caught a ton. If you’re heading to Shangzhuang Reservoir this summer, remember: early morning is your friend, deep water is where the fish hide, and don’t forget fruit acid in your bait. And for the love of all things fishing—watch where you’re putting your hooks! 😉