Cycling to Explore Winter Fishing Spots: Icy Roads & Unfrozen Fishing Nooks
Winter Fishing: A Painful Yet Obsessive Season for Anglers
For many fishing enthusiasts, winter feels like a cruel joke. The cold nips at your fingers, ice crunches underfoot, and most waterways lock up tight—leaving you staring at a frozen expanse wondering, Where can I cast a line? I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through fishing forums and watching videos of diehard anglers braving blizzards to drop a hook through a tiny ice hole. Those clips aren’t just entertainment; they’re a reminder of the obsession that drives us: even when the odds are stacked against us, we’ll chase that next bite.
My 43km Winter Cycling Adventure: Scouting Spots for Spring
On December 23rd—the last day of the first “nine-day cold period” in the Chinese lunar calendar—I hopped on my bike with a dual mission: train my body for spring fishing and scout underused spots I’d never explored in winter. Three hours of cycling (and 43km later), I reached the western outskirts of my city, ready to see what hidden fishing nooks the cold had preserved.
First Stop: Yuqing Lake & Muli Village—Ice Everywhere, Except Where Birds Swim
My first stop was Muli Village near Yuqing Lake. Every river channel I saw was frozen solid… except for one tiny patch. A flock of water birds had been paddling there nonstop, keeping the water unfrozen. I spotted an older angler nearby, perched in his car and fishing through a small ice hole with a long rod. “You know,” I called out, “the north bank has an unfrozen corner too!” He nodded, grinning—some anglers stick to their routines, even when better spots are nearby.
Second Stop: Sili Village—A Ghost Town Once Full of Fishing Joy
Next, I pedaled to Sili Village, a spot that used to be a fishing paradise. Before 2025, it sat next to a wetland park, where I’d regularly catch big carp and plump crucian carp in random river branches. But today? It’s a fenced-off, abandoned ghost town. The roads were quiet, with only a few tire tracks from snowplows. The old fishing spots I remembered—where friends and I laughed as we reeled in catches—felt lonely now, buried under a thin layer of snow.
Third Stop: Qihe Yellow River Bridge—Nostalgia & Empty Banks
As I approached the Qihe Yellow River Bridge, memories hit me. A few years back, I met a fellow angler named Lao Tie here (we bonded over my bike-fishing gear, which made me stand out from the car-bound crowd). Now, the bridge loomed over empty riverbanks. The old fishing spots were still there, but the snow and silence made them feel forgotten. I paused to snap a photo, missing the sound of Lao Tie’s laugh and the splash of a big fish.
Fourth Stop: Niangniang Temple & Zhangjia Zhai—Promising Spots Ruined by Poachers
I navigated to Zhangjia Zhai, a village near Niangniang Temple that used to have a small river connected to the wetland park. Back in the day, the fishing here was great—until a few years ago, when fences went up. Today, the fences were toppled, so I snuck in, excited to explore… until a local elder shook his head. “This place is ruined,” he said. “Poachers with electric rods hit it every week. No fish left.” My heart sank—another spot gone to waste.
Fifth Stop: South-to-North Water Diversion Canal—Forbidden, But a Hidden Nook Unlocked
My final stop was the South-to-North Water Diversion Canal, a massive waterway that’s strictly off-limits to fishing. I stared at the wide, open water, jealous—until I spotted something: a small ditch on the south side, completely unfrozen. The water was clear, flowing (probably connected to the main canal), and looked perfect for a quick winter cast. I took a few photos, wondering if it’s worth a try once spring comes (and if the poachers stay away).
Wrapping Up: A Winter Ride Full of Memories (and No Fish)
By the end of my 43km ride, I hadn’t caught a single fish. Most spots were frozen, some were abandoned, and others were ruined by poachers. But as I pedaled home, I didn’t feel disappointed. Winter fishing isn’t about the catch—it’s about the chase, the memories, and the little surprises (like that unfrozen ditch by the canal). I even wrote a quick poem to sum it up:
Cycled miles to scout fishing spots, winter bites all gone;
Old joys fade like snowflakes, where’s my hometown’s fishing home?
Next time you’re craving a winter fishing fix, remember: look for bird activity (they keep water unfrozen), scout old spots (even abandoned ones might have surprises), and never underestimate the power of a bike to reach hidden nooks. If you’ve fished any of these spots (or have tips for the ditch by the canal), drop a comment—I’d love to hear your stories.
