Discover Henghe Reservoir: Your Go-To Free Fishing Spot in Jiangmen
As someone who’s spent weekends chasing catfish and tilapia across Guangdong’s waterways, I stumbled on a hidden treasure last month: Henghe Reservoir in Jiangmen. Tucked away in Enping’s Hengpo Town, this spot isn’t just a fishing spot-it’s a quiet escape from the city’s buzz. And the best part? It’s completely free to fish here. Let me walk you through why this should be your next weekend trip.
Location & How to Get There
Henghe Reservoir sits in Henghe Village, Hengpo Town, Enping City-about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Jiangmen. If you’re coming from Guangzhou or Shenzhen, take the Guangzhou-Maoming Expressway, exit at Enping North, and follow signs to Hengpo Town. The roads are well-paved, so even if you’re driving a regular car, you won’t hit any rough patches. Once you reach Henghe Village, the reservoir is hard to miss-look for the cluster of mango trees lining the shore; that’s your landmark.
Pro tip: Arrive before 7 AM on weekends. The parking area near the main shore fills up fast, but there’s extra space a 5-minute walk away if you don’t mind a short stroll.
What to Expect When Fishing at Henghe Reservoir
First off, the water here is crystal clear-way cleaner than some of the crowded reservoirs near Jiangmen’s city center. I’ve caught everything from 2-inch tilapia to 10-pound catfish here, and locals say there are also big carp hiding in the deeper spots near the dam. The best baits? For tilapia, use corn kernels or bread dough; for catfish, go for nightcrawlers or raw chicken liver.
- Best fishing times: Early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (4–7 PM) when the fish are most active
- Shore access: Most of the shore is flat and rocky, so you don’t need a boat-perfect for bank fishermen
- Facilities: There are a few small benches and a public restroom near the main entrance, but no on-site bait shops. Bring all your gear with you!
Beyond Fishing: The Relaxing Vibe of Henghe Reservoir
What makes this spot stand out isn’t just the free fishing-it’s the vibe. On my last trip, I sat next to a local grandpa who’s been fishing here for 20 years. He told me stories about how the reservoir used to be a hidden spot only locals knew, but now more people are finding it (thanks to word of mouth, I guess!). The air smells like jasmine from the nearby bushes, and you can hear birds chirping instead of car horns. It’s the kind of place where you can cast a line, read a book, and forget about work for a few hours.
If you’re not into fishing, bring a picnic blanket and sit by the shore. The view of the mountains in the distance is stunning, especially at sunset. I even saw a group of families having a barbecue once-just make sure to clean up after yourself, since there are no trash cans (locals take pride in keeping the area clean).
Final Tips for Your Visit
Before you head out, here are a few quick tips to make your trip smooth:
- Bring sunscreen and a hat-there’s not much shade on the main shore
- Pack enough water-no vending machines on site
- Respect the locals: Don’t litter, and if you catch a small fish, consider releasing it to keep the population healthy
Last week, I brought my cousin here, and she caught her first fish ever-a tiny tilapia. She’s already asking when we’re going back. That’s the magic of Henghe Reservoir: it’s not just about fishing-it’s about making simple, happy memories. If you’re tired of crowded, paid fishing spots, give this free gem a try. I promise you won’t regret it.