Discover Xianxia Lake Jucun: My Go-To Free Fishing Spot in Quzhou
As an avid angler based in eastern China, I’m always on the hunt for underrated fishing spots that don’t break the bank. Last month, a fellow fishing buddy told me about Xianxia Lake Jucun in Quzhou, and let me tell you—it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots to cast a line. I’ve made three trips there already, and each time, I leave with a smile (and sometimes a cooler full of catch).
What Makes Xianxia Lake Jucun Special?
First off, let’s talk about the big win: this spot is 100% free. No daily entry fees, no hidden costs for boat access, just you, your gear, and the open water. That’s a huge plus for anglers who want to fish without worrying about their wallet.
Jucun sits upstream on Xianxia Lake, which means the water stays relatively clear, and the fish population is steady from year to year. On my first trip, I went right after a small rainstorm that caused a minor water level rise, and I couldn’t believe my luck—I reeled in 8 pounds of carp and bream in just four hours. Local anglers told me that the best catches almost always happen right after a water level rise, so keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out.
Getting to Xianxia Lake Jucun
Located about 30 minutes away from Xiaohunan Town, the drive to Jucun is part of the adventure—but it’s not for the faint of heart. The road winds through mountainous terrain, with sharp turns and narrow stretches, so make sure to drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road. If you’re driving a larger vehicle like an SUV, you’ll still make it, but take extra care on the hairpin turns.
Pro tip I learned from locals: Arrive early, before 7 a.m. if you can. The parking area is small, and it fills up fast on weekends and public holidays. You don’t want to drive all that way just to find no place to leave your car.
A Quick Note on Protecting This Hidden Gem
Here’s the thing: spots like Jucun are rare, and they’re easy to lose if we don’t take care of them. On my last trip, I noticed a few discarded plastic bags and fishing lines left on the shore, and it made my stomach drop. Local anglers told me there’s a growing worry that if the area gets too polluted, Xiaohunan Reservoir might close Jucun to all anglers.
That would be a devastating loss for everyone who loves this spot. So here’s my request, as someone who’s fallen in love with Jucun:
- Bring a trash bag with you every time you fish, and take all your garbage—including fishing lines, snack wrappers, and empty bait containers—with you when you leave.
- Don’t leave any leftover bait in the water. Unused bait can disrupt the lake’s natural ecosystem and harm smaller fish.
- Respect the local wildlife and plants. Don’t cut down trees for shade, and avoid disturbing bird nests along the shore.
I’ve started keeping an extra trash bag in my fishing gear at all times, and now I pick up any trash I see even if it’s not mine. It’s a small effort, but if all of us do it, we can keep Jucun clean and open for years to come.
My Final Thought for Fellow Anglers
If you’re in Quzhou or planning a fishing trip to the area, do yourself a favor and check out Xianxia Lake Jucun. It’s not the easiest spot to get to, and you might have to wait for the right weather to get a great catch, but that’s part of the fun. There’s something special about fishing in a quiet, unspoiled spot where you can hear nothing but the wind and the water.
Just remember: treat this spot like you would your own backyard. Take care of it, and it’ll keep rewarding you with great fishing days for years. If you do go, drop a comment here later—I’d love to hear about your catch!