Fishermen at Chagan Lake in northeast China's Jilin Province celebrated a triumphant start to the 2025 winter fishing season, hauling over 50,000 kilograms of fish in their first "red net" operation this week. The annual ice fishing festival, now in full swing, showcases both traditional practices and modern sustainability efforts that are transforming this frozen wonderland into an economic and cultural hub.
This year's initial catch follows record-breaking 2024 yields, with the lake's historic single-net haul standing at 260,000 kilograms. Local authorities credit improved fish density to advanced stock management techniques and ecological preservation measures implemented since 2023. "The science ensures sustainability while honoring our ancestors' methods," explained veteran fisherman Wang Lijun, 58, as he prepared traditional horse-drawn绞盘 (winches) for the next catch.
The festival attracts over 1 million visitors annually, combining cultural tourism with commercial fishing operations that generate vital income for regional communities. Recent infrastructure upgrades have improved cold chain logistics, enabling fresh Chagan Lake fish to reach markets across Asia within 24 hours of being caught.
