Crowds flock to fish below Tri An Hydropower Dam

At exactly noon on November 2, after Tri An Hydropower Company in Tri An Ward, Dong Nai City, halted releasing water through its spillway, the area below the dam quickly became bustling with activity. Hundreds of people flocked to the site carrying cast nets, fishing nets, landing nets and other fishing gear, eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated fish-catching season. They came not only from Tri An Ward and neighbouring localities but also from other provinces and cities to take part.

As the water receded, parts of the riverbed below the dam gradually came into view, prompting hundreds of people to wade into the water in search of fish. Some residents said fish were plentiful this year, with several large catches reported. However, not everyone was so lucky. While some managed to fill their baskets, others spent hours in the water only to return empty-handed. Despite the mixed results, the atmosphere remained cheerful. For many people, the outing was about more than catching fish. It was also an opportunity to meet, socialise and share in a familiar community activity along the Dong Nai River. The event also highlights the importance of protecting aquatic resources and practising responsible fishing to preserve this distinctive Tri An community tradition.

Tri An Ward police and other local authorities are on duty at access points to the spillway to maintain public order and ensure safety, while reminding residents to exercise caution when fishing. They are also working to prevent the use of electrofishing equipment and protect natural fish stocks. Photo: Quang Huy

The fish-catching activity below the spillway of the Tri An Hydropower Plant has become a familiar sight, eagerly awaited by local residents whenever the hydropower plant halts water releases. Photo: Quang Huy

A resident displays an Asian redtail catfish caught below the dam. Photo: Quang Huy

A large fish caught in the reservoir is brought ashore. Photo: Quang Huy

Freshly caught fish from Tri An Reservoir quickly attract buyers. Photo: Quang Huy

Residents arrive with nets, cast nets and other fishing gear, hoping for a good catch. Photo: Quang Huy

By Q. Huy – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho