Fishing in Shanghai and Surroundings

From freshwater lakes to open sea: best spots, fish species, seasons, prices and licenses. Fishing tours with a Russian‑speaking guide.

Did you know? The Yangtze River Delta is one of the fish‑richest regions in China, with over 100 species of freshwater and marine fish. Fishing traditions here date back thousands of years, and today fishing has become a popular leisure activity for both locals and tourists. Within a 2–3 hour drive from Shanghai, dozens of excellent fishing spots await – from large lakes to the open sea around scenic islands.

Best fishing spots near Shanghai

Dianshan Lake (淀山湖)

Freshwater 1.5 hours Easy

Dianshan Lake is the largest freshwater body near Shanghai, located on the border with Jiangsu province. Its area is about 62 km². Rich in natural food, the lake is home to many fish species: carp, grass carp, silver carp, crucian carp, perch, snakehead. There are several well‑equipped recreation bases with piers and rental boats.

Fish species Carp, grass carp, silver carp, perch, crucian carp, snakehead.
Seasonality Year‑round, best bite April–October.
Facilities Piers, boat rental, pay‑and‑fish ponds with guaranteed catch.
Cost Entry from 50 yuan, gear rental ~30 yuan, boat ~100 yuan/hour.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: By car via G50 to the Dianshanhu exit, then follow signs. Or by bus from Shuangjing station (Line 1) to Dianshanhu stop.
  • License: Not required on private bases; in public areas a license is needed (~50 yuan/day, can be obtained on site).
  • Opening hours: Bases usually 7:00–18:00.
  • Guide tip: Best to come at dawn when the fish are most active. You can have your catch cooked on site.

Huangpu River (黄浦江) — urban fishing

Freshwater Within the city Easy

Fishing is allowed in certain sections of the Huangpu River that flows through central Shanghai (mostly upstream, outside the city centre). Here you can catch crucian carp, perch, and occasionally pike and catfish. The spot is popular among local retirees.

Fish species Crucian carp, perch, catfish, roach.
Seasonality Year‑round, slower in winter.
Facilities Bank fishing only, boats prohibited.
Cost Free (with license).

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Sections above Songpu Bridge (Songjiang, Minhang districts). Convenient by taxi to the embankment.
  • License: Mandatory (can be obtained online or at issuance points).
  • Guide tip: Early morning is best. Eating fish from the river is not recommended due to water quality concerns.

Pay‑and‑fish ponds (付费钓鱼塘 Fùfèi diàoyú táng) — Songjiang, Qingpu

Commercial 1–1.5 hours Easy

In the suburbs of Shanghai (Songjiang, Qingpu, Fengxian districts) there are many private fishing farms – “pay‑and‑fish ponds”. They are an excellent choice for guaranteed fishing: the ponds are stocked with carp, trout, sturgeon, catfish. Often there are picnic shelters, barbecues, and you can have your catch cooked. Perfect for a family or friends’ outing.

Fish species Carp, trout, sturgeon, grass carp, catfish, pike.
Seasonality Year‑round, except on fishing‑out days.
Services Gear rental, bait, shelters, cafe, fish smoking.
Cost Entry 100–200 yuan, catch paid separately (from 20 yuan/kg).

Practical information:

  • How to get there: By car or taxi. It is convenient to book a transfer with a guide.
  • License: Not required.
  • Popular bases:
    • “Fisherman's Wharf” in Songjiang — 渔人码头 (Yúrén mǎtóu)
    • “Dongping Fishing Club” in Qingpu — 东平钓鱼俱乐部 (Dōngpíng diàoyú jùlèbù)

Sea fishing – Shengsi Archipelago (嵊泗列岛 Shèngsì lièdǎo)

Sea fishing 3 hours (ferry) Moderate

The Shengsi Archipelago in the East China Sea is a mecca for sea fishing. Over 400 islands with crystal‑clear water and a rich underwater world. Here you can catch sea bass, halibut, croaker, flounder, mackerel, snapper, as well as squid and crabs. Fishing boat tours with experienced captains are available.

Fish species Sea bass, halibut, croaker, flounder, mackerel, snapper.
Seasonality May–October (best), fewer species in winter.
Tour types Coastal fishing from a boat (4–6 hours) or open‑sea trips (8–12 hours).
Cost From 500 yuan per person (includes boat, gear, bait).

Practical information:

  • How to get there: Bus or car to Shengsi Pier, then ferry to the islands (about 1.5–2 hours).
  • License: Not required, but a permit to go to sea is needed (arranged by the captain).
  • Guide tip: Bring warm clothes even in summer – it is windy at sea. You can book an overnight tour on the island.

Chongming Island (崇明岛 Chóngmíng dǎo) — Yangtze Estuary

Mixed 1.5 hours Easy

The largest island in the Yangtze estuary. Here you can fish both in freshwater canals and lakes (carp, crucian carp, snakehead) and in brackish coastal waters (mullet, croaker, flounder). The island is known for its eco‑friendly farms and peaceful atmosphere.

Fish species Carp, crucian carp, snakehead, mullet, croaker, flounder.
Seasonality Year‑round.
Facilities Pay‑and‑fish bases and wild spots available.
Cost Entry from 50 yuan.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: By car via the Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel/Bridge.
  • License: Required for wild spots, not required on bases.
  • Guide tip: Visit Dongtan Wetland (东滩湿地 Dōngtān shīdì) – good fishing for mullet.

🎣 Fishing licenses and regulations in Shanghai

Freshwater license Required for fishing in public waters (lakes, rivers). Cost: 50–100 yuan per year. Can be obtained online via WeChat or at administrative centres.
Commercial ponds License not required. Pay for entry or by weight of caught fish. Some ponds have a “no‑kill” rule for certain species.
Sea fishing Usually no license required, but a boat owner’s permission is necessary. Some species (e.g., tuna) may have quotas.
Restrictions Fishing with nets, electric rods, explosives is prohibited. Minimum size for many species is 15 cm. Seasonal spawning bans (usually April–June) may be applied in certain waters.

Frequently asked questions about fishing in Shanghai

Do I need a fishing license in Shanghai?

Yes, freshwater fishing in public waters requires a license (about 50–100 yuan per year). Private pay ponds do not require a license – the fee is included. Sea fishing usually does not require a license, but a boat owner's permission may be needed when going out to sea.

What fish species can be found in waters near Shanghai?

In freshwater: carp, grass carp, silver carp, perch, snakehead, crucian carp. In the sea around Shengsi islands: sea bass, croaker, halibut, flounder, mackerel, snapper.

Where is the best fishing spot around Shanghai?

The most popular freshwater spot is Dianshan Lake (1.5 hours from the city). For sea fishing, the Shengsi islands (3 hours by ferry) are ideal. There are also many pay‑and‑fish ponds in suburbs such as Songjiang and Qingpu.

How much does fishing cost at commercial ponds?

Entry is usually 100–200 yuan per person. The catch may be paid separately (from 20 yuan/kg) or included in the price up to a certain limit. Some bases operate on a catch‑and‑release basis with no extra fee.

Is it safe to eat fish caught from the Huangpu River?

It is not recommended, especially within the city, due to water quality concerns. Better to choose lakes, clean ponds, or the sea.

🏕️ Useful tips for anglers

Gear On pay‑and‑fish bases you can rent rods and reels (~30 yuan). But it is better to bring your own if you plan serious fishing.
Bait Bases usually sell dough, corn, worms. For sea fishing, use shrimp, pieces of fish, artificial lures.
Best time of day The best bite is early morning (5:00–9:00) and evening (16:00–19:00).
Language At many bases, staff do not speak English. Better to go with a Russian guide or use a translator.
Weather Wind and rain can ruin a fishing trip. Check the forecast. For sea trips, marine weather is crucial.
Catch At some bases you can have your catch prepared on the spot: fried, made into soup, or smoked (extra charge).

Organising a fishing tour with a Russian guide

✓ Russian‑speaking fishing guide
✓ Transfer from hotel in a comfortable car
✓ Help with licenses, gear, bait
✓ Custom itinerary based on your experience and wishes
Book a fishing trip

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