Fishing at Indawgyi Lake, Myanmar

Fishing at Indawgyi Lake, Kachin State, Myanmar

When it comes to lakes that I, mr.hotsia, have visited and been impressed by the abundance of fish, I must mentionIndawgyi Lakein Kachin State, Myanmar. This place is one of the freshwater sources where I have never seen so many fish before, both in quantity and variety. Although the focus is on small fish like the scale fish caught by locals using small nets about 5 centimeters in size at the water surface, there are also larger fish such as tilapia and snakehead fish drifting in the water. Catfish species are found but not in large numbers.

The fishing methods of the locals here are simple. They use fish traps, snares, or various nets suitable for the types and sizes of fish in this lake. I had the chance to walk to the lakeshore and observe small boats preparing to go fishing. I did not hesitate to talk to the locals and asked permission to join their boat trip in exchange for helping with fuel costs and sharing meals with them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It was a rare and profound experience, seeing the real lifestyle of local fishermen—from preparing equipment, catching fish, to cooking fresh fish dishes.

No matter how close I became with the locals, official accommodation for tourists is only available at the military guesthouse in Indawgyi town. Local houses are not open for overnight stays due to safety reasons and strict area control by military authorities overseeing this region.

Traveling to Indawgyi Lake

Visiting Indawgyi Lake is not as complicated as you might think. From Mandalay, I, mr.hotsia, chose to take a VIP sleeper bus departing at 3 PM. It took just over an hour on roads that are being improved significantly, arriving in Myitkyina the next morning (read more aboutTravel to Myitkyina)

From Myitkyina, I took a shared truck to Hopin, a small town with a colorful morning market perfect for strolling and enjoying local breakfast. Then I took another shared truck for about 1.5 hours to reach Indawgyi Lake. The journey was continuous, with people offering vehicle and guide services at drop-off points. Travel convenience in Kachin State has greatly improved compared to the past.

Accommodation in Indawgyi town is limited, mostly military guesthouses or homestays under military supervision. The room I stayed at was Indawgyi Mahar Guesthouse, reasonably priced at about 300 baht per night, and there was always availability without advance booking.

Lifestyle and Food of Indawgyi Fishermen

I, mr.hotsia, stayed with the locals during fishing hours from morning till evening, witnessing a simple lifestyle full of patience and friendliness. Eating meals with locals who just caught fresh fish was a rare experience. Most dishes were made from freshly caught fish such as grilled fish, fish soup, or spicy local fish curry served with hot steamed rice made from sticky or regular rice.

Interestingly, small fish are made into fish balls or Burmese-style fermented fish (ngapi), which have a unique character similar to what I saw at the Myitkyina morning market (read more aboutMyitkyina Morning Market) where fish are beautifully arranged on fresh green leaves.

Impressions and Recommendations from mr.hotsia

Visiting Indawgyi Lake gave me a deep experience of lakeside living and traditional fishing methods preserved by locals. Although this area is not as comfortable as typical tourist spots, what you gain is a close connection to nature and authentic culture.

For those who want to follow my journey, I recommend preparing physically and mentally for a trip that may not be very comfortable. Also, understand the strict regulations enforced by military authorities and sincerely respect the locals' way of life.

For more information about traveling in Kachin State and Myitkyina, including accommodation and local food, you can read my articles atTravel to Indawgyi Lake, Kachin StateandTravel to Myitkyinaright away.

Finally, Indawgyi Lake is a destination that I, mr.hotsia, want everyone to open their hearts and experience for themselves. Besides seeing unusual fish and fishing methods, you will witness the fishermen's lifestyle closely tied to nature, a charm rarely found in today's world.