The Tri An Hydropower Plant in the southern province closed its floodgates Wednesday after opening it for five days to release water. It was the second time this year that the plant had done this.
Both times, hundreds of locals come to the plant, armed with nets and spears to hunt fish.
Hien of Ma Da Commune of Vinh Cuu District is ecstatic after catching a 20kg Mekong giant catfish.
"Many wanted to buy the fish for several million dong, but I refused. This fish is my good luck charm," he said.
(VND1 million = $44)
"These fish have a lot of fins so I have to be careful when removing them from the net, or the net will be damaged," Hien added.
Some people sat on floats and buoys to cast their nets and catch the fish at leisure.
"My house is nearby, so I come here every year to catch fish. I do it either to gift my friends, or just as a way to relieve stress after a long day at work," said Thang.
Some people cast a net wide in the water.
"We take turns to hold the nets, hoping that there will be enough fish at the end of the day to take home," said a young woman.
After spending over an hour catching the fish, many sold their catch for around VND15,000 a kilogram.
"As the dam only opened for a short time, there was not as much fish as before," said one seller.
Locals said that fish often swim upstream when the floodgates are opened and gather in one place when they hit the dam.
People gather alongside the dam to buy fish. Prices typically range from VND20,000-40,000 per kilogram for me (barbs), and VND150,000-200,000 per kilogram for lang (Hemibagrus guttatus, a bony, spotted catfish variety).
A man takes a handsome catch home after spending several hours catching the fish.
"I won't sell them, I will share it with my family and neighbors," he said.
