The season for hunting for cool-weather fish in the Giang River.

Found abundantly in the Giang River, the catfish are only about the size of two or three adult fingers, with the largest weighing only 0.5kg to 0.8kg. They have 3 to 6 black spots on their bodies and pink fins. This species typically lives in schools in rocky crevices and areas with fast-flowing water.

Catching catfish in the Giang River. Photo: Ba Hau

From dusk onwards, the catfish begin to search for insects on the water's surface and algae clinging to the banks. After feeding, they move on to find companions in the water.

Mr. Vi Van Coc, from Xieng village, Mon Son commune, Con Cuong district, who has many years of experience catching catfish on the Giang River, said: “Currently, it’s catfish season, so every night I take advantage of the opportunity to go fishing from midnight until dawn. The fish are caught using manual tools such as nets, seines, traps, or diving. Fishing for this type of fish is mainly done at night because at this time the fish usually swim in schools, and the fish are tastier.” Each night, Mr. Coc catches 6-7 kg of fish, selling each kg for 250-300 thousand dong.

The essential equipment for nighttime fishing includes a headlamp. Photo: Bá Hậu

Freshly caught fish are directly purchased by traders from the fishermen's homes and supplied to restaurants and eateries. This type of fish is popular in the market because it is both healthy and nutritious, with delicious, flavorful meat, and is low in fat and bones. It is especially beneficial for increasing milk production and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Besides simple braising methods like other types of fish, people in the mountainous regions also grill fish directly over charcoal and spread it out on the kitchen floor to braise and eat gradually, or cook it in a stew...

To grill the fish, you need fresh bamboo skewers to hold each fish from head to tail. Pour charcoal into an earthenware pot with an iron grate covering it, then place the skewers of fish on top. Fan the fire while grilling, turning the fish evenly on both sides until it turns golden brown, releases its fat, and emits a fragrant aroma.

When grilling, the fish is cut into individual portions for easier grilling and turning. Photo: Bá Hậu

The "cá mát" fish is now considered a specialty dish in the western part of Nghe An province. Many even say that tourists who visit Con Cuong and haven't tasted "cá mát" haven't truly been to Con Cuong.

Ms. Phan Thi Ha, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: "This is my first time here. Besides the dreamy and beautiful natural scenery, the food also left a lasting impression on us, especially the grilled catfish, which was very delicious and unforgettable."

Grilled catfish - an attractive specialty dish in Con Cuong. Photo: PV.

Currently, the unique species of catfish is found only in the western districts of Nghe An province, living along the Giang River. In recent years, thanks to effective protection of aquatic resources and strict prohibition of destructive fishing practices, the catfish population in the Giang River has grown rapidly, bringing significant income to people in the upstream areas of Khe Nong.