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We get it—while hiking and cycling are great when you are looking for a workout alternative, sometimes you just want to get a little adventurous and bask in the outdoors without having to rough it too much. Enjoyed by families and thrill-seekers alike, fishing is one of the rare few outdoor sports that is equal parts relaxing and exciting. And luckily, our city is surrounded by water, and you don’t have to travel far for some fishing fun. If you’re ready for a leisurely challenge, hit up one of the best fishing spots in Hong Kong and get ready to reel in a great catch!
If you are new to the world of fishing and feeling slightly intimidated, then a great place to start is at one of the artificial fishponds in Yuen Long, where calm waters and regular stocking of fish make for easy yet satisfying catches.
Set against the beautiful sunset scenery of Lau Fau Shan, Happy Fish Farm is not only a stunning location, but it’s also the largest artificial fishing pond in the city, boasting an area of nearly 120,000 square feet and plenty of sizeable fish to go around. You’ll find all sorts of freshwater bounties here, such as silver carp, mud carp, bighead carp, and blotched snakehead. Don’t worry about bringing your own fishing equipment—everything you need can be rented!
Happy Fish Farm, 154 Sheung Pak Nai Tsuen, Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long | (+852) 9671 5420
Sai Kung is a veritable cornucopia of seafood delights, so it should be no surprise that this laid-back district offers some fantastic fishing. Located 15 minutes away from Sai Kung Town by bus (or 40 minutes by foot), Tso Wo Hang Pier may not be the most accessible spot, but it is easily one of the city’s best-kept secrets when it comes to fishing. Besides abounding in fish and scenic beauty, the area is also well-facilitated with benches along the dock, ample car parking space, and a barbecue pits you can fire up if you're looking to entertain the whole family!
Constantly disparaged by bad luck on your fishing trips? We know—fishing is often a matter of being in the right spot at the right time (as well as being patient with your reel), but rest assured that you will hardly return empty-handed from Kau Sai Wan Recreational Fishing Wonderland. This fish farm just off of Sai Kung covers an area of about 30,000 square feet, with giant floating sheltered rafts that allow visitors to sit back comfortably and enjoy the sea breeze while they wait for their next big catch in the cultured fish farms.
You can purchase a full-day package for $150, which includes not only your round-trip boat ride to the fish farm from Sai Kung Pier, but also all the fishing equipment you need for the day, as well as a crash course on fishing, access to the children’s play area, and even additional boat service to Kau Sai Chau!
Kau Sai Wan Recreational Fishing Wonderland, Kau Sai Wan, Sai Kung | (+852) 2792 3000
Just the look of the crystal blue waters should be indicative enough of the teeming healthy fish populations in Plover Cove Reservoir. Nestled in the northeastern part of New Territories, this picturesque reservoir is one of the most sought-after destinations for outdoor activities—and fishing is no exception. You need to obtain a license to fish in Hong Kong’s reservoirs (this can be easily done online), but we guarantee that the $33 license fee is worth the rewarding freshwater catches and astounding views to be had here. Do note that reservoir fishing is only open to the public from September to March every year during the non-spawning season, so plan your trip accordingly!
With waters so tranquil that you can see the reflection of the sky like a mirror on the surface, Shek Pik Reservoir in southern Lantau Island is another great option for anglers looking for a quiet fishing spot. Far removed from urban areas, the reservoir is kept in pristine condition and filled with water as clean and calm as it comes. Enjoy yourself and focus on practising your skills without having to worry about unpredictable tidal waves or water flow.
There’s no chance of getting bored by lack of variety here, either. Shek Pik Reservoir serves as a sanctuary to all kinds of freshwater species, due to its varying water depths that create diverse ecological conditions. You will encounter anything from common carp and jewelfish to the rare, white-lined chest-sculptured sisoridfish!
Sandwiched between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi Island, Ma Wan is your pinnacle destination for a secluded fishing getaway. Once home to a thriving fishing village, Ma Wan turned into a deserted ghost town after most of its land was purchased for property development and the local residents were relocated in the mid-1990s.
Yet, while forgotten by most, the island continues to lure fishing hobbyists for a fun seaside day out. There are multiple piers around the island’s coastline that provide excellent baiting opportunities, but the savvy fishers will tell you to make a beeline to Tai Pai Tsui Pier on the southern tip of Ma Wan. With its location rather inconspicuous, it’s unlikely that you will have to fight for a good spot or rub elbows with another fisher!
No need to carve out a whole day to enjoy the thrills of reeling in a catch—Hong Kong has more than its fair share of promenades dotted around the city for eager anglers to get their fishing fix. One that’s particularly top-ranked is Siu Sai Wan Promenade. Tucked away in a residential area on the eastern end of Hong Kong Island, this waterfront is a slice of peace and quiet while still being within reasonable distance to the city. Don’t expect the catches here to be behemoths, but they will be enough to put a decent bend in your rod and have you hooked on the sport for hours.
Siu Sai Wan Promenade, 28 Siu Sai Wan Road, Siu Sai Wan | (+852) 2562 2137
A wanderer, chronic overthinker, and baking enthusiast, Beverly spent much of her childhood in the United States before moving to Hong Kong at age 11 and making the sparkling city her home. In her natural habitat, she can be found baking up a storm in her kitchen, journalling at a café, or scrolling through OpenRice deciding on her next meal.
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