Spring hunt: K’Ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish

These days, the K'Ho people living at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain and nearby areas in Lam Dong are heading to the Krong No River and trekking upstream to catch a type of stream fish locally known as Srang. This fish is considered the most delicious and purest species found in the waters of this legendary river in Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 2

According to young men of the K'Ho, this species of stream fish usually appears in large numbers during February and March. To catch it, villagers paddle boats upstream along the Krong No River and cast their nets in rugged sections of streams and waterfalls where the terrain is steep and difficult to access.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 3

Because this fish species only lives in rugged rapids and waterfalls, locals often have to hike and climb through mountainous terrain to reach places where fast-flowing cascades form, before casting their nets to catch the fish along the Krong No River.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 4

At this time of year, the Srang appear in large numbers in the headwater streams of the Krong No River, and to catch the fish, locals need experience and a good understanding of the species’ habits and habitat, says Co Lieng Ha Phat, a resident of Lac Duong commune.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 5

The Srang feed mainly on algae that grow on rocks in large waterfalls and fast-flowing rapids. The fish is known for its fragrant, rich and naturally sweet meat, and is widely regarded by locals as one of the cleanest freshwater fish found in the region.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 6

This fish typically grows to about the size of an adult’s wrist. Its body is covered with brown scales, and one of its distinctive features is the long whisker-like barbels extending from the top of its head.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 7

To catch this fish, hunters must endure the bone-chilling cold of mountain streams. In many cases, after fish become entangled in the nets, the strong current drags the nets toward powerful waterfalls, forcing young men from the K'Ho people community to dive into the rushing water and struggle against the current to retrieve them.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 8

This fish is very strong, and once caught in the net, it thrashes violently, often tangling the net in the process, says Ha Won, another local resident.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 9

Ha Ly, 47, says since childhood he had followed his father to search for and catch this fish. After being caught, the fish is usually cooked immediately. In particular, the intestines of the Srang are often set aside to prepare soup for honoured guests. Besides the meat, the fish intestines are also considered a local delicacy that is not easy to find.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 10

After catching the fish, locals quickly smoke it over wood-fired stoves to preserve its natural sweetness and rich flavour, while also allowing it to be stored for a longer time.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 11

The fish are neatly arranged on drying racks, filling the air with a rich, appetizing aroma.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 12

Smoking the fish until dry usually takes about two days, with the firewood and heat kept steady throughout the process.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 13

After successful smoking, the fish take on an appealing reddish-brown, caramel-like colour, making it especially appetizing.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 14

After more than two days hanging above the wood-fired stove, the smoked fish are gathered and carefully tied into bundles to be sold or given as gifts to people in the lowlands, priced at around VND350,000–400,000 per ten fish.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 15

From a traditional dish passed down through generations within families, hunting the Srang have now become a livelihood that helps generate income for the K'Ho people.

spring hunt k ho people brace cold streams for legendary fish picture 16

Many young men of the K'Ho cannot hide their excitement whenever spring arrives, when they once again invite one another to head into the forest and travel upstream along the Krong No River to search for this prized fish.