Rural life in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta becomes very busy when fish move from flooded fields into canals. The short event helps fishermen, traders and their families earn more money for a few weeks.

The fish migration season happens in the 10th and 11th lunar months, when floodwaters leave the rice fields. It lasts about 20 days.

During the season, fishermen and traders can earn between VND100,000 ($4) and VND200,000 ($8) per day, and some earn VND300,000‑VND400,000 ($12‑$16) daily. Trader Truong Thi Den said she travels more than 15 km twice a day and collects about 40‑50 kg of fish each trip.

Fisherman Truong Phuoc Sanh sold 20 kg of catfish for VND247,000 ($10) in one morning. He said he can earn between VND100,000 and VND200,000 a day. Families like Vo Thi Y’s earn VND300,000‑VND400,000 ($12‑$16) per day from fresh and dried fish sales.

The brief fish migration season is an important source of cash for rural households. It helps families pay daily needs and saves money for the dry season.