From the lake into freshwater
Pearl mullet living in Lake Van move into freshwater to reproduce. Balık Bendi on Deliçay in Erciş is one place where this migration can be observed. Their struggle against the current makes the connection between the lake and its streams visible.
Why travel against the current?
The fish feed in the lake but move into freshwater to spawn. Moving from saline, alkaline water into a river requires adjustment; time spent waiting at river mouths is part of the migration too. Watching that pause adds another dimension to the better-known leaps upstream.
Adults return to the lake after spawning. The English name pearl mullet can be misleading: the district account places the species in the carp family rather than among true mullets.
More than a spectacle
This is part of the fish’s life cycle. Stay in designated viewing areas; do not touch or catch the fish, or interfere with the water. Avoid disturbing wildlife along the banks to get a better photograph.
Planning a visit
The district gives late April to late June as the broad migration season. Fish activity is not equally intense every day, and festival dates are announced separately. Before setting out, check recent observation reports, weather and current access rather than relying on an old event calendar.
