Opening of Haditha Dam gates draws crowds for fishing on the Euphrates

HADITHA — The Hawija Bridge in Haditha, Anbar governorate, became a lively gathering point over the past two days as dozens of fishers, hobbyists, and residents flocked to the area after the gates of the Haditha Dam on the Euphrates River were opened to boost electricity generation. The move followed a shutdown of the power grid and brought large numbers of fish into the river’s flow.

Some caught substantial amounts of fish, while others watched and enjoyed the festive atmosphere, with locals describing the scene as both a source of income and leisure.

“When the water was released from the dam, different kinds of fish came into the river from the direction of the dam,” said fisherman Mohammed Mahroot. “The atmosphere here is beautiful and safe, and people spend their time on the bridge talking and fishing with casting nets, spears, and spinners. This is all from God’s bounty. Carp and catfish [were caught] weighing between five and eight kilograms and thankfully there is no problem.”

Mahroot said casting net fishing is a skill passed down from fathers to sons, using lines and weights thrown into a chosen spot in the river. “By God’s grace, fishers have benefited greatly, catching 50 to 60 kilograms, and in some cases up to 200 or 300 kilograms this week,” he said.

“God blessed people from the Euphrates with abundant fish during the day,” said fisherman Jamil Salman. “Those who fish with spears or nets have benefited. People who were under the pressures of life felt relief. Some caught fish with their hands, some gave what they caught for charity, and others sold or bought. These moments gave people peace of mind.”

Salman said the drop in the water level was due to the power outage, and when electricity returned and the dam gates were opened, large numbers of fish appeared. “Crowds grew so much that vehicle traffic across the bridge was stopped when security forces arrived,” he added.

Fisher Raed Abbas said he and others have been on the bridge since early morning. “There is plenty of fish and a lot of fishing enthusiasts here. Some fish, some watch and encourage, and others just spend their time,” he said. “The area enjoys security, and most young people are here from morning until night. Fishing in Haditha is unlike anywhere else.”

Abbas noted that authorities had banned electrofishing, which led to an increase in fish stocks.

“Hobbyists here aren’t after wealth,” he said. “Catching one, two, or three fish is enough. It’s better than nothing.”