sweetfish going downstream to spawn in autumn
Refers to ayu (sweetfish) that descend rivers to spawn in the lower reaches or sea during autumn. A seasonal term often used in fishing and culinary contexts.
In autumn, sweetfish going downstream to spawn are often caught in the river.
落ち鮎は産卵のために川を下る。
Sweetfish going downstream to spawn descend the river to lay eggs.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant spelling without okurigana.
Compound of 落ち (ochi, 'falling' or 'descending', the continuative form of 落ちる) and 鮎 (ayu, 'sweetfish').