Yasha is a spirited village boy raised by strict parents whose only escape from boredom is his passion for fishing. He deeply dreams of catching the legendary "King Fish" (Tsar-fish). The arrival of his city cousin, Volodya, changes his plans when Volodya learns about the myth and begs to join the morning trip, leading the two boys to a fateful encounter by the river. Note: Based on the classic 1954 Soviet short story "Tikhoe Utro" by acclaimed author Yuri Kazakov.