Model tests based on hydraulics and bio-hydraulic model tests based on fish behavior are two commonly adopted methods in fishway design research.However,due to the different focuses and evaluation indicators,the conclusions drawn sometimes differ.Therefore,it is necessary to carefully consider which experimental method is more reasonable to use.Specifically,taking the L-shaped and H-shaped vertical slot fishways commonly used in China's inland river navigation and hydropower hubs as examples,and using native cyprinid fish as the research object,a physical model test controlling environmental factors is conducted to compare the selection methods of fishway types.The results show that based on the flow velocity control indicators of the hydraulics-based model test,the H-shaped vertical slot fishway has a flow velocity reduction of about 14.8% at the vertical slot compared to the L-shaped vertical slot fishway,indicating that the H-shaped vertical slot fishway is superior to the L-shaped vertical slot fishway in this case.However,based on the control indicator of fishway passage rate in the bio-hydraulic model test,the L-shaped vertical slot fishway has a higher passage rate than the H-shaped vertical slot fishway by 30%.Through analysis and comparison,it can be concluded that the theoretical research and practical experience of hydraulic based model testing methods are relatively mature,with lower test costs,making it suitable for the verification design of relatively mature fishways.The bio-hydraulic model test method based on fish behavior is applicable to the design,research,and development of new fishways.