The Mekong Catfish is a freshwater fish species in the Shark Catfish family, native to the Mekong River basin in Thailand, Southeast Asia and adjacent China. They live primarily in the river’s main channel, where the water depth is over 10m and are found in isolated pockets. They are distinguished from other large catfish species by the near-total lack of barbels and the absence of teeth.
Sadly, the species is considered critically endangered due to accelerating habitat loss; being highly migratory, they travel considerable distances to spawn, so infrastructure development such as dams have blocked migration routes and isolated some populations. Scientists estimate that the total number of Mekong have decreased by around 90% in the last decade. To help protect them, they have been stocked into a wide range of man-made lakes across Thailand and have thrived in such environments.
The Mekong Catfish are one of the biggest freshwater fish globally and are considered the true heavyweight champions. In fact, in 2005, they held a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest freshwater fish ever recorded, with a nine-foot-long individual caught in northern Thailand, weighing in at an astounding 646lb. Thanks to the stocking in places like Bungsamlan and Ghillams resort, anglers still have the opportunity to do battle with this unique species.
Below are the top destinations in the world for Mekong Catfish Fishing.
Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, we have teamed up with our guides in Thailand. We are very pleased to offer you this unique chance of fishing for lots of different species from different lakes around the magnificent city of Bangkok. One day you could be fishing for 140kg Arapaima, the next Alligator Gar to 30kg.
The beautiful Gillhams fishing lake resort is located in the stunning area of Krabi Southern Thailand and is surrounded by limescale Karsts which are covered in a protected tropical rain forest. The resort can cater for single anglers, pairs, groups and we can also arrange full lake exclusivity.
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