Fly Fishing Khao Sok National Park – Mahseer Fishing Thailand

 

Fly fishing in Khao Sok national park’s pristine jungle แม่น้ำ in southern Thailand, is for the adventurous fly anglers who are looking for an extraordinary fly fishing experience.

The Mahseer fly fishing in Khao sok is a whole different world, compared to the many commercial freshwater fisheries that offer fly fishing in Thailand. A world of pristine jungle, the National Park is a part of Thailand’s largest connected rainforest area. Deep in the jungle there are some rivers that support, the highest Mahseer populations in Thailand. Some offer world class Mahseer fly fishing. These rivers offer top fly fishing for sighted Mahseer. Nymph fishing is often used and is very good but it is the excellent dry fly fishing, which makes these rivers so special.

Khao Sok National Park is dramatic and น่าตื่นเต้น, some might even say poetic.

The jungle-clad limestone mountains rise vertically from the landscape up to 961 m. above sea level, which is an impressive sight of untouched rainforest as far as the eye, can see. The entire area is protected by the Thai government and covers more than 4,000 Square kilometers of dense rainforest with an amazing, bird life, flora, waterfalls and wildlife with wild elephants, otters, monkeys, buffalo, bears and leopards and many more species of animals.

There are different fishing tour companies offering fly fishing in Khao Sok, of different คุณภาพ. May we suggest you contact someone such as Khun Meik Lykke from Thai fishing which is a fishing guide service that specializes in jungle fishing.

Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Its area is 739 km2 (285 sq mi), and it includes the 165 km2 (64 sq mi) Cheow Lan Lake contained by the Ratchaprapha Dam. The park is the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and is a remnant of rain forest which is older and more diverse than the Amazon rain forest.

Geography

Beautiful sandstone and mudstone rocks rise about 300–600 m (984–1,969 ft) above sea level. The park is traversed by a limestone mountain range from north to south with a high point of 950 m (3,117 ft). This mountain range is hit by monsoon rain coming from both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, which makes it among Thailand's wettest regions with an annual rain fall of 3,500 mm (137.8 in). Heavy rainfall and falling leaves led to the erosion of the limestone rocks and created the significant karst formations seen today.

Flora

Bamboo holds topsoil very tenaciously, preventing soil erosion on hillsides and riverbanks. With more than 1,500 species, bamboo is the oldest grass in the world, dating back nearly 60 million years. Liana trees grow rapidly wrapping around any vertical or horizontal support base such as takian or "rain trees". Thus, it's dangerous to simply cut a tree in the jungle because it can pull connected liana vines with it creating a cascade of damage. Buttress roots are enlarged root bases mostly of trees that grow above the upper canopy. The theory about these roots is that they either developed in order to be more grounded in storms and rain or that they spread out on the ground in order to get more nutrients.

Many kinds of wild fruit can be found around the national park and serve as sustenance for animals. Among those fruits are wild jackfruit, mangosteen, durian, rambutan, jujube, pomelo, and wild bananas. Wild pepper and ginger are not uncommon. Khao Sok National Park is perhaps most famous for the bua phut (Rafflesia kerrii) flower.

Wildlife

The park is estimated to contain over five percent of the world's species. Wild mammals include Malayan tapir, Asian elephant, tiger, sambar deer, bear, gaur, banteng, serow, wild boar, pig-tailed macaque, langur, white handed gibbons, squirrel, muntjak, mouse deer, barking deer.

The world's only known amphibious centipede, Scolopendra cataracta, was discovered on a stream bank near the national park in 2001.

Climate

The so-called wet season is between late April–December. The temperature ranges from 22–36 °C (72–97 °F) all year around. Humidity and warm temperature provide the optimal environment for a rich eco-system in this tropical rain forest.

Natural History

This area is estimated to be over 160 million years old, built through tectonic movements, climate changes, erosions and sediment accumulations. Approximately 300 million years ago, shallow water and warm temperatures in this region led to the creation of a huge coral reef. Estimated to be 5 times as big as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, it originally stretched from China all the way to Borneo. Due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plate 0-66 million years ago, the Himalayas were formed, and what is now Thailand shifted dramatically near the continental divide and the limestone rocks were forced upward creating the dramatic limestone "karsts" for which the region is known today. Finally, melting ice established the river-rich landscape as well as dozens of waterfalls around the national park.

Human History

The first migrants to Thailand migrated during the Ice Age from Borneo around 37,000 BCE.

The first accounts of people living in Khao Sok were found in the 1800s, during the reign of Rama II. In the Burmese-Siamese of (1809-1812), the Burmese army invaded the western portion of the area, forcing the inhabitants to flee inland. They found the area to be extremely alluring, in beauty, wildlife abundance, and good soil. As news spread of this discovery, more people immigrated to settle the region.

In 1944, the inhabitants of this region were stricken by a deadly epidemic. A large number of the villagers died while the few survivors escaped from the area to settle in nearby Takua Pa.

In 1961, Route 401 was built from Phun Pin in Surat Thani Province to Takua Pa in Phang Nga Province. At the turn of the millennium, they began the process of expanding Route 401 to a 4 lane freeway.

In the 1970s, Thai student activists and communist insurgents set up strongholds in the caves of Khao Sok. Settled in the shelter of the rainforest they protected the region from the Thai army, loggers, miners, and hunters for seven years.

Khao Sok became a national park in 1980. The government and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) were interested in this region because Khao Sok holds the largest watershed in southern Thailand.

Only 2 years later, EGAT completed the 94 m (308 ft) high Ratchaprapha Dam, blocking off the Klong Saeng River, a tributary of the Phum Duang River and creating a 165 km2 (64 sq mi) lake inside the park. The dam provides electricity for the south, and the lake became a major holiday destination for Thai and foreign tourists alike. There were several species of animals that had to be resettled to save them from drowning, as the lake slowly filled over a period of 3 years. Unfortunately, a study from 1995 revealed the loss of some 52 species of fish from the river, which could not survive in the stagnant water.

Activities

Khao Sok National Park has various activities for tourists who enjoy activities such as trekking, canoeing, bamboo rafting. A boat tour to Cheow Lan lake is also available.

Trekking: Due to Khao Sok being a tropical rainforest, there are many wild animals such as “wild elephants, serow, tigers, Malayan sun bears and over 180 bird species to watch”. Those interested in trekking can hire a local guide. Rafflesia Kerrii Meijer can be found in the area. Tourists may stay in the rainforest overnight.

Canoeing and Bamboo rafting: Sok River is known for beautiful views along the river. There are local guides for tourists to hire for canoeing and bamboo rafting tours.

Boat to Cheow Lan lake: Within the deep forest, there are caves to explore such as Diamond cave, Khang Cow Cave and Nam Talu cave which connect to Cheow Lan lake. Nam Talu cave is about 12 km (7.5 mi) from the headquarters of Khao Sok National Park. Tour guides are available to boat visitors from the waterfall to the lake.

Bungsamran Lake Thailand

 

Fishing in Bangkok at Bungsamran fishing park is probably the best place to go in Thailand. If you would like to test your angler skills against the largest Giant Mekong Catfish and Siamese Carp in Thailand. Bungsamran Fishing Park has long been well known among the commercial fishing parks in Thailand, because it has been one of the best freshwater fishing lakes in the world for many years.

The Fishing Park, Bungsamran moved to a new location in March 2017. The park is also likely to see spelt Bung Sam Lan or Bung Samran or Bung Sam Ran. The legendary Bungsamran Lake is a fishing Park situated in Ban Kappi district in Bangkok and is home to some of the largest freshwater fish on the planet.

The New Bungsamran fishing park is “BIG” With a lake that covers more than 139,000 Square meters and with areas up to 50 m depth. Makes it to the largest commercial fishing parks in Thailand; the lake is home to more than 40 fish species. Which include 4000 Giant Siamese Carp up to 160 kg. 20,000 Mekong Giant Catfish up to 200 kg, Alligator Gar, Barramundi, Red Tail Catfish Arapaima, Chao Phraya Catfish, and other species. All the big fish from the old fishing park, is also been moved to the new fishing lake.

Bungsamran is Thailands premier fishing destination for Mekong Catfish and Giant Siamese Carp holding both species to world record proportions.The lake was formerly dug as a quarry that supplied building material for construction in the city and has been a fishery for about twenty years. Bungsamran Lake covers an area of 20 acres with varying depths ranging between 10 and 25ft.

The lake is dissected by a wooden platform (commonly referred to as the ‘shed’) spanning the entire length of the lake in addition to numerous stilted bungalows (private) dotted around the lakes edge. BungsamranLake in Bangkok is host to numerous IGFA world records for various freshwater species including Mekong catfish, Chaophraya Catfish and Giant Siamese Carp. Bungsamran Lake can be described as a highly prolific fishery which can produce upwards of thirty Mekong catfish in a good days angling. The lake responds well to various tactics including sliding float / feeder techniques in addition to method tactics hard on the bottom over large baited areas. 

Bungsamran is an extremely snaggy and demanding venue and holds some of the largest freshwater fish ever caught on rod and line. The snag ridden nature of this venue often requires the guide to enter the water in order to retrace the mainline after a fish has entered the snags. On finding the where the line exits the snags it is often necessary to cut and rejoin the line in order to regain direct contact with the fish. The predominant species in Bungsamran is the Giant Mekong Catfish which perform spectacular displays throughout the day. Giant Mekong Catfish are present in Bungsamlan to over one hundred kilograms and are caught on a regular basis from this record breaking venue.

In addition to Mekong Catfish Bungsamran has an impressive stock of Giant Siamese Carp with weightsfishing in Thailand Bungsamran lake estimated to reach almost one hundred kilograms.

Bungsamran Lake in Bangkok has received numerous stockings over its twenty year history with original stockings of large Giant Siamese Carp and Mekong Catfish caught from nearby rivers. In addition the lake has been stocked with literally thousands of other fish over the past ten years creating what is probably the most prolific catfish lake on the planet.

Bungsamran is the ‘ultimate specialist anglers’ destination and will continue to produce world records for many years. Fishing at this venue is available from a public area (‘the shed’) and from private stilted bungalows. Bungsamran has an on-site restaurant and tackle shop, W.C and shower facilities are also available.

So many teams has captured numerous monster sized fish from Bungsamran Lake with several Arapaima gigas to a whopping 180kg. In addition the team has successfully captured literally hundreds of Giant Siamese Carp with weights to over sixty kgs from this record breaking venue.

Bungsamran has fantastic onsite facilities with a well stocked tackle shop, restaurant, coffee shop, rod builder and massage salon all a stones throw from the swims. Its geographical location in Bangkok means non fishing friends and partners will always be able to find something to do in the city whilst their angling companion spends time at the fishery.

This venue can be visited on a daily or weekly basis or combined in one of our multi venue Thailand angling holidays with other venues throughout the land of smiles.

Phuket Fishing Park – Sawai Lake – Fishing Park In Phuket

Phuket Fishing Park is also known as Sawai Lake and is the best freshwater fishing lake in Phuket. The fishing park is a great fishing venue located an easy distance from the main resort areas on the Island of Phuket.

It is a smaller lake, but well stocked with over 12 different species of freshwater fish, from various sources around the world. Giant Mekong Catfish to 40 kilos, Striped Catfish to 20 kilos, Giant Siamese Carp to 10 kilos, Striped Snakehead and Featherback to 4 kilos and Tilapia to 1.75 kilos.. Introduced species include, Alligator Gar to 10 kilos, Pacu to 6 kilos, Rohu to 4 kilos, Red Tail Catfish to 12 kilos from the Amazon River. The lake holds lots of Red Bellied Pacu that are quite easy to catch when you know how, and are one of the most exciting fish, found in Thailand, to fight on light tackle, often jumping clear of the water and going on very fast long runs.

Facilities at Phuket fishing park

Include a stylish modern restaurant serving excellent Thai and western cuisine, along with a bar. Food and drink can also be ordered and brought to you where you are fishing. On site there are clean toilets and showers. If you visit the fishing park unprepared, don’t worry; Phuket Fishing Park also has a fishing shop providing rods for rent, bait and their own fishing guides to help and advise you. They offer hotel pick up, just tell them what date and time and they will pick you up from your hotel and later drop you back.

Fly Fishing in Phuket Fishing Park

In most areas of the lake back casting is restricted, but there are a few areas where it is possible. So roll casting is preferred in many areas, but many times the strikes come from only 4 or 6 meters out. There is very little debris in the lake so fighting the fish is almost problem free. 7–9 weight fly equipment with floating or intermediate lines and barbless hooks, for leader material 30 – 40lbs fluorocarbon. The main target species on fly is the Red-Bellied Pacu, which have some strong and extremely sharp teeth so a short wire leader or fly tied on extra long shank hooks are recommended.

Other species in the lake that will take the fly are Catfish, Alligator Gar, Striped Catfish, Amazon Redtail Catfish, Asian Redtail, Spotted and Clown Featherbacks. Smaller fly patterns like black Wooly Buggers and the same style as Clouser Minnow flies tied on sharp and strong hooks work well, fished half a meter below the surface or slowly close to the bottom will usually produce a strike.

Gillhams Fishing Resorts – Fishing in Krabi Thailand

Gillhams Fishing Resorts in Krabi is certainly the stand-out fishing resort in Thailand. The artificial lake and associated resort hotel, created in 2007, is 19 km from the town of Ao Nang in Krabi, and set a new standard for the commercial fishing lakes in Thailand

Gillhams fishing resorts has been designed and is managed by the well known and respected British angler, Khun Stuart Gillham and his son Khun Sean. This fishing lake is set amongst landscaped gardens with an awesome background view of jungle covered Limestone Mountains and the fishing resort is now being correctly considered as the best big fish venue in Thailand.

 The Fishing Resort has several world records

The lake holds six different species exceeding 100lbs, with at least 16 species over current IGFA world records. The lake is home to 46 different species of fish, including well-known species such as: Arapaima, Alligator gar, Amazon red-tail catfish, Arowana, Asian red-tail catfish, Giant freshwater stingrays, Giant Siamese Carp, Mekong catfish, etc… The size and quality of the fish is the result of sensible stocking levels of only specimen fish, and also more importantly the handling and care of the fish once they are captured. Strict rules apply for the handling of the fish.

The design of the fishing lake at Gillhams fishing resorts

Including deep channels, plateaus, shallow areas and also non–fishing areas has made the perfect habitat for the many different native and introduced fish species that are now thriving in the lake. There is a limit to the number of anglers allowed to fish at any one time, making sure you have a pleasant uncrowded fishing experience and making sure that the lake doesn’t receive too much angling pressure. Gillhams fishing resorts is proving to be very popular, so it’s highly important to book your trip as early as possible to avoid disappointment, especially during the high season period between November and April.

Accommodation at the fishing resort

Consists of 14 beautifully appointed cottages right on the lakes edge, a Restaurant (with English and Thai chef), a big swimming pool. Each cottage consists of 2 bedrooms, one with a double bed and one with two single beds, with everything you would expect, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, hot water, T.V. and mini bar. There is a shared bathroom in each cottage and all are air-conditioned. A balcony is also attached to each cottage and makes for a relaxing view over the lake.

Fishing at Krabi

There aren’t many fishing trips available in the Krabi area, but one that makes the top of the list is Rainbow Lanta Fishing Charter. This fishing trip is meant for small groups – only six guests are allowed aboard the 25’ fishing vessel.

You’ll be able to troll to Koh Maa and bottom fish in all the sweet spots. In addition to a variety of smaller local fish, you’ll also be able to fish for barracuda, needlefish, groupers, trevally, mackerel, and more. 

This isn’t a catch and release operation either. You’ll be able to take your catch home so you can always cherish the memories of your fishing trip – at least until dinnertime, that is. 

Krabi  is the main town in the province of Krabi (thesaban mueang) on the west coast of southern Thailand at the mouth of the Krabi River where it empties in Phang Nga Bay. As of 2020, the town had a population of 32,644. The town is the capital of Krabi Province and the 10 Krabi city sub-districts. Tourism is an important industry. Krabi is 783 km (487 mi) south of Bangkok by road.

Much of the province has been given over to several national parks. Top destinations are Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Ao Nang, Railay, and Ko Phi Phi. The province includes over 80 smaller islands such as Ko Lanta and Phi Phi, well-known to adventurers, yachtsmen, scuba-divers, snorkelers, and day-trippers from Phuket. Krabi's beaches attract both native Thai people and foreigners alike.

Ko Lanta National Park, also in Krabi Province, includes several coral-fringed islands with well-known diving sites. The largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, is the site of park headquarters, and is also home to "Chao Le", or sea gypsies, who sustain themselves largely through fishing. The islands are best visited during the drier months of October through April.

Kayaking, sailing, bird watching, snorkeling are also among top activities. In the interior, two predominantly mainland national parks, Khao Phanom Bencha National Park and Than Bokkhorani, offer inland scenic attractions including waterfalls and caves, and opportunities for trekking, bird watching, and eco-tours.

The rock faces at Railay Beach near Ao Nang have attracted climbers from all over the world and each year are the venue for the Rock and Fire Festival in mid April. There are several rock climbing schools at Railay Beach. The rock is limestone and has characteristic pockets, overhangs and faces. Railay has numerous multi-pitch areas most of which start from the beach itself. A famous example is "Humanality". 

In addition, deep water soloing is popular on the numerous nearby rocky islands accessible by long-tail boat. Another popular destination is the Fossil Shell Beach located at Ban Laem Pho. The beach is famous for its fossilized snail shells, dwellers of the freshwater swamp that covered this area some 40 million years ago.

Thailand Fishing Resorts: All You Need to Know

 

Many anglers dream of taking on huge exotic freshwater fish in a distant tropical land. Whether it’s the mighty Arapaima of the Amazon River or the monster Mekong Catfish of Southeast Asia, people travel thousands of miles for a chance to catch one. But what if you want all the world’s top species in one location? Simple: Head to a Thailand fishing resort.

Over the last 10 years, Thailand has made a name for itself as the land of giants. There are now over a dozen exotic fishing resorts in Thailand. They feature legendary species from around the world, as well as the top catches from Thailand itself. A day at any of them will land you more trophy than you would get in a month anywhere else.

How did Thailand corner the market on monster hunts? What beasts can you find in these lakes? What do you need to know before visiting? 

What Makes Thailand So Good for Fishing?

Thailand may seem like a random location for the world’s best fishing lakes. When most people think of the country, they imagine delicious spicy food, hot tropical weather, and white sandy beaches. But for some, Thailand’s inland waterways have always been fishing heaven. Why? Really, really big fish.

Southeast Asia is home to more than its fair share of river monsters and freshwater giants. In fact, several of the world’s biggest freshwater species live here. On top of that, Thailand shares a climate with the Amazon Rainforest – a land known for its huge and outlandish fish. Throw them all together, and you have the ultimate exotic fishery.

This mix of freshwater heavyweights has drawn some of the biggest names in sportfishing over the years. From tournament winners and world record holders to TV anglers and sportfishing celebrities – nobody can resist the all-star lineup that these lakes hold.

Top Catches in Thailand’s Fishing Resorts

So what can you expect on the end of your line? Every resort has its own mix of species, but there are a few “must haves” in any exotic fish collection. Here are the top catches, and why you’ll really want to land them.

Arapaima

Native to the remote reaches of the Amazon and Essequibo basins, Arapaima are the star of the show for most visiting anglers. These large, aggressive hunters are unlike almost any other fish out there. You can find Arapaima weighing over 300 pounds in many Thai fisheries. They’re worth traveling for and have more than paid for their airfare to Thailand.

Arapaima are bizarre in more than just looks. They’re air-breathing fish, meaning they have to come to the surface to take a breath. This doesn’t mean you can take them out of the water unharmed, though. Their sheer size means that keeping Arapaima out of the water can injure or even kill them. Luckily, most parks have special submersible catch cages to safely handle them.

Siamese Carp

Siamese Carp fishing in Thailand was big long before the first fishing parks opened. This is the largest Carp species in the world, after all. Also known as Giant Barb, these gentle giants can grow to well over 100 pounds. In fact, the current IGFA record was set in a fishing resort in Thailand. The country’s lakes are literally the best place in the world to catch them.

They’re not the only Carp you can catch, either. Yellowcheek and Indian Carp are stocked in several Thai fishing lakes. These may not grow as big as the locals, but they put up a real fight nonetheless. If your idea of a perfect day out is catching three different species of Carp, this is the place for you.

Mekong Giant Catfish

Mekong Giant Catfish are the true heavyweights of Thailand’s freshwater fishing scene. They’re said to reach 10 feet in length and over 700 pounds in weight. The biggest one ever caught on rod and reel weighed “only” 260 pounds, but that’s still more than most saltwater predators. And guess where it was caught? That’s right, in one of Thailand’s fishing resorts.

But what if one monster Catfish doesn’t cut it? Don’t worry, there are plenty more. Amazon Redtail Catfish are one of the most popular species, as are Thai Redtails. Then you’ve got Chao Phraya, Tiger Shovelnose, Niger Ripsaw, Wallago Leeri – who knew there were even that many Catfish out there!

Giant Snakehead

Giant Snakehead are the stuff of nightmares. Growing over 4 feet long and weighing more than 40 pounds, they’re big enough to put the most skilled anglers through their paces. But that’s not the scary bit. Snakehead have a nasty bite which more than earns them their name. On top of that, they’re known to “walk” up onto land and breathe out of water for hours on end.

Still want to catch one? You’re not alone. Giant Snakehead are a popular target in Thailand. They’re stocked in most fishing lakes and they also live in the wild. They’re an important food fish in Southeast Asia and apparently make for great eating, although you have to release the ones you catch in the country’s fishing resorts.

Alligator Gar

So far we’ve had fish that breathe air, fish that can walk on land, and fish that weigh as much as a car. How can things get any stranger? Enter the Alligator Gar. These “dinosaur fish” come from the southern states of the US, where they’ve lived for over 100 million years. They look like a cross between a Pike and a crocodile, and they fight just as hard as either.

Alligator Gar regularly hit the 6-foot mark and can more than 100 pounds. Their scales are so tough people used to use them as arrowheads. Their mouths are lined with two rows of dagger-like teeth. What’s more, they’re able to survive out of water like Snakehead. Seriously, these are the ultimate primal monster.

And More!

Every lake holds something different and there’s simply too much variety to list here. If you’re after something specific you may need to shop around, but you’ll never be lacking for variety. Arowana, Clown Knife Fish (Featherback), Tambaqui, Pacu, Giant Gourami – if it’s big, mean, and exotic, you can bet you’ll find it in Thailand.

Essential Info on Thai Fishing Resorts

So you know the fish and why they’re all in Thailand – you’re pretty much set. Now for some handy tips to help you get the most out of a Thai fishing holiday.

Where to Go

Most of Thailand’s fishing resorts are dotted around the capital of Bangkok, or in the South near Phuket. These are all easy to get to and tend to be the most popular resorts for foreign anglers. However, they’re sometimes less secluded than the remote mountain resorts.

If your trip to Thailand is based purely on the country’s angling, you may be interested in the fisheries hidden in the north near the borders with Laos and Myanmar. These get fewer visitors and are surrounded by more untamed waterways, allowing you to break out on your own in search of wild fish. However, they’re a lot harder to get to than the resorts farther south.

What to Bring

Fishing resorts in Thailand almost always supply their own equipment. More than that, they often discourage anglers from bringing their own. Reputable resorts put their fish first. They like to know that everyone’s using suitable tackle for the size of the fish they’re catching. The exception here is fly fishing gear, which most lakes don’t stock. Again, super-light tackle probably won’t be allowed.

So what should you bring? Not much. Resorts generally have lodging and restaurants, and you can’t keep any of the fish you catch. All you really need is a camera to record those trophy hookups. You can bring your own rods along if you insist, but why waste money on the extra baggage?

Will Your Record Catch Count?

Thai fishing resorts have given the world some real record-breakers over the years. In fact, they’re home to so many huge fish that it seems unfair to compare them to the species’ natural habitats. In the early 2000s, it was common for a single resort to win several IGFA records per year. It seemed almost too good to be true.