The Thais certainly love their fishing, for some it is a way to put food on the table, which for some farang anglers may seem strange. One thing is for sure for all Thai fishermen, fishing is an enjoyable past-time regardless of whether the catch is to be released or for the table. At the time of writing, no licence is required to fish with a rod in Thailand, so pitch up and enjoy!
Freshwater fishing in Thailand is varied, ranging from privately owned ponds that are stocked with fish to be taken home to eat, right through to fishing from rafts on the Chao Phraya and other large Thai rivers. Given that so many people rely on fish from the waterways of Thailand, it is no surprise that overfishing is an issue on some bodies of water. The Department of Fisheries does stock reservoirs and public water bodies throughout Thailand, but smaller waterways, ponds and dams, etc. can be left virtually without fish due to the relentless use of fish traps and gill nets. Something that I have witnessed firsthand on several small dams close to my house.
This article takes a look at some of the different options available for freshwater fishing in the Land of Smiles, and will hopefully help you to find the best spots to fish wherever you are in Thailand.
Exotic Species Fishing Parks
Perhaps the most famous type of fishing from a foreign angler’s perspective are the numerous parks dedicated to the once-in-a-lifetime experience of catching a monster fish. These parks are stocked with large fish, some with native species, such as the Mekong Catfish, and some with imported species, such as the Arapaima and Giant Barb. While these places are great fun, their price tag (which can be up to 8000thb per day at some places), makes them a little out of reach for the regular angler.
Local Fishing Parks
If you’re fishing regularly in Thailand, just about every province will have an abundance of privately owned fishing ponds, almost all allow anglers to take home their catch for a fee per kg. This kind of fishery varies massively, from the well stocked with Rohu carp, striped catfish, and other large species, to ones that are poorly stocked and filled with tiny Tilapia and little else. Occasionally, these ponds will only allow the removal of some species, to provide a mix of subsistence and pleasure fishing. These tend to be the most fun as it allows some species to grow and provide a bit of sport to pleasure anglers. As these places are mostly marketed at Thais, it is often a case of turning up and fishing to see what the place is like. Prices at these venues are rarely above 200thb per rod, which often includes your first kilo of fish to take home.
Raft Fishing
Raft fishing can be found on large lakes and rivers throughout Thailand. These rafts are usually hired out for the day, or longer if you want to fish for multiple days. The rafts themselves can vary massively, some are very spartan affairs with a little tin roof and a small gas burner to cook up your catch. Others are more like floating cottages, complete with AC, toilets, and bedrooms. These rafts can be great fun when fishing as a group.
Public Reservoirs and Lakes
Thailand is home to some huge reservoirs and lakes that offer great fishing. Some are well stocked with Carp and Tilapia, and others such as Khao Laem are legendary spots for catching Giant Snakehead. You can fish from the banks of many of these reservoirs (check first if it is in a national park), however, one of the best ways to fish these waters are the various guided tours on offer.
Rivers and Canals
Larger rivers, such as the Chao Phraya have a great range of species to target and can be fished from the bank or from rafts in some areas. The Bangkok area in particular, is criss-crossed with hundreds of smaller khlongs and canals that are great for targeting Snakehead and Hampala Barb. Personally, I wouldn’t want to handle, let alone eat anything out of some of the black watered khlongs in the centre of Bangkok. Further out from the centre though as the population becomes less dense, many of the waterways are quite clean. These small canals often have narrow concrete public footpaths along them, from which you can target species such as Snakehead with topwater lures.
Freshwater fishing in Thailand is as diverse as the country itself. Whatever species and style of fishing you are into, there is sure to be something for you during your stay here.
Tight lines,
Rick