Sanitwongsei, often referred to as the Chao Phraya catfish is a large freshwater species native to Thailand. A giant predatory machine prized by anglers for its size and fight, it is found in many of Thailand’s fishing lakes and stocked resort ponds.
Common Names: Chao Phraya catfish, Giant pangasius, Dog eating catfish
Thai Name: เทพา
Max Weight: 100kg (220lb)
Max Length: 250cm
Thailand Status: Native
Pangasianodon gigas, the Mekong giant catfish, is one of the largest freshwater fish species, native to the Mekong River in Thailand and stocked in most Thai fishing lakes. Anglers prize it for its immense size and strength, making it a thrilling challenge. Due to over fishing in the wild, it is critically endangered, and conservation efforts are vital.
Common Names: Giant Mekong catfish
Thai Name: บีท
Max Weight: 350kg (772lb)
Max Length: 300cm
Thailand Status: Native
Hemibagrus nemurus, is commonly found in Thailand’s rivers and reservoirs. Valued by local anglers for its size and spirited fight, it is a popular target in freshwater fishing for local anglers.
Common Names: Hemibagrus nemurus
Thai Name: Pla Kot Kang
Max Weight: 1kg (2.2lb)
Max Length: 20cm
Thailand Status: Native
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, or the striped catfish, is ubiquitous in Thailand’s fishing lakes. It is popular with anglers for its size and large appetite for a range of baits.
Common Names: Striped catfish, Irridescent shark catfish, Siamese shark, Sutchi catfish, Swai
Thai Name: สวาย
Max Weight: 100kg (220lb)
Max Length: 180cm
Thailand Status: Native
Hemibagrus wyckioides, or the Asian redtail catfish, is a prized species in Thailand’s angling community. Native to Thai rivers, particularly the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, it is known for its strength and aggression.
Common Names: Thai Redtail, Asian Redtail catfish
Thai Name: กดแก้ว
Max Weight: 80kg (176lb)
Max Length: 130cm
Thailand Status: Native
Clarias macrocephalus, known as the walking catfish, is native to Thailand and widely found in its freshwater systems. Renowned for its ability to move between water bodies using its pectoral fins, it is a popular species in Thai aquaculture. It is also targeted by anglers for its aggressive nature.
Common Names: Walking Catfish, Gunther's Walking catfish
Thai Name: ดุกด้าน
Max Weight: 66kg (146lb)
Max Length: 150cm
Thailand Status: Native
The Wallagonia Leeri can grow to a very large size of over 150kg (330lb) but more commonly would be around 80kg (176lb) mark. It is the second largest in it’s family (Siluridae) with the largest being the wels catfish (Silurus glanis). The Genus ‘Wallagonia’ was only validated quite recently in 2014. Previously W. leerii was classed in the genus ‘Wallago’
Common Names: Tapah, Wallago, Wallagu, Striped wallago catfish
Max Weight: 150kg (331lb)
Max Length: 200cm
Thailand Status: Native
Thailand really is the land of giant catfishes. For many anglers catfish fishing in Thailand - even smaller catfish species are way bigger than most fish they have caught before. A day catfish fishing in Bangkok or Chiang Mai at a Thai fishing park can produce up to 30 or more catches in a day (average 15–50 kg (33 lb–110 lb)) of the world's largest catfish the Giant Mekong catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) and the Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) among other species.
Huge Mekong catfish will test any anglers skill. There are daily guided Thailand fishing trips available for many giant catfish species.Learn more...
Baits used for catfish fishing in Thailand varies. Predatory catfish like the Chao phraya catfish (Pangasius sanitwongsei) and the Thai red tail catfish (Hemibagrus wyckioides) can be caught using live or dead fish baits as well as lures and large streamer saltwater style flies. For most other catfish species fishing bait would be bread mix and rice flour (lum) mix with additives and flavourings. Hair rigged baits like sausage and meaty baits can also be very effective. Worms are always good especially for walking catfish (Clarias batrachus).
Choose from amazing guided fishing trips based out of and around Bangkok, Chiang mai and the wild jungle reservoirs of Northern, Western and Southern Thailand.
Thailand's chaotic capital Bangkok isn't the first place most people would think of visiting for a fishing trip. But we provide daily guided fishing trips for Giant Siamese Carp & Mekong Catfish, many species of Predator fish, lure fishing for Barramundi and the mighty Giant Snakehead.
Thailand's northern province of Chiang mai provides the fisherman with plenty of opportunities for freshwater fishing. Target ALL species at Dreamlake fishing resort, Giant mekong Catfish at the Borsang lake or go into the country to one of the Giant snakehead fishing reservoirs.
Jungle fishing adventures in Thailand are very exciting and most of the time anglers are surrounded by natural beauty and unforgettable scenery in some of Thailand's wildest national parks and jungle destinations. Choose your Jungle fishing adventure in Thailand.
We look forward to seeing you fishing in Thailand with us soon whether you are a match angler, species hunter or big fish specialist Join us at one of the many unique and amazing fishing parks, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and dams that are here in Thailand. There really is an unforgetable fishing in Thailand experience for all anglers at all levels from all backgrounds.