Northern Thailand fishing trips
Mahseer fish are common around Chiang Mai
The picturesque northern region of Thailand is a great place to take part in a wide range of outdoor sports. Fishing is particularly popular here, as although the sea is several thousands of kiloemetres away, there are a number of large lakes that are famed for their intense natural beauty and large fish populations.
There are several companies in northern Thailand that offer special fishing packages, which include accommodation at the edge of one of the area’s enchanting lakes, all equipment and even a few lessons if required. Those who simply want to relax and unwind for a while can even pay a small fee for experts to cast off and reel in their catch for them, allowing visitors plenty of time to simply relax and unwind as they soak up the atmosphere. Here is an overview of some of the best places to go fishing in northern Thailand.
Dream Lake
Situated just eight kilometres from the heart of Chiang Mai, Dream Lake is one of northern Thailand’s most captivating fishing resorts and is understandably popular with locals and tourists alike.
The best time to fish is between March and October, when the lake is fully stocked with a wide variety of different types of fish including giant Mekong catfish, tilapia, small scale mud carp and peacock bass and pacu that are imported from Brazil.
While it is possible to visit Dream Lake just for the day, visitors who want to stay here for longer will find an excellent range of amenities, including lakeside bungalows, which come complete with modern conveniences as well as private fishing platforms, a selection of tackle and a professional guiding service. More on activities.
Paradise Lake
As the name suggested, Paradise Lake is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of fishing in northern Thailand. The lake can be found within Chiang Mai’s city limits, which means that visitors can get here simply by taking a taxi or a tuk tuk. One of the great things about Paradise Lake is that it is surrounded by tall trees, which provide much-needed shade in which to sit while waiting for the fish to bite.
While the lake is populated by several different types of fish, most people try to catch either the giant Mekong catfish, which is known locally as pra beuk, or pra sawai, which is the striped catfish. These fish can grow up to a whopping 20kgs, and the even amateur anglers should be able to haul in at least four fish during a half-day fishing trip. More on jungle trips.
Mae Kuang Dam
Big Game fishing in Chiang Mai
This enormous reservoir can be found some 40kms to the northwest of Chiang Mai and boasts a stunningly beautiful backdrop of mountains and dense jungle. Guides can be hired from various centres in Chiang Mai and are essential in order to find the way to this hidden gem.
In addition to lures and bait, guides will also provide a boat and point out the best places to catch the mighty fish that swim within the murky depths of this dammed lake. Some of the fish that have been caught here in recent years include 12kg rohu, enormous featherbacks, tilapia and giant snackheads weighing up to 12kgs.
Mae Ngat Dam
Visitors who want to experience the intense natural beauty of northern Thailand will want to head on over to Mae Ngat Dam, which can be found some 85kms northwest of Chiang Mai.
After enlisting the services of a knowledgeable local guide in the city, it is time to embark on a scenic journey through the countryside to reach the dam with the journey taking just over an hour depending on traffic.
While Mae Ngat Dam is filled with the usual suspects such as rohu, tilapia and small scale mud carp, most keen fishermen travel to the dam for the chance to catch a jungle carp or two. Jungle carp can weight anything from 0.5kg all the way up to 3kg and the best time of year to catch them is between June and October.
Sirikit Dam
Established back in 1973 when the Nan River was dammed, the large reservoir known as Sirikit Dam can be found 45kms to the north of Uttaraditt city in Uttaradit Province. The reservoir covers an area of just over 250 square-kilometres and is surrounded by lush green jungles and teak forests, which are excellent places for hiking and trekking.
People travel to Sirikit Dam from all over Thailand and beyond for the chance to catch one of the giant snakehead fish that dwell beneath the surface of the water. The large body of water features mighty sunken forests as well as wide open bays, which are the perfect habitat for these predatory fish as well as jungle barb and a variety of other species. Most keen fishermen choose to spend several days here, sleeping in the floating fishing rafts that are provided or perhaps camping beside the water.
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