Fly Fishing in Khao Sok National Park

Deep in our pristine jungle rivers swim a fish so majestic, so beautiful and so elusive, it has become a holy grail for anglers. The Thai Mahseer invariably represents the ultimate challenge for these sportsmen. To locate this fish is already a triumph. Then comes the challenge of enticing it to take a fly. Finally, the angler has to contend with its extreme strength and tenacity before it can be brought to the river bank, to be lovingly photographed and released, none the worse for wear. In fact, many a time it is the angler who is exhausted, albeit elated! Our guided fly fishing trips to the Khao Sok Rivers are multi-day trips due to the remote location of the rivers, a minimum 3 day trip is recommended for the best fishing result. All fly fishing equipment plus waders are included in our packages, but if you prefer to use your own equipment you are welcome to do so, we use class 5-7 rods and reels with floating lines and leaders with fluorocarbon tippets.

During the dry season a very healthy stock of fish up to 4 kg fish inhabits the pools we fish in and offers great action. The Thai Mahseer is not a fish suitable for human consumption and the area is a sport fishing area only, so the future of this fishing is secured. Thai Mahseer is easily spooked so a stealthy approach is very important. After a hooking a Thai Mahseer you will be amazed by the power of it’s first run. Trying to stop it normally means a broken leader, it is better to just let it run with not too much break on and run after it as fast as you can. When the fish slows down you start to apply power and with some luck you have caught your first Thai Mahseer on fly.

Fly fishing in these rivers is very similar to fly fishing for Trout in rivers or streams, the Mahseer and the Barb takes streamers, wet flies, nymphs and big dry flies. Undeniably, the Mahseer is one of the fiercest fighting freshwater game fish in existence. Pound for pound it had unparalleled strength and endurance. The Thai Mahseer are hard-hitting, incredibly-strong fighters that attain weight in excess of 40 lbs. They are, in short, South East Asia's hyped-up version of a 'tropical trout'.