Cheow Lan Lake

Bluewater Anglers are now offering freshwater fishing adventures at Thailand's most beautiful lake. Cheow Lan Lake is located inside Khao Sok National Park approximately 2 hour's drive from both Phuket and Khao Lak The lake is surrounded by mountains of over 1000 meters and dense rainforest with amazing wildlife, bird life, flora, Waterfalls, wild elephants, otters, monkeys, water buffalos bears, leopards and nothing less then the worlds largest flower (Rafflesia; that reaches over 80 cm in diameter), are only a few of the facinating things that can be experienced in this small piece of Paradise.

In the middle of all this beauty, Cheow Lan Lake of over 160 square kilometers, offers some fantastic sport fishing action. The lake was made by flooding a large valley, and has a depth in some areas of more than 100 meters. The trees submerged in this lake, have created great habitat and structure for a large fish population Big Toman (Giant Snakehead) Featherback Rohu and Hampala Barb are abundant and these ferocious fighters will test any angler's skills.

Please click the above photograph to view a gallery of the species.

We fish in an area no other western anglers fish that is protected by a non commercial fishing policy, which in Thailand is very rare indeed! We penetrate as far as you can go into the jungle along the numerous rivers, in search of our main target species; Giant and Striped Snakehead, Hampala Barb (also known as a Jungle Perch), Thai Mahseer, River Catfish and also the very rare Cobra Snakehead.

This is also one of the only places where you can get the opportunity to see Giant Mekong Catfish in the wild in Thailand.

Please click the above photograph to view a gallery of the species.

When the conditions are suitable we venture out of the boat and walk along the river banks to reach the fish in places inaccessible by boat. This gives us the best chance to catch large Hampala Barb, and also the very wary Thai Mahseer in shallow water.

The jungle base camp consists of basic floating raft houses made from locally obtained sustainable materials that blend in with the environment. There is no TV or air-conditioning, and this fishing experience is targeted at adventurous anglers who are looking for the REAL jungle experience and are prepared to do without luxury home comforts for a few days! The beauty of the location at the base camp has to be seen to be believed, and waking up at dawn with the sounds of the jungle around you and the eerie cries from the Gibbons is an experience that will touch your very soul!

Swimming in the warm crystal clear water, is also a pleasure not to be missed!

Please click the above photograph to view a gallery of the species.

After the days fishing, its time for a great meal, and to relax in the unique atmosphere of the jungle at night. Even considering the remote location, the food is excellent, with a variety of authentic Thai dishes made to suit western palates, and there is always more than enough to go around to say the least!

If we catch a decent sized table fish, the chef is always happy to BBQ it for us. Surprisingly, to say you are in the depths of the jungle, there are very few mosquitoes around to bother you, and the rooms do have mosquito nets over the beds just incase.

Please click the above photograph to view a gallery of the species.

Our Thai boat captain was born and bred at Cheow Lan and no one has a greater knowledge of the local wildlife, vegetation and most importantly where the fish are! He is adept at spotting animals from great distances that otherwise you would surely miss. He is very friendly as are all the staff at the base camp.

The fishing is challenging, and results can depend greatly on your own casting ability. Accuracy is very important as the Giant Snakehead invariably likes to habitant snaggy areas such as over-hanging vegetation, weedy areas, sunken logs and often stays very close to the bank. They are very territorial and will often strike at anything that goes near them, but if you can’t hit the spot, your number of strikes will be limited. There are also other very important things that you need to do in order to get strikes and to set the hook that will be explained and demonstrated on the trip.

The equipment we use is top brand and balanced for the lures we use. It does not take long to get used to, and most anglers soon find it easy to cast with it accurately.

When you consider other similar fishing trips available to this, you will find not only that this is the best priced trip available, but is also the most prolific for good sized Giant Snakeheads and Hampala Barb, in by far the most beautiful location in Thailand!

All fishing trips include:

Roundtrip transport from Phuket or Khao Lak.
Boat rental, bungalow accommodation,
all food, drinking water, coffee, tea and fresh fruit.
Full guide assistance, all fishing equipment and bait.

Please bring with you a hat, sun protection, a towel and lightweight rain clothes.

Programme:

Day 1:
Pick-up from Phuket or Khao Lak at 08.00 AM.
Transport to Cheow Lan Lake where the waiting boat will take you to the base camp.
Arrival at the base camp at 12.00 PM.
Light lunch and the fishing can start.
Return to base camp at 7.00 PM where dinner is served.
Evening relaxing at the base camp.

Day 2:
Breakfast onboard on the way to the fishing area at 06.00 AM.
Return to base camp at 11.30 AM.
Lunch in the camp, and a few hours to relax.
Departure from base camp at 2.00 PM to your waiting minibus,
that will take you back to Phuket or Khao Lak.
Arrival at your hotel around 5.00 PM.
Please note we recommend 3-4 days for this trip, as the area we fish is very large, and this gives us the extra time needed to explore the best fishing areas.

Total price per person inc. 7% VAT:

You can keep up to date with what is being caught at Cheow Lan Lake by clicking here, to read the latest catch results.

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