Fishing Venues in Thailand > Maeklong River

The mighty Maeklong River is situated in western Thailand. The river originates in Kanchanaburi province at the confluence of the River Kwai Yai (big) and River Kwai (noi) scene of the infamous 'Death Railway' in World War Two where countless POW's and Asian workers lost there lives. The mighty Maeklong continues its journey meandering through Ratchaburi province before ending its journey at Samut Songkran province in its lower reaches where it empties into the Gulf of Thailand. The Maeklong River is 145kms in length and is intersected by hundreds of canals and waterways. The lower reaches at Samut Songkran receive two tidal influxes daily altering the rivers depth and flow considerably.

Samut Songkran is situated one and a half hours west of Bangkok and is the location of a large estuary where the Gulf of Thailand meets this massive tidal river.

The lower reaches of the Maeklong River are a place of immense natural beauty and are host to a wide variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. The famous Damnoen Saduak floating market is situated in the lower reaches of the Maeklong.

The river is bordered by a multitude of sacred Buddhist temples some dating as far back as 400years and is truly a magical destination. In its murky depths lurk some of the largest freshwater predators in the world and a real sense of mystery.

Target species on the Maeklong River include various members of the ray family such as the Giant Freshwater Stingray and also Sea Catfish.

The Maeklong River is truly an atmospheric fishing location offering awe inspiring scenery and the chance to target one of the largest freshwater fish on the planet! Fishing times on the Maeklong River are dictated by lunar phases and tidal predications which allow the angler the maximum opportunity to do battle with one the largest freshwater predators in the world!

The Fishsiam team has accounted for numerous Giant freshwater stingray from this massive tidal river to an estimated 150kg.

This is the same record breaking stretch (Area 51) that Dr.Ian Welch, Fish Biologist and Angling Journalist, recently captured the Maeklong river record Giant Freshwater Stingray and appears in the 23/06/2008 edition of the Anglers Mail.