Habitat and Diet
The Arowana is a surface feeder as indicated by it’s upward pointing mouth. The Arowana’s diet comprises fish, fry, small mammals, large spiders, large beetles and small birds. All of which are available to the Arowana in Thailand. Arowana prefer shallow and calm water where they are active during the day and can be spotted patrolling close to the surface, adjacent to the shore. The Arowana has a predilection for undercut banks and overhanging vegetation, trees and bushes.
Arowana Fly Fishing Tackle
Fly fishing for Arowana in Thailand is a straightforward process requiring no specialised equipment. A 7 weight saltwater fly rod will cover all situations. Combined with a good quality fly reel and a tropical floating line, the fly fishing outfit is complete. A word of caution, a lighter line weight may appear attractive but the Arowana is a delicate fish and should be played (not bullied) to the net as quickly as possible to avoid over-exhausting the fish. The saltwater fly rod is ideal because it can easily handle the large bushy flies. If not using a saltwater rod, go up to an 8 weight fly rod.
Cruising Arowana
Arowana Fly Fishing Strategy & Technique
The Arowana is a hunter who actively seeks out prey. Unlike ambush feeders, who lurk in cover, waiting for unsuspecting prey to come along, the Arowana patrols in search of prey. Some Arowana tend to follow fixed routes, visiting different areas of a lake in turn. The cruising Arowana has a languid casual look to his movements. Whereas an actively hunting Arowana appears to be just a little more purposeful in his movements.
Nevertheless, both the cruiser and the hunter can be induced to take a correctly presented fly.
By far, the most effective method of fly fishing for Arowana in Thailand is by stalking the margins and casting to cruising / hunting fish. Stalking does not necessarily mean the fly fisher is constantly on the move trying to locate Arowana but observing specific Arowana haunts from cover, periodically changing location. The fly fisher must be constantly alert. The Arowana has an annoying habit of appearing from nowhere, like a ghost and melting away by disappearing under the bank just as quickly.
Often sighted disappearing Arowana Tail
Once an Arowana is sighted the fly fisher must be able to act quickly and be ready to cast at once. There is no time to strip line from the reel or fiddle around untangling a fly and leader. Despite the initial casual appearance of the swimming Arowana, the Arowana can accelerate smoothly and efficiently without showing any signs of agitation or alarm and head into cover before many fly fishers can react to seeing the fish.
Presenting the Fly to the Fish
There are two methods of fly presentation which will induce the Arowana to take the fly. The first is to cast the fly about 4 or 5 metres directly ahead of of the cruising Arowana. The fly should enter the water with a distinct plopping sound. If the Arowana is alarmed he will veer off and change course. If curious, the Arowana will continue towards the fly. As the Arowana approaches the fly it is necessary to work the fly in a manner consistent with the style of fly being used. If using a baitfish imitation, then work the fly as a frightened baitfish. If using a fly representing a beetle or spider falling on the water, work the fly as a struggling, twitching insect as it drowns. As the Arowana gets close to the fly - keep the fly in motion, if the fly loses life and motion, the Arowana may well lose interest and cruise off elsewhere. The Arowana will behave in several ways. Sometimes he will follow the fly before engulfing it (sometimes only a centimetre or two away from the fly) and at other times he will snatch the fly immediately it comes into range.
Well hooked Arowana
It is important to remember that as the Arowana seizes the fly, the Arowana will at first, clamp the fly firmly between the upper and lower jaw. This vice like grip gives the illusion of a hooked fish. This is why so many Arowana are played for a short time and throw the hook - the hook was not set in the the first place. It is advisable to stay your hand for a few moments after the fly is taken and set the hook as the Arowana relaxes the initial crushing grip and moves the fly in his mouth. The pause for this to happen is only a few seconds, although the timing can feel interminably long.
The second method of presentation, is to cast the fly just ahead of the Arowana, landing about 1 metre either side of his head. The fly should be cast to make a “plopping” sound as it hits the water. In this case, the Arowana will react instantly and seize the fly with unbridled enthusiasm in a cascade of water. Despite this exciting take, it is necessary to stay the strike as above.
The reason for making the “plopping” sound is that the two barbels located on the top of the Arowana’s lower lip are sensitive to vibrations in the water.
There is a third and very exciting method, the fly is suspended about 10 to 20 cm. above the water over a cruising Arowana. Few opportunities exist to do this but when the chance comes it is exhilarating fishing. It could be termed the ultimate dry fly experience ?
Arowana barbels
If the Arowana does not take the offered fly, all is not lost. Arowana are not easily spooked if the fly fisher behaves carefully. It is possible to re-cast and and re-present the fly as long as the Arowana remains in sight and casting distance. A drastic change of fly colour is often the key to success. A Fly Fish Thailand Guide will have an alternative fly and leader prepared for a very quick change of fly before the chance of another cast or two is lost. If the Arowana changes direction away from the fly as the fly hits the water do not give up - cast again. Sometimes the Arowana is not in the least interested and is just “out and about” for a swim !
Playing, Landing and Releasing the Arowana
The Arowana is a delicate fish and should be treated with care and consideration. The Arowana’s fight is mostly in the air and can be very acrobatic. The Arowana should be played firmly and brought to the net as soon as possible. This does not mean “horsing” the fish in. The Arowana must be landed using a suitable landing net. “Gloving” the fish out or using Boga grips is not a suitable method for this fish because the jaw can easily be damaged. The Fly Fish Thailand Guide ensures a suitable, knotless net is employed.
Fish Handling
The Arowana is a very slippery fish and despite it’s exertions is capable of wriggling free from careless hands. The Arowana should be unhooked, weighed in a net (not suspended by it’s jaw with Boga grips) and returned to the water as quickly as possible. Warmwater fish do not always recover as quickly as cold water fish when returned to the water. Your Fly Fish Thailand Guide will adopt the best method of supporting and returning the fish.
Fly caught Arowana
Flies and Leaders
The Arowana can be as picky about flies as a Hampshire chalkstream trout, because one is fishing in Thailand does not mean careful fly selection is redundant. Water and light conditions as well as the time of day will determine the fly selection. A shock leader with a class tippet is essential. In the case of flies and leaders take the advice of your fly fishing Guide and you will not go far wrong. Fly Fish Thailand Guides have available all necessary flies, leaders and tippets for a successful fly fishing expedition in Thailand.
