The striped snakehead (Channa striata) is a freshwater fish species in the snakehead family (family Channidae) of order Perciformes (perch-likes). The striped snakehead is native to the ecosystems of the Mekong River basin & Chao Phraya basin in Thailand.
Striped Snakehead Diet
The striped snakehead has a more varied diet than the great or giant snakehead, feeding on detritus, crustaceans, insects, invertebrates, frogs & fish.
Striped Snakehead Identification
The eel-like body of the striped snakehead is dark brown in colour with faint black bands visible across its entire body. The dorsal fin of the striped snakehead is long stretching across the back; a small head with a big mouth displays rows of sharp teeth for trapping its prey.
Striped Snakehead Flyfishing in Thailand
Thailand Flyfishing Season: July - March
Fly fishing techniques and location differ somewhat from the giant snakehead. Areas of shallow water with thick weed & vegetation growing to the surface are ideal hideouts for the striped snakehead. To fly fish these weed-choked bays the best fly in the box is a floating bass popper with a weed guard which can be retrieved across the most dense weed.
Striped snakeheads lie in these areas waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Once located striped snakeheads can be cast to numerous times to induce takes. Unlike the giant snakehead, a missed take does not mean the end; these fish are more willing to re-strike at re-cast flies.