Top 10 Largest Freshwater Fish Ever Caught

When we think about giant trophy fish, our minds automatically imagine deep sea creatures caught in the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean. However, big fish species do exist in freshwater bodies all over the world. Just recently, the largest freshwater fish ever recorded was caught in Cambodia — a giant stingray that weighed 661 lbs., beating the world record Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand in 2005. It shows that these giants can be found and caught in freshwater bodies.

In this post, we’ll be counting down the top 10 largest freshwater fish ever caught. Who knows? You may even encounter some of these on freshwater fishing trips in the US or abroad.

1. White Sturgeon

The biggest white sturgeon caught on a rod-and-reel in North America weighed 468 lbs. At the time of its capture, it was estimated to be about a hundred years old. The fish can grow up to 1500 lbs., though it’s impossible to catch one in that weight these days. However, catching a few 50 lbs. of white sturgeon with a great freshwater charter guide is still doable. Just check the regulations where you’re fishing, so you don’t accidentally break the rules. Looking for guides that target this species? Click here.

2. Alligator Gar

The world record for the most oversized alligator gar caught weighed 279 lbs. While the fish can grow up to 350 lbs., it’s much more common to find them in the 250 lb. range. One of the best ways to catch this fish is to go on Louisiana inshore fishing charters like Nock Em Dead Bowfishing Charters, which specializes in this catch. Alligator gar are most often found in freshwater and brackish water in the South.

3. Peacock Bass

The most recent world record for peacock bass is 2.99 ft. long and was caught in Rio Marie, Brazil. Before that, the biggest peacock bass was also caught in Brazil. While the world record for this stunning fish took years to beat, finding one in the 30 lb. range in Brazil and the Amazon is relatively typical. 

4. Barramundi

Commonly found in freshwater lakes and reservoirs of big sizes, barramundi are both strong fighters and delicious table fare. The biggest one ever caught was recorded in Australia, weighing 98 lbs.

5. Arapaima

Arapaima are monster fish that can be found in Asia and the Amazon. They are mostly known as catch-and-release game fish in Thailand and Malaysia. It’s common to catch them in the 300 lb. range in Thailand on guided fishing tours. The biggest freshwater fish caught on fly gear was a 415 lb. arapaima, caught in the jungles of Guyana. Anglers keen on catching this mighty fish report regular sightings of the arapaima in the 400 lb. range. 

6. Nile Perch

Fly fishing for the Nile perch in Africa is one of the most popular tourist activities in the region. These fish species are known to grow up to 500 lbs. The biggest on record was caught in Lake Nasser in Egypt, weighing 230 lbs. The fight with the fish lasted for almost an hour.

7. Northern Pike

The world record for the northern pike, which weighed 55 lbs., was recorded in Germany in 1986 and has yet to be broken. This fish is a favorite among anglers all over the world. If you’re keen to beat the record, going on fishing trips in Maryland and anywhere up north on freshwater and brackish waters could be your ticket. However, you should also know that European northern pike tend to grow bigger than their American counterparts.

8. Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon are known to grow large and are the biggest of all salmon species, hence their nickname, king salmon. However, the world record for it, set in 1985 with a weight of 97 lbs., has yet to be beaten. This fish remains the heaviest-ever salmon recorded by the International Game Fish Association. Try your best to catch a world record by booking a California charter like Salmon Striper, David Rooney Fishing, or Big John’s Fishing Guide Service which specializes in targeting salmon on the Pacific Coast.

9. Mekong Giant Catfish

Typically found in Southeast Asia, this giant catfish is considered critically endangered. Fishing for wild ones is illegal, though you can still try to wrestle with stocked fish. Don’t turn up your noses on the stocked ones, though, as they can still weigh up to 300 lbs. Before the record-breaking giant freshwater stingray was caught in Cambodia, the biggest ever freshwater fish was the Mekong giant catfish caught in Thailand.

10. Giant Freshwater Stingray

A giant freshwater stingray can grow up to 800 lbs. based on its growth potential. Often found in the rivers in Thailand, Borneo, and Malaysia, this endangered giant can present the challenge of a lifetime to catch and release with its great weight and spiked tail. The biggest one caught in the Mekong River has been tagged by scientists studying giant stingray behavior in the area. Many trophy freshwater species found in the Mekong River are becoming threatened with extinction, so tracking one of them could lead to discoveries on how their species can be revived.