When is the best time to catch Phalacronotus bleekeri?

The best season for Phalacronotus bleekeri is May to October (warm rainy months). Best time of day: Dusk to early morning (nighttime).

What equipment do I need to catch Phalacronotus bleekeri?

Recommended rod: Light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action. Line weight: 4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Technique: Bottom night‑fishing with a slow drift or stationary hook‑set. Best bait: Live worms, small shrimp, or minnow chunks.

Where are the best places to catch Phalacronotus bleekeri?

Top fishing locations for Phalacronotus bleekeri: Mekong River – Pakse Stretch, Laos; Chao Phraya River – Bangkok Lower Reach, Thailand; Tonle Sap Lake – Northern Basin, Cambodia; Mahakam River – Kutai Basin, Indonesia; Red River – Hanoi Vicinity, Vietnam.

When is the best time to catch Phalacronotus bleekeri?

The best season for Phalacronotus bleekeri is May to October (warm rainy months). Best time of day: Dusk to early morning (nighttime).

What equipment do I need to catch Phalacronotus bleekeri?

Recommended rod: Light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action. Line weight: 4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Technique: Bottom night‑fishing with a slow drift or stationary hook‑set. Best bait: Live worms, small shrimp, or minnow chunks.

Where are the best places to catch Phalacronotus bleekeri?

Top fishing locations for Phalacronotus bleekeri: Mekong River – Pakse Stretch, Laos; Chao Phraya River – Bangkok Lower Reach, Thailand; Tonle Sap Lake – Northern Basin, Cambodia; Mahakam River – Kutai Basin, Indonesia; Red River – Hanoi Vicinity, Vietnam.

Loading map...

♥ Donate

Fish Details

Phalacronotus bleekeri

Phalacronotus bleekeri, commonly called Bleeker's catfish, is a slender freshwater catfish reaching about 60 cm. It inhabits slow‑moving rivers and floodplain lakes across Southeast Asia and is prized for its mild, flaky flesh. Anglers target it using light gear and night‑time bait tactics.

Fight

Taste

Basic Information

Family

Siluridae

Max Size

60 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

May to October (warm rainy months)

Best Time

Dusk to early morning (nighttime)

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Phalacronotus bleekeri

Fish during the rainy season when water levels rise and fish are more active.
Use a small hook (size 8‑10) and a light line to feel subtle bites.
Cast near submerged structures such as fallen logs, overhanging vegetation, or deep pools.
Fish after sunset; catfish are most active at night and will bite readily on live bait.

Top Fishing Locations for Phalacronotus bleekeri

Mekong River – Pakse Stretch

Laos

intermediate78% Very Common

Deep channels of the Mekong near Pakse where Phalacronotus bleekeri congregate during the dry season.

Best: Nov-Feb

Chao Phraya River – Bangkok Lower Reach

Thailand

beginner65% Common

Lower reaches near Bangkok provide abundant prey and suitable habitats.

Best: Oct-Jan

Tonle Sap Lake – Northern Basin

Cambodia

intermediate72% Very Common

During the flood season, catfish migrate into the northern basin, offering high catch rates.

Best: Jun-Sep

Mahakam River – Kutai Basin

Indonesia

expert55% Common

Remote stretches of the Mahakam provide pristine habitats.

Best: Mar-May

Red River – Hanoi Vicinity

Vietnam

beginner68% Common

Upper Red River near Hanoi is known for steady catfish runs.

Best: Oct-Dec

Kapuas River – Central Kalimantan

Indonesia

expert48% Occasional

Deep, slow-moving sections host abundant catfish.

Best: May-Jul

Bang Pakong River – Eastern Thailand

Thailand

intermediate60% Common

Brackish lower reaches attract the species during spawning.

Best: Sep-Nov

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Phalacronotus bleekeri

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action

Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon

Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic shad or jig, or 'N/A' if using live bait

TechniqueBottom night‑fishing with a slow drift or stationary hook‑set

Best bait: Live worms, small shrimp, or minnow chunks