Giant Wallago Catfish Caught in Phayao Lake
A massive 15-kilogram Wallago catfish was caught by an angler at Kwan Phayao, highlighting the ecological health of the region.
On November 2, 2026, a significant catch at Kwan Phayao in Phayao Province drew considerable attention from local anglers and visitors. A fisherman successfully landed a giant Wallago catfish (Pla Khao) weighing over 15 kilograms. The fish was so large that it required two people to hold it, prompting onlookers to gather and take photographs of the impressive specimen. According to Khaosod Online, the fish displayed the characteristic thick, grey-black body, large head, and wide mouth typical of the species. The capture of such a large predator is being viewed by locals as a positive indicator of the ecological health and biodiversity of the Phayao Lake ecosystem, which is connected to the Ing River basin and the Mekong River system. For residents and visitors, this event underscores the lake's role as a vital habitat for diverse freshwater species. While the catch has generated excitement within the local fishing community, it remains a singular event. There is no official data regarding the current population density of such large specimens in the lake, and the long-term impact of such fishing activities on the local ecosystem continues to be a subject of interest for environmental observers.
