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Biggest Freshwater Fish You Can Catch Worldwide

Top Ten

Biggest Fish You Can Catch Worldwide

These are the true giants of freshwater.

Freshwater isn’t just small fish and quiet lakes—it’s home to some of the most massive and otherworldly fish on the planet. This list highlights the biggest freshwater species anglers can actually target worldwide, from prehistoric giants to river monsters that look like they belong in another era. These fish don’t just get big—they redefine what’s possible in freshwater fishing. Hooking one is more than a catch—it’s a lifetime achievement.

Arapaima

Verified

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Arapaima must breathe air and surfaces every 5 to 15 minutes, gulping loudly like a surfacing submarine.

Click to Learn More About Arapaima

Mekong Giant Catfish

Coming Soon

Species Guide Coming Soon

Wels Catfish

Verified

World Record 297 lb 9 oz
Klaus Zwickl / 2010
Po River, Italy

Signature Fact They've been filmed launching onto riverbanks to grab pigeons, orca-style, then wriggling back with lunch.

Click to Learn More About Wels Catfish

Giant Freshwater Stingray

Species Guide Coming Soon

World Record —

Signature Fact More details coming soon.

Alligator Gar

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 279 lb 0 oz
Art Weston / 2011
Rio Grande, Texas

Signature Fact Their eggs are poisonous to humans, even after cooking-roe tacos are a very bad idea.

White Sturgeon

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 0 lb 5 oz
Steven J. Cozza / 2001
Cape May, New Jersey

Signature Fact Eleven‑foot white sturgeon sometimes launch completely out of the water-prehistoric armor doing full‑on tarpon acrobatics.

Nile Perch

Species Guide Coming Soon

World Record —

Signature Fact More details coming soon.

Paddlefish

Species Guide Coming Soon

World Record —

Signature Fact More details coming soon.

Goliath Tigerfish

Species Guide Coming Soon

World Record —

Signature Fact More details coming soon.

Giant Gourami

Species Guide Coming Soon

World Record —

Signature Fact More details coming soon.

FAQs

What is the biggest freshwater fish in the world?

The Mekong giant catfish and giant freshwater stingray are among the largest freshwater fish in the world, capable of reaching massive sizes and weights.

What are the largest freshwater fish species?

Arapaima, Mekong giant catfish, wels catfish, giant freshwater stingray, Nile perch, and alligator gar are among the largest freshwater species globally.

Where can you catch giant freshwater fish worldwide?

These fish are found in major river systems like the Amazon, Mekong, Congo, and large lakes and reservoirs across multiple continents.

Are these fish difficult to catch?

Yes. Many are rare, require specialized techniques, and live in challenging environments, making them extremely difficult to target.

What makes a freshwater fish a giant?

Size, weight, and overall length define freshwater giants, along with their ability to grow far beyond typical fish species.