10 Freshwater Species to Add to Your Fishing Bucket List

For passionate anglers, the pursuit of trophy fish often leads to some of the most breathtaking and remote corners of the world. While saltwater fishing offers its fair share of adrenaline, the world’s lakes, rivers, and freshwater systems hold some of the most impressive game fish on the planet. From the prehistoric arapaima lurking in the Amazon to the hard-fighting steelhead of North America, these freshwater species should be on every serious angler’s bucket list.

The Giants of Africa

1. Nile Perch (Africa)

Few freshwater fish command as much respect as the Nile perch. This apex predator can grow well over 200 pounds (90 kg) and is found in massive lakes and river systems across Africa. With its sleek silver body and immense power, it’s often compared to saltwater tarpon due to its aggressive feeding behavior and aerial fights.

Lake Nasser in Egypt is one of the most famous destinations for targeting these beasts. The vast, remote waters create a prime habitat for Nile perch to grow to monstrous sizes. Anglers often rely on deep-diving lures, live bait, or even fly fishing setups to tempt these giants. The battles are intense, requiring heavy tackle and unwavering determination.

However, the premier destination for Nile Perch is undoubtedly Murchison Falls National Park. This section of the Nile, designated strictly for catch-and-release, is one of the last remaining spots to consistently target 100+ pound giants in Africa’s largest river. The falls have also been featured in episodes of Jeremy Wade’s River Monsters.

2. Tiger Fish (Africa)

If there’s one freshwater fish that can send shivers down an angler’s spine, it’s the tiger fish. Found in the mighty Zambezi River and the Congo Basin, these razor-toothed predators are Africa’s version of piranhas—only much bigger and more aggressive.

Tiger fish are famous for their ferocious strikes and lightning-fast runs. With their muscular bodies and rows of dagger-like teeth, they can slice through baitfish in an instant. Catching one often requires using large, flashy lures or flies that mimic distressed prey. The best tiger fishing is often done from boats drifting down remote river sections, where anglers battle strong currents and fast-moving fish.

The Legends of South America

3. Golden Dorado (South America)

The golden dorado is often called the “river tiger” for good reason. Found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, this stunning fish is known for its golden-yellow scales, aggressive predatory instincts, and aerial acrobatics when hooked.

Dorado fishing is a dream for fly anglers, as these fish readily attack large streamers and topwater lures. The pristine, jungle-lined rivers of Bolivia’s Tsimane region provide the ultimate experience, where dorado hunt baitfish in shallow rapids. The combination of remote, untouched wilderness and the sheer power of these fish makes for an unforgettable adventure.

While Bolivia’s jungle rivers are a well-known hotspot, Argentina’s Paraná Delta and the Corriente River stretch offer some of the most accessible and productive dorado fishing in the world.

The Paraná Delta – A Golden Dorado Stronghold

Located near Buenos Aires, the Paraná Delta is one of the most productive golden dorado fisheries in Argentina. This vast network of rivers, islands, and wetlands provides a perfect habitat for dorado, with an abundance of baitfish and strong currents that keep these predators active year-round.

The best time to fish the Paraná Delta is during the warmer months, from October to April, when dorado are feeding aggressively. Anglers here often use topwater lures, large streamers, and crankbaits, targeting the fish in deep channels, submerged structure, and along fast-moving currents. What makes this region special is the variety of fishing styles available—whether you prefer fly fishing, spin fishing, or baitcasting, the Paraná Delta offers incredible opportunities to land trophy-sized dorado without needing to travel deep into remote jungle regions.

The Corriente River – A Dorado Paradise

Further north in Argentina, the Corriente River is another golden dorado hotspot, known for its crystal-clear waters and strong, migratory dorado populations. The river connects the Iberá Wetlands to the Paraná River, creating a rich ecosystem where dorado thrive.

What sets the Corriente River apart is its sight-fishing potential—in the right conditions, anglers can see dorado hunting baitfish in the current, making for exhilarating visual strikes. Fly anglers, in particular, love this stretch of water, as dorado here readily attack large streamers stripped aggressively through the current. The best months for dorado fishing on the Corriente River are November through March, when water temperatures are ideal and the fish are most active.

Both the Paraná Delta and the Corriente River offer world-class golden dorado fishing, with easy access compared to some of the more remote jungle locations. Whether you’re casting poppers in the Paraná’s murky waters or watching a dorado charge down your fly in the clear flows of the Corriente, Argentina’s golden dorado fisheries promise an unforgettable experience.

4. Peacock Bass (South America)

Another South American powerhouse, the peacock bass is a visual spectacle and a topwater strike machine. Native to the Amazon Basin, these brilliantly colored fish have an attitude that rivals even the toughest saltwater species.

Anglers travel deep into the rainforest to target giant peacock bass, which can weigh over 20 pounds (9 kg). The most exciting way to catch them is with topwater lures, as they explode on poppers and stickbaits with unmatched aggression. The fight is relentless, with powerful runs and head-shaking attempts to throw the hook.

5. Arapaima (South America)

Perhaps no freshwater fish has a more prehistoric presence than the arapaima. These air-breathing giants have roamed South American waters for millions of years, reaching lengths of 10 feet (3 meters) and weighing over 400 pounds (180 kg).

Fishing for arapaima requires heavy-duty gear, as their sheer size and power make them a true test for any angler. They often lurk in slow-moving backwaters, where they surface to gulp air before diving back down. The thrill of hooking an arapaima comes from the sheer explosive strength they unleash when they feel the hook. Many catch-and-release operations now focus on protecting these incredible fish, ensuring sustainable fishing in places like Brazil’s Mamirauá Reserve and Peru’s Amazon tributaries.

The Heavyweights of Australia & Asia

6. Murray Cod (Australia)

As Australia’s largest freshwater fish, the Murray cod is a true giant of the country’s inland river systems. These fish can grow over 100 pounds (45 kg) and are known for their incredible strength and ambush tactics.

Fishing for Murray cod often involves casting large swimbaits, surface lures, or spinnerbaits around submerged logs and deep pools. The Murray-Darling Basin is the prime location for targeting these behemoths. With strong conservation efforts in place, many anglers now practice catch and release to ensure future generations can enjoy the challenge of landing a trophy Murray cod.

7. Mahseer (India/Nepal)

Nicknamed the “tiger of the river,” the mahseer is one of the most revered game fish in South Asia. Found in fast-flowing Himalayan rivers, mahseer can grow over 100 pounds (45 kg) and are considered one of the hardest-fighting freshwater species.

Anglers trek deep into remote river valleys in India and Nepal to target these legendary fish. The best methods include casting large plugs, spoons, or live bait into strong currents. A hooked mahseer is a powerhouse, using both the current and its brute strength to battle upstream, testing an angler’s endurance.

8. Taimen (Mongolia/Russia)

The taimen, often referred to as the “river wolf”, is the world’s largest member of the salmonid family and one of the most legendary freshwater game fish. Found in the remote rivers of Mongolia and Russia, taimen are apex predators that can grow over 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kg).

Fishing for taimen is unlike any other freshwater experience. These fish are aggressive surface feeders, known to ambush prey—including small mammals and birds—with brutal force. The most exhilarating way to catch them is with large topwater flies or oversized streamers, often imitating mice, birds, or baitfish. The moment a taimen explodes on a fly is unforgettable, as they often launch completely out of the water in pursuit of their prey.

The best taimen fishing occurs in the wild, unspoiled rivers of Mongolia, such as the Eg-Uur and Onon Rivers, where strict catch-and-release regulations help protect these incredible fish. The season runs from June to October, with the fall months (September-October) offering the best chance at landing a true giant as they bulk up before winter.

Taimen fishing is not just about the catch—it’s about the adventure. The remote landscapes, vast rolling steppes, and pristine rivers create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every serious angler should pursue.

The Titans of North America:

9. Steelhead (North America)

Arguably the most sought-after freshwater game fish in North America, the steelhead is a sea-run rainbow trout known for its agility, strength, and acrobatics. Found in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, and even as far as Patagonia, these fish migrate between freshwater rivers and the ocean, making them one of the most challenging species to catch.

Steelhead fishing is often done with fly rods or light spinning tackle, requiring patience and skill to land them in fast-flowing rivers. Some of the most famous steelhead fisheries include British Columbia’s Skeena River, Oregon’s Deschutes River, and Argentina’s Rio Santa Cruz. The fight of a steelhead is unlike any other, as they often jump multiple times and use the river’s flow to their advantage.

10. White Sturgeon (North America)

The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America, reaching over 1,000 pounds (450 kg) and living for more than 100 years. These prehistoric giants inhabit rivers like the Fraser River in British Columbia and the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest.

Catching a sturgeon is like battling a living dinosaur. These fish are caught using heavy tackle and large bait setups, and once hooked, they can leap out of the water despite their massive size. Many conservation efforts have been put in place to protect these incredible creatures, making catch-and-release fishing the norm.

Final Thoughts

For anglers who crave the ultimate fishing challenge, these 10 freshwater species represent some of the most exhilarating catches on the planet. Whether you dream of chasing golden dorado in South America, steelhead in North America, or tiger fish in Africa, each species offers a unique adventure that pushes both skill and endurance to the limit.

So, which of these giants will you pursue first? Shoot us a message and let’s get the ball rolling!