Thrilling pursuit of lampam

The excitement of casting a fly, the anticipation as it drifts through the water and the exhilaration of hooking a fish make fly-fishing a favourite among anglers.

FISHING for ikan lampam, or tinfoil barb, offers an exhilarating experience amidst Malaysia’s scenic rivers and lakes.

These silver-scaled fighters thrive in clear, well-oxygenated waters with plenty of submerged vegetation that provides food and cover.

The country’s pristine waterways, from the serene rivers of Pahang to the man-made Kenyir Lake and picturesque Temenggor Lake, are ideal for pursuing these vigorous freshwater fish.

One exciting way to catch them is through fly fishing, with nymph flies presenting anglers with a thrilling challenge.

Fly fishing for lampam is a unique and rewarding experience.

The excitement of casting a fly, the anticipation as it drifts through the water, and the adrenaline rush of hooking a fish make lampam a favourite among anglers.

Having the right gear is essential to effectively target lampam using fly fishing.

A 3 to 5 weight fly rod comes highly recommended, while a sturdy reel with a smooth drag system helps manage lampam’s powerful runs.

Use a floating fly line, which works well in various freshwater conditions, and pair it with a 9-foot tapered leader and a 4X to 5X tippet for subtle presentations that minimise spooking the fish.

Nymph flies are highly effective for lampam fishing.

With attractive colour combinations and bead heads, these flies imitate aquatic insects in their nymphal stage, a primary food source for lampam.

Short to medium casts (10-30 feet) are typically sufficient, as lampam often stay close to submerged vegetation or structures.

A Randuk Lampam Vol 3 participant in action at Sungai Geroh Gopeng, where the event attracted some 100 participants.

Once you detect a tug and strike, quickly lift the rod tip to set the hook.

Lampam have a strong initial run, so be prepared for a fight.

Use a combination of rod pressure and reel drag to tire the fish, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent breaking the tippet.

Guide the fish towards you and use a landing net to capture it safely and efficiently.

It is a thrilling and challenging experience to catch lampam using a fly rod.

Wet your hands before handling the fish to protect its delicate scales and mucus layer.

Fly fishing for lampang is not just about the catch; it’s about the experience and passion.

Last month, about 100 fly fishing enthusiasts gathered at Randuk Lampam Vol 3, a fishing event organised by the Perak Fly Fishing Syndicate, to test their skills.

Nymph flies, designed to mimic aquatic insects in their nymphal stage, are highly effective in catching the lampam fish.

The event, an annual gathering for fly anglers from across the country, was a fun-filled overnight affair at Atok Gonen Camping Site in Gopeng, where participants shared their knowledge and built friendships.

Badong Sepi emerged as the top winner, followed by Wan Samad in second place, with Zohairi Tahir and Yazid Kazuma rounding out the top positions.

Happy fishing!