Mothership Fishing Adventure
The Trip
Our Vietnam mothership fishing expedition takes you deep into remote, untouched freshwater systems far beyond the reach of conventional fishing. Operating from a fully equipped mothership, we move between vast reservoirs, flooded valleys, and deep river channels where trophy predators roam freely.
This is a true expedition-style adventure focused on targeting the legendary Yellowcheek, one of Asia’s most powerful and elusive freshwater pelagic species. Every day is spent chasing changing conditions across vast, wild water systems in search of explosive action.
Fishing & Fish Behaviour
Yellowcheek are highly aggressive, pelagic predators that primarily feed on schools of baitfish known as skygazers (minnow-like forage fish). In deep water systems, they use a coordinated hunting strategy, herding bait into tight balls before launching violent, explosive attacks.
These feeding events are extreme—surface blowups can be heard and seen from up to 1 kilometre away, often erupting with intense power and speed. Once a bait ball is formed, multiple fish may attack in rapid succession, creating chaotic surface action.
While they can be encountered throughout the day, their primary feeding windows are typically 06:00–11:00 and 15:00–19:00, when surface activity is most consistent.
Targeting Techniques
Successful Yellowcheek fishing requires fast reaction and accurate presentation. Effective lures include topwater buzzbaits, Whopper Ploppers, and jerkbaits, all designed to trigger reaction strikes during surface chaos.
When baitfish are being pushed to the surface, anglers should stay alert and wait for visible signs such as fins, nervous water, or full surface blowups. Cast directly into or around the bait ball and use fast, erratic twitching retrieves to imitate injured or panicked prey.
The key is patience followed by precision—Yellowcheek instinctively target weak or struggling bait, and an erratic lure is often impossible for them to ignore. When topwater action slows down, patroling the banks or scouting them on live sonar are also great methods
Top 5 Reasons to Join this tour
Mothership traveling 300km upriver means fishing new waters every day
Crystal clear water and fish diversity (Yellowcheek, Giant snakehead, Skygazers)
Bass boats with sonars and Fishfinders. Flyfishing boats and aluminium boats available
World record sized fish swimming in the depths
Specialized international crew and chefs
Itinerary
Best Lures for Yellowcheek
Poppers
A wide variety of poppers will do the trick, But after testing countless designs, the Rapala Skitterpop (Blue/silver) has just the right aboumt of pop and splash to get the yellowcheek blowing up
Jerkbaits are always a safe option when fishing for predators. Through testing and experience, The Rapala XRAP showed the highest results in getting the fish interested and commited to a hit. The design and action closely mirror the baitfish they hunt
Jerkbaits
In order to mimic baitfish from a school fleeing as they are being chased, The whopper plopper is the go to lure. Fast action, ripping through the water in bursts catch the Yellowcheek during the moment they hunt bait as the plops sound like baitfish jumping
Whopper Plopper
Miscellaneous
Jigs
Spoons
Spooks
Flies
These lures work very well during certain times and for certain circumastances
Best Flies for Yellowcheek
Streamers
Streamers are the go-to fly when fishing for big predators. Colors like silver, red, blues and Yellow make for excelent patterns
Game changers
This segmented fly adds a bit of movement in your flies. Yellowcheek are attracted to movement and erratic action
Popper Flies
A wide variety of poppers will do the trick, Yellowcheek are attracted to the splashing sound rather than a popping sound so small and large popper flies work well
Wiggle minnows
A fly that has all the properties of a jerkbait. Sub-surface diver with wild and erratic action that yellowcheek find irresistible
Note: Flyfishing for yellowcheek is physically demanding and requires competency fishing 8wt+ rods
Mothership and Fishing boats
Hydrasport 5.8m Bass boat
Yamaha 100 Horsepower 4 stroke Engine
Lowrance Active Target 2 Livescope
GlassStream 5.2m Bass boat
Lowrance Elite FS 9 3 in 1 Sonar + Lowrance Active target live sonar
Yamaha 60 Horsepower EFI
9.8M Composite Longtail
Flyfishing compatible
40HP Longtail Engine
5.0m Aluminium Boat
Suitable for shallow water and rapids
Yamaha 25HP
Mothership
Large Shared Cabin (10 Pax)
Fully Equipped Kitchen/Grill/Chef
Freezers and Fridges for cold drinks
Solar Panels for uninterupted electricity
2 bathrooms With toilets and warm showers
Large dining area on second floor of the ship
Separate Crew and Guest area
Price
$3200 USD/PAX
$2600/PAX (full group booking)
10 Pax Maximum
The price includes
2 night stay in Hanoi hotel on day 1 and day 11
All transport to and from the lake
2-3 Meals/ Day (Vietnamese/Western Cuisine (fruits, snacks, soft drinks and drinking water included)
10 fishing days
9 Nights stay on the mothership
International English speaking guides
Fishing Permits
Life jackets and first aid kits
Custom made fishing shirts
Lures/premade lure boxes for sale
The price DOES not Include
Transport from the airport
Simcard for vietnamese network
Alcohol (Will be available for purchase)
Sunscreen and hats
Gratuities (Always appreciated)
Fishing gear (Rods/Reels/Line/Leader, Although available for rent)
Meals in Hanoi