We have a choice of two excellent rivers in Khovsgol Province of Northern Mongolia, where the taimen average over 30 inches. Exceptional specimens can grow to 50-60 inches in this region. The programme can be tailored to you and your group; you have the choice of being based in a simple ger (yurt) camp, or camping in tents. Access to the fishing is by hiking, horse-back, or 4WD vehicle, for an additional fee, it is possible to arrange the hire of rafts or canoes.
The Fishing Camp
The fishing camp uses traditional Mongolian gers, felt tents wrapped around a collapsible wooden frame to provide the accommodation, dining and simple washroom facilities. The gers are 9 feet high and 15-20 feet in diameter, and are equipped with beds and an area to sit down and relax by a wood stove. Each ger accommodates 3 to 4 anglers. Meals will include a range of tasty Mongolian and European dishes produced from locally available supplies, beer and wine can be purchased at the camp. For camping trips we will supply 3-person mountain tents for two to share, camp chairs and tables, toilet tent and simple shower. The camp is staffed by local Mongolian team, including a translator.
The Fish
Taimen (Hucho taimen) are a landlocked salmonid that can grow to huge proportions. They are an aggressive fish that feed on anything that they can fit in their mouth, from minnows and fry to mature grayling and trout, or even small birds or rodents. The average Taimen in the rivers we fish are around 30 inches long, weighing roughly 12lbs, but there are many of over 40 inches, around 20lbs, and we have opportunities to catch taimen of over 50 inches on most trips. Taimen can grow up to a massive 70 inches, although these monsters are extremely rare and only found in the remotest locations.
Lenok (Brachymstax lenok) are the Mongolian equivalent of a trout, distantly related to Char, generally around 15 to 20 inches (2 to 3 lb) they can grow to over 30 inches in Mongolia. These are an exciting sport fish. Grayling are plentiful in Mongolia’s waters and there are in fact four sub-species here.
The Fishing
Taimen fishing at our camps is strictly catch and release, and fish have to be handled with utmost care. Your local guides will have a good knowledge of the local area, and some of the best fishing spots. You will also be provided with a complete briefing on what equipment to bring, and the best techniques to use. We fish for Taimen mainly with surface flies on floating lines. Streamers fished with a sinking line are also effective, especially in the deep pools. A 9’ rod for 8 or 9 wt lines is generally recommended for Taimen fishing, but salmon fishermen will prefer double handed rods, e.g. a 12-13’ 9 wt or 15 ft 10 wt rod.
For Lenok and Grayling a 5 or 6 weight rod and floating line is suitable. Upon booking we will provide the full equipment and tackle list, and comprehensive briefing notes for the trip.
Taimen flies can be purchased from our office or at the camp. Our preference is for fly-fishing; spinning is permitted but only with single-hook lures to our specifications.
The Logistics
The domestic flight to the regional centre of Muron on a Fokker 50-seater or a Saab 30-seater twin-prop plane, the scheduled flight takes an hour and a half. At Muron airport you will be met by one of the guides for the drive up to the camp. The drive up to camp is on rough overland tracks and takes around four to five hours to the nearest camp, or up to 12 hours (with overnight camp) to our furthest locations; it’s a bumpy ride but worth it when you get there.
The Experience
What is hardest to convey is ‘The Mongolia Experience’; Mongolia is a unique and rewarding destination to visit and to fish, although not without its challenges of logistics, rugged environment and variable weather. We are able to provide a surprising level of organisation under challenging conditions, but you should still be prepared for an adventure. We feel we are very much part of the local community and will introduce you to our local friends, including nomadic herders, and try show you something of their traditional customs and way of life. There are no guarantees that you’ll hook and land a monster taimen but we will endeavour to provide you with a remarkable adventure and lasting memories.
Community & Conservation
Taimen are under threat from poaching, mining, pollution and irresponsible ‘sport-fishing’; fishing with us will help protect this magnificent ancient fish and defend their habitat. We are focusing our efforts on creating taimen sanctuaries and working with the local community to protect these last pristine places, meanwhile we also do our best to co-operate, support and co-ordinate with other taimen conservation initiatives. Our challenge is to build a sustainable business that can contribute to the local community and conservation.
Seasons & Weather
Mongolia is a relatively dry place with great daily and seasonal temperature ranges. During the June and July fishing season the weather can be mixed, generally warm sunny days but with occasional low pressure weather systems that can last for two to three days with intermittent rain.
NOTE: The Mongolia fishing season officially opens June 15th; May is closed season due to spawning.
During September and early October, the weather is typically pleasant, with sunny days and cold nights. However, you should come prepared for colder weather. Keep in mind that the camp elevations are at 1300m to 1800m and the camps are located at about the same latitude as the Canadian border.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
From $200 - $225 per day, minimum 2 persons
Includes
Domestic flight
Accommodation in countryside per itinerary
River access and transport per itinerary
Three meals per day in camp
Local guides and English-speaking translator
Fishing permits
Excludes
Excess baggage ($1/kg)
International flight
Hotels in Ulaanbaatar, from $69 pppn
Personal fishing tackle, lures, and equipment
Beer and wine
Items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Fishing
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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