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Taimen in Mongolia
Photo Journal
"We have run Mongolia expeditions for nearly two decades and are proud to have provided exceptional travel adventures for some of the world's most discerning clients." --Mark Johnstad
These fish are part of the Megafishes Progect with National Geographic, learn more here...
Imagine your favorite stream. You remove every other boat, shop, picnicker, and angler. Let the water flow through smoky mountains haunted by wolves and wild elk. Put in an intimate, comfortable camp with great food and professional guides. Take a few liberties and feed the river with clear spring creeks and make it a hundred miles long. Fill the streams with taimen - the world's largest salmonid - and lennok and grayling and, for variety, throw in a couple of ponds with perch and pike. You have just imagined Mongolia!
Mongolia reminds most folks of the American West… with a significant distinction. Development does not constrain Mongolia's countryside. No dams and few paved roads or fences blight the scenery and most locals continue a nomadic, horse-riding lifestyle. 
This watershed is a beautiful fishery. The streams most famous residents are the Taimen (Hucho Taimen). Having bragging rights as the world's largest member of the Salmonidae family, the Onon's Taimen will typically average 100 cm (over three feet) and we regularly encounter monsters that approach 150 cm (nearly five feet). Most drift boats will hook at least one Taimen daily. However, we've had boats hook more than ten good-sized fish in a single day.
The streams also produce phenomenal numbers of Lenok (Brachymystax lenok). Lenok are found only in NE Asia. The river holds two types, common (sharp) and Amur (snub). These endemics resemble brown trout in looks and habits. However, Lenok are not trout (family salmonidae genus trutta). Like Taimen, they are a salmonid that inhabits their own ancient branch of the family tree. A typical Amur measures at least 50 cm (over twenty inches). With the right hatch, boats commonly land over fifty of these beautiful lunkers in a single day!
 We provide multi-day rafting adventures and camp-based guided fishing trips in the Mongolian wilderness. From our private camp along the river, we offer discerning clients exclusive access to nearly two-hundred miles of pristine waters including the main-stem of the primary river, two large tributaries, several spring creeks and lakes.
The waters flow through broad valleys flanked by larch, pine and birch covered mountains. Local wildlife includes a host of rare birds, wolves, brown bear, moose, elk, musk and roe deer.
We float the river in non-motorized oar boats (Aire "Super Pumas") outfitted with comfortable casting frames and seats. Each thirteen foot boat carries two clients and one guide with plenty of cargo space for lunch and other necessities. The local and foreign guides live to fish and really love these waters. Although the river levels fluctuate with weather, there are no significant "rapids".
We catch most taimen using large mouse or streamer patterns on a nine or ten-weight rod. A five-weight rod with smaller trout patterns (both wet and dry) produces healthy lennok and grayling. The perch and pike take a variety of poppers and streamers cast from the larger rods using belly boats. We have a good supply of flies and tying equipment on hand at camp.
 Fishing can be fantastic during every warm weather month. However, in June, early July, September and October the streams tend to be gin clear and the fishing incredible. High-pressure weather usually rests over the area during these months bringing chilly nights and pleasantly warm, sunny days.
With a daily rod limit of six persons, you are guaranteed personalized service and plenty of room to cast about.
Our English speaking staff delivers exceptional, friendly, informed service with the objective of making the wilderness experience a relaxing pleasure. We like to eat well and our cooks are up to the challenge. They create sumptuous meals perfectly suited to western tastes.
Most of our guests are accommodated in Mongolian gers (yurts). These spacious, dome shaped structures are constructed with a wooden frame insulated by layers of felt and weatherproof canvas. Each ger has ample space to walk around and is completed with a wood stove, two twin beds with linens, table and chairs. Bathroom facilities are ex-suite. And yes, the showers are hot.
The mountains this river is located are an isolated wilderness, but traveling from the international airport to camp is relatively short. To reach the river by helicopter  from Ulan Bator, it takes just over an hour flying time.
Regular international flights service Ulan Bator directly from Beijing, Seoul, Osaka, Berlin, and Moscow. We're of course happy to assist with international travel arrangements. Mongolia is traditionally Buddhist with close ties to the US. Residents of the US currently do not require tourist visas.
There's plenty to do around camp for folks not necessarily interested in fishing or river trips. Horses, hikes, and visits with local families are all easily arranged. We can organize single or multi-day journeys into the backcountry or the rest of Mongolia for you and/or your companion.
Ghenghis Khan was born and spent his youth along this river. International archeologists recently found a massive, ancient burial site that many believe to be Ghenghis Khan's tomb. The location is approximately two hours drive from camp and makes for a fascinating day-trip.
There is much more to Mongolia than beautiful rivers and we highly recommend that time allowing you visit other parts of the country. We specialize in operating natural history and cultural tours and would gladly arrange visits for you to places like the Gobi Desert, Karakorum, Hovsgol Lake, Altai Mountains or the Eastern Steppes. 
Our prime concern is the long-term conservation of this amazing fishery and landscape. We work with and invest in the local community for this purpose. Our venture partners include an Ecotourism Society board member, a Montana licensed fishing guide with over twenty-five year's experience, and respected international conservationists. We treat the land and water with respect, including the use of non-motorized drift boats and strict rod limits. We cater to clients who support catch and release fishing and use barb-less hooks.
We are very excited to offer this to our clients. Mongolia is truly a culture that needs to be experienced by everyone. The fishing is great but is easily humbled by the warm and friendly personalities of the local people you will meet on this trip.
Clothing and equipment checklist -- Summer
Additional photos from Mongolia
Do you travel to the 4 corners of the world frequently?
We highly recommend an emergency evacuation membership for this trip. It costs well over $100,000 to be air lifted to a safe US hospital from many parts of the world. These services will not be covered by general travel insurance or medical insurance. We use GLOBAL RESCUE.
Pricing:
| $4,975.00 |
8 nights/ 6 days fishing.
Includes: All lodging, all meals, all ground transporation once in Mongolia, all guiding and fishing fees. There is a limit of 6 anglers per trip. |
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Species |
Season |
| Taimen |
September |
| Lennok |
September |
| Grayling |
September |
In our clients' words...
In the press...
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