The taimen is the river wolf: a salmonid that grows past one and a half metres and takes a mouse pattern off the surface like a predator. Mongolia holds the last healthy populations, on strictly permitted rivers in the north. This guide sets out when to go, how the fish is caught and released, how the permits work, and what a fishing journey looks like. Our own journey is Taimen Fishing.
When to go
The season is short: August and September only, when the water cools and the big fish feed hard before winter. September is the best of it, with larch turning gold along the banks and frost on the tent in the morning.
How it is fished
On the fly, catch and release, every fish. Mouse patterns at dusk are the classic taimen method. Lenok and grayling fill the hours between taimen. Beginners are welcome: our guides have taught first casts to people who landed a metre of fish the same week. Rods, flies and waders are on the raft.
Permits and the rivers
Taimen are fished only on permitted rivers, and the permits are few. We fish the Eg, Uur and Delgermurun systems in the north, with licensed fishing guides, and every permit and the catch-and-release protocol are handled for you as part of the journey.
What a fishing journey looks like
Eight days from Ulaanbaatar: a charter north to Murun, then a Land Cruiser to the river and the first evening cast from camp. Four full days on the river, floating and wading, with our own rafts, cook and guides and the camp moved ahead of you each day, or fished from a private riverside camp. A last morning session, a lodge night on Khuvsgul lake, and back to Ulaanbaatar.
Questions
When is the taimen season in Mongolia?
August and September only. September is usually the best of it.
Is taimen fishing catch and release?
Yes, always, on the fly, under the river permits.
Do I need my own gear or a permit?
No. Rods, flies and waders are provided, and the permits are handled as part of the journey.
Can a beginner fish for taimen?
Yes. Our guides teach casting on the river, and beginners have landed big fish in their first week.
See the full day plan and the price on Taimen Fishing, or tell us your dates on the planning page.
