Fish for taimen, amur trout, and lenok from private camps located in the Mongolian wilderness. A few guests each autumn have permission to fish nearly 200 miles of blue-ribbon fly-fishing water with experienced guides. Watching massive taimen explode the surface of a wild Mongolian river to hammer a well-presented fly, is unquestionably one of the world’s most incredible angling experiences.  

Over 200 taimen are caught each year in the 75-100cm range, with several over 100cm - the largest measured was nearly 150cm. Fishing is a combination of drifting and wading. Each day on the river, anglers and guides float directly from camp to fish freshwater. Upon arrival at the next downstream camp, the staff have your bags waiting, the bed made, the fire lit, and dinner prepared. This “no drive” schedule maximises fishing time, allowing guests to explore a variety of water, and keeps the river fresh. Every section of river is usually fished only a few days each year. Trips are limited to six fishermen. 

With the help of six Mongolian Country Governments and the World Wildlife Fund, the entire river system is designated as the world’s first taimen sanctuary, and these are the only waters in Mongolia designated “catch and release” for all anglers and “fly fishing only” for all international anglers. Trips take place late August to mid-October. 

You will explore a new stream section every day without having to shuttle between camps. In the morning, you float with your guide directly from camp to fish fresh water and in the evening you arrive at the next downstream camp. The gear is transported in separate boats. When you float into camp, the stoves are lit, dinner is served, and our bags and beds are waiting in a completely new location.

Much like an African tented safari, the ger camps are rustic but very comfortable. Each campsite along the river is uniquely peaceful, designed to reflect Mongolian traditions and integrate with the country’s natural surroundings. They are completed with cook tent, hot showers, toilet facilities, and gers for eating and sleeping. There are no generators or stereos, only the sounds of the trees and the river, the lights of candles and stoves, and the sparkling night stars.

With their wooden lattice frames, wood burning stoves and insulating felt walls, sleeping in a cozy Mongolian ger is a great experience. It’s much like having a spacious streamside hotel room. Each accommodates two guests and is outfitted with simple table and chairs, wool carpets, two beds with linens, and extra blankets. On cool mornings, one of the camp staff will enter at your request and light the stove before sunrise… a great way to start the day!

Hot shower facilities are located in specially designed gers or large tents. Toilets facilities are set up in spacious tents privately situated a short walk from the camps. Both facilities are quite comfortable and private. Mongolian culture venerates hospitality and the camp staff is no exception. They are wonderful, hard-working, fun, and highly attentive folks. You’ll have a great time getting to know them and they will make your visit remarkable.

Upper River or Lower River

Suggested Package: 2 nights in Ulaanbaatar, all transfers, 6 nights with 6 days’ fishing, conservation fee, licences, meals, all drinks.

Combined Upper and Lower River

Suggested Package: 2 nights in Ulaanbaatar, all transfers, 12 nights with 12 days fishing, conservation fee, licences, meals, all drinks.